The Spirit of the Digger

Description

Told through the words and actions of the Diggers themselves, The Spirit of the Digger explores the essence of the Australian soldier and how he differs from other soldiers. In many ways, the Digger is a study in contradictions: he doesn't crave war yet he will fight with unequalled ferocity; he hates spit and polish but will hold his discipline under the most trying conditions; he is tough yet compassionate; he hates his enemy until he surrenders, then he is generous in victory; he despises histrionics but will cry unashamedly at the loss of a mate. This updated edition of Patrick Lindsay's bestseller includes new chapters devoted to the Digger in Iraq, the first Australian VC awarded to Mark Donaldson in Afghanistan, as well as never before seen photographs. Courage, mateship, endurance, selflessness, devotion, independence, audacity, and humour describe the Digger. Throw in resilience, self-reliance and compassion and the list of the Digger's qualities is still not complete. They are not all heroes but they are remarkable.

Patrick Lindsay is the author of 13 books, including the best-sellers THE SPIRIT OF KOKODA, BACK FROM THE DEAD, COSGROVE: PORTRAIT OF A LEADER, FROMELLES, and a series of four books in his IT'S NEVER TOO LATE motivational series. He is a former television producer who worked on Channel Nine's TODAY, SUNDAY, WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS; The Seven Network's TODAY TONIGHT, Foxtel's Lifestyle Channel and Sky News. Patrick is chairman and founding director of the Kokoda Track Foundation Ltd, a non-profit organisation working with the people of PNG to help establish a sustainable eco-tourism industry.