Guts Glory and Blunder

This is a story of a forgotten battle. Other than in the haunted memories of those who fought there, and the families of those who died there, this battle is a footnote in the history books: a backwater off a side road at the end of a cul-de-sac on the battlefield tour trail. Guts Glory and Blunder reaches into the valley beneath the vaunted Hindenburg Line to draw out the men who fought and died seizing the French village of Noreuil in 1917. It finds hardened Anzacs and raw reinforcements fighting and dying shoulder-to-shoulder, step by bloody step, on the path to victory.
Beginning on Gallipoli’s fatal shore, Guts Glory and Blunder follows the Anzacs to the Somme trenches and the race to the Hindenburg Line. This is a story of the 50th Battalion’s uncommon valour in its fiercest battle. How ordinary men performed superhuman feats despite a flawed plan, ‘friendly’ fire, enemy atrocities—a POW massacre and human shield tactics—and a combat mutiny. How a larrikin private was awarded a Victoria Cross for one of the most audacious stunts in the history of the medal. Guts Glory and Blunder is a story of how the diggers prevailed against all odds.

About the Author

Andrew Faulkner is an Adelaide-based journalist and author. His first book, Arthur Blackburn VC: An Australian hero, his men, and their two world wars, was shortlisted for the 2009 National Biography Award. Stone Cold: the extraordinary true story of Len Opie, Australia's deadliest soldier, was shortlisted in the 2016 NIB Literary Awards. He wrote about cricket and Australian Rules football for The Australian from 2007-2020 and in 2019 co-authored For Cap and Country, a collection of interviews with Australian international cricketers. He enjoys working on his cousin's cherry orchard, keeping wickets for Kensington District Cricket Club, and listening to The Fauves.