My father (who was in the WW2 Light Horse until it was disbanded) had a copy, and I remember reading it many years ago. You would be able to pick up a copy at one of the many on-line second-hand bookshops. For example, www.abebooks.com has about 30 of them ranging from $22.00 to $192.00 (and that's only a fourth edition!). The other way to go is eBay -- I've bought several books that way, and it's generally cheaper than the bookshops, especially if you're prepared to wait. There are several copies currently on sale, with starting prices ranging from $9.50 to $19.95. And several copies have sold over the last few months, ranging from $15.00 to $36.60. Lindsay Graham Canberra, Australia ----------------------------------- Please reply via the newsgroup/mailing list, so that all may benefit from the discussion. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Eldon R. J. Bryant" <artillery.oz@bigpond.com> To: <AUS-MILITARY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, April 15, 2006 4:39 PM Subject: [AUS-MIL] "THE DESERT COLUMN". > Easter Greetings from Townsville.......... > A friend of mine in Durban, South Africa writes to me as follows; > >> >> Last week whilst visiting an antique shop that sells militaria out here I >> bought a very interesting book "The Desert Column" by Ion L. Idriess. It >> is >> basically the personal diary of his exploits as a Australian trooper with >> the 5th Light Horse AIF. during the Gallipoli, Sinai and Palestine >> campaigns during WW1. It was published in 1932, trully a gripping story >> of >> the trials and tribulations of a soldier. I can hardly put it down, not >> sure if you have read it or know of it but it is well worth a read. The >> funny thing is that he came from Townsville, the original diary is now in >> the War Memorial Library, Canberra. >> > > Does anybody know of this publication and possibly where a copy may be > procured from and cost/location. > > A search of the Telstra White Pages [Regional and Metropolitan] reveals > that only one (1) IDRIESS is listed Australia wide and I am in the process > of making contact with that person. > > Eldon Bryant...................... WW I "THE SWANN DIARIES" > > > ==== AUS-MILITARY Mailing List ==== > Milton Ulladulla Boer War & WW1 > http://www.shoalhaven.net.au/~cathyd/war/