Travis V.C. Man In No Mans Land
By James Gasson
Published by A.H. and A.W. Reed: Wellington 1966 1st Edition
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James Gasson's Travis V.C. - Man in No Man's Land is a meticulously researched biography of New Zealand war hero Richard Charles Travis, whose extraordinary courage during the First World War earned him the Victoria Cross. Known as "the man in No Man's Land," Travis became legendary among the New Zealand forces for his unmatched skill in trench warfare and daring reconnaissance missions. Yet behind the legend was a man of mystery—born as Dick Savage, who left home after family conflict and reinvented himself as "Dick Travis," a horse breaker and adventurer in Southland before enlisting with the Otago Mounted Rifles in 1914.
Through extensive archival research and rare photographs, Gasson reconstructs both the enigma and the reality of Travis's life, from Gallipoli to the Western Front. He portrays a complex figure—quiet, fearless, and self-sacrificing—whose leadership and gallantry in the trenches of Flanders won the admiration of comrades and the ultimate military honour, before his death in action shortly before the Armistice. Written with sympathy and precision by a fellow veteran, this first edition stands as both an intimate portrait of a remarkable soldier and a moving tribute to New Zealand's contribution to the Great War. It will appeal to readers of military biography, New Zealand history, and First World War studies."
Light wear and some staining to dustjacket as shown. Small prior owner stamp present. Binding is excellent with no loose pages. An excellent copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
