Perhaps the greatest leader of men during the Gallipoli campaign, Lieutenant-Colonel W. G. Malone was commanding officer of the Wellington Battalion of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force at Gallipoli. He is probably the best-known individual from that ill-fated campaign, a result both of his humanity and his superb leadership, which culminated in the successful assault on Chunuk Bair on 8 August 1915. Malone was killed later that day. 'No Better Death' reproduces Malone's impressive and often moving correspondence and writings, as well as many striking photographs generously provided by Malone's descendants. Malone was a gifted writer and a keen observer, and his letters reveal a shrewd military intelligence and genuine care for his men. Above all, this is a story of valour and fortitude under the enormous pressure of being responsible for the lives of many others. It is also the story of a man who had an unbounded love for his family, and constantly drew on the reciprocity of that love to pull through and overcome the frustrations, fear and life-threatening situations he was forced to endure. Malone's descendants have subsequently served their country with honour, and their stories are also recorded in the book. "Striking photography provided by Malone's descendants vividly illustrates the moving account of the tragedy." - Army News NZ
John Crawford is the New Zealand Defence Force Historian. In 2007 he edited, with Ian McGibbon, Exisle's monumental book "New Zealand's Great War." His other major publications include "To Fight for the Empire: An Illustrated History of New Zealand and the South African War, 1899-1902;" "Kia Kaha: New Zealand in the Second World War;" and, with the assistance of Peter Cooke, "No Better Death: The Great War Diaries and Letters of William G. Malone." John Crawford lives in Wellington.
Lieutenant General Tim Keating, Chief of Defence Force.
