Produced by Elaine Walker, Jeannie Howse and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net * * * * * [Illustration: Major-General Sir John Monash, K.C.B., V.D. _Photo by Elliott & Fry._] 'OVER THE TOP' WITH THE THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION BY G.P. CUTTRISS WITH INTRODUCTION BY MAJOR-GENERAL SIR JOHN MONASH, K.C.B., V.D. _ILLUSTRATED BY NEIL McBEATH_ London CHARLES H. KELLY 25-35 CITY ROAD, AND 26 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C. TO THE FADELESS MEMORY OF OUR HEROIC DEAD AND TO THOSE WHO HAVE LOST THIS BRIEF VOLUME OF SKETCH AND STORY IS DEDICATED, IN UNSTINTED ADMIRATION, IN AFFECTIONATE SYMPATHY, AND IN THE UNSHAKEABLE BELIEF THAT 'As sure as God's in heaven, As sure as He stands for right, As sure as the Hun this wrong hath done, So surely we'll win this fight.' PREFACE In response to numerous requests from the 'boys,' this brief volume of story and sketch is published. It makes no pretension to literary merit, neither is it intended to serve as a history of the Division. The indulgence of those who may read is earnestly solicited, in view of the work having been prepared amidst the trying and thrilling experiences so common to active service. The fighting history of the Australian Forces is one long series of magnificent achievements, beginning on that day of sacred and glorious memory, April 25, 1915. Ever since that wonderful test of capacity and courage the Australians have advanced from victory to victory, and have won for themselves a splendid reputation. Details of training, raids, engagements, and tactical features have been purposely omitted. The more serious aspect will be written by others. In deference to Mr. Censor, names of places and persons have been suppressed, but such omissions will not detract from the interest of the book. 'Over the Top with the Third Australian Division' is illustrative of that big-hearted, devil-may-care style of the Australians, the men who can see the brighter side of life under the most distracting circumstances and most unpromising conditions. In the pages that follow, some incidents of the life of the men may help to pass away a pleasant hour and serve as a reminder of events, past and gone, but which will ever be fresh to those whose immediate interests attach to the Third Australian Division. G.P. CUTTRISS. [Illustration: The Author. _Photo by Lafayette, Ltd._] INTRODUCTION