As time passed the personal element would disappear, and history alone would record the deeds of the men from the Southern Seas. It was the purpose of that memorial to perpetuate.
Brigadier-General T. H. Dodds at the unveiling of the Drummoyne War Memorial, 25 April 1928.
Drummoyne's Great War chronicles the lives of the ninety-five men commemorated on the Drummoyne War Memorial who served and died in the First World War.
The stories of these soldiers, told in the order in which they died, follow the narrative arch of Australia's involvement in the Great War providing a unique contextual depth. Referencing personal correspondence, service records, unit war diaries, Red Cross reports, official histories and newspaper articles, and featuring over 350 archival images and 2,000 meticulously researched footnotes, Brendan has brought the stories of these men to life with a deep respect.
Their stories also provide an insight into the broader experience of Australia in the war – the volunteers who came from all districts and backgrounds, sometimes with only a fleeting connection to Drummoyne, and who served in all theatres from 1914 to the end of the war.
Drummoyne's Great War finally tells ninety-five stories missing from Drummoyne and Australia's history.
BRENDAN BATEMAN
Brendan Bateman was born in Sydney, Australia. A lifelong history enthusiast, Brendan studied history at the University of Sydney. Acknowledging the truism that ‘there is no future in history’, he also pursued a law degree and has practised as a lawyer with a leading Australian law firm for over thirty years.
However, his passion for history never waned. In 2009, he scratched that itch which eventually led to him self-publishing I am the First and the Last: The Fallen World War One ANZACs of St Mark’s Drummoyne in 2015.
This work paved the way for his latest three volumes, Drummoyne’s Great War, which chronicle the lives of the ninety-five men commemorated on the Drummoyne War Memorial who served and died in the First World War.
Brendan is married with three children, all of whom have avoided both law and history, and shudder whenever he enters a bookshop.
the collection
"The narratives captured in these volumes outline the fascinating stories of these individuals from the Drummoyne and Five Dock communities. Their lives paint a picture of our local heritage and our community’s connection to the Great War, from those with deep ties to the area to others with more fleeting connections. These stories are so important … in preserving the memory of those who served."
Councillor Michael Megna (Mayor), City of Canada Bay Council.
Book Launch 2025
8 April - Official Launch Five Dock RSL
It was a combination of delight, privilege and humility that Drummoyne’s Great War was officially launched in conjunction with Five Dock RSL Sub-branch and the Drummoyne Chapter. It was great to see students from St Mark’s Catholic Primary School, Drummoyne and Drummoyne Public School in attendance. Each school received a set of the three volumes and had the opportunity to ask some great questions.
I also had the privilege of presenting to Brian Arthur Clegg a copy of my book, which contains the story of his great uncle, Thomas Arthur Clegg, who was killed in action at Lone Pine on 6 August 1915. I recounted “Artie’s” story at the official launch.
Also in attendance was Harley Tarrant, great nephew of Harley James Baron who was killed in action at Hill 60, near Ypres on 2 September 1916. He too received a copy of my book which contains Harley’s story and I was also able to speak to Harley’s service.
13 April - Five Dock RSL Anzac Dy Service.
I am grateful to the RSL inviting me to provide an introductory speech at its annual Anzac Day service at Five Dock Park. In addition to speaking about my research, I was able to talk about Robert Henderson, who 110 years ago would have been my next door neighbour.
16 April - Launch Event Clayton Utz.
The biggest launch event yet for my book Drummoyne’s Great War! Grateful to Peter FitzSimons for his generous insights and significant contribution to the success of the night at the Clayton Utz Sydney office.
It appropriately focused on acknowledging the service of not just these 95 men who served and died in the First World War, but Australia’s broader experience of that war. I was overwhelmed and humbled by the level of interest and positive feedback. It made those 15 years of work so worthwhile.
25 April - Drummoyne Anzac Day Dawn Service
It was a privilege to speak to members of my local Drummoyne community about my research and its purpose - to perpetuate the memory of the 95 men who served and died, and are commemorated on the Memorial around which we gathered during the dawn.
3 May - Drummoyne Markets, Cnr Lyons Road and Formosa Street. Brendan will be doing author signings between 11 am and 1 pm and is happy to chat to anyone with an interest in his book or anything historical.
A limited edition of colour hard copies can be purchased direct from the author at $80 for the three volume set, plus postage and packaging. Please email ww1drummoyne@gmail.com to make an order.
