Books
The Scent of Eucalyptus Series
The Scent of Eucalyptus is a Great War saga about ordinary people living in extraordinary times. Two families from very different walks of life are embroiled in the most horrific conflict the world has ever witnessed. Ultimately, inevitably, fate brings them together and to survive they will need to draw upon every ounce of courage and resourcefulness they possess. In a time of death and devastation, The Scent of Eucalyptus is a story of life and love, hardship and resilience, honour, compassion and sacrifice. It is about family, mateship and self-discovery - and then for those that survive, how to live on after so much has changed… and so much has been lost.
The Scent of Eucalyptus: Book One 1914-15
August 1914 and the sovereign nations of Europe spiral inevitably into war. Most are confident it will be a short conflict and that a great victory will be achieved by Christmas. But few predict the carnage modern weaponry will inflict or how stubbornly those in command will persevere with obsolete tactics despite the horrendous casualties.
By Christmas 1915 the allied campaign in the Dardanelles has failed and the Western Front has devolved to a monumental stalemate. The new year approaches with no end to the war in sight.
The Scent of Eucalyptus continues in Book Two 1916
The Scent of Eucalyptus: Book Two 1916
The Australians arrive in France in time to participate in the British ‘Somme Offensive’ of 1916. The Roberts men see action at Fromelles and Pozieres, battles that will go down in Australian military folklore, that stretch the AIF to the very limits of endurance and where the casualty rate triggers a divisive Conscription referendum at home.
Flight Lieutenant Daniel Carbury, returns to London from France on compassionate leave when his wife Grace is hospitalized following a mysterious road accident. So he can stay by Grace’s side as she recovers, he accepts a posting to 39 Squadron flying in England’s defence against Germany’s dreaded airships, the Zeppelins.
The war continues unabated until the harshest winter in forty years descends upon Europe and brings the great battles of 1916 to a close.
The Scent of Eucalyptus continues in Book Three 1917
The Scent of Eucalyptus: Book Three 1917
After training in England to become an officer, Ally Roberts returns to France in time to join the general advance towards the Hindenburg Line. Following the ill-fated battle at Bullecourt his Battalion is granted leave in London but he decides he’d rather spend his time in the company of his beloved Chérie. The 10th are then transferred to the north to participate in the battles across the Menin Road and the push towards Passchendaele.
Jimmy and his father Jack come face to face in Albert where Jack shares information about the relocation of Willie’s mob that leaves Jimmy wracked with guilt. The trio of stretcher-bearers find themselves in the thick of the action at Bullecourt and then later in the savage mud of Flanders, a land of insufferable hardship and tragedy.
Daniel’s growing responsibilities at home again threaten to end his military career but once brought under control he returns to France when he is offered command of a squadron. Grace believes this new role will see Daniel desk bound and rarely taking to the air – Daniel sees it differently. He flies his Scout plane on a secret reconnaissance mission ahead of the Battle of Cambrai and then again in support of the tanks and infantry when the attack begins.
Reverend Richard Lewis reviews the information he has received from the church in Australia about Albert Barnes. He decides to hand the matter over to the Police believing there is enough evidence to warrant a criminal investigation.
Imperial Russia has collapsed, the royal family assassinated and the new Communist government successfully sues for peace. With the demise of the Russians, Germany can now transfer thousands of troops from the Eastern Front to the west. With forces severely depleted by the monumental losses suffered in the great offensives of 1916 and ’17, the Allies limp towards 1918 knowing that a huge German offensive is imminent. Many believe now that only the arrival of the Americans can prevent a total disaster.
The Scent of Eucalyptus concludes in Book Four 1918 - 19
The Scent of Eucalyptus: Book Four 1918-19
On the eve of the long anticipated German Offensive, newly trained medics Jimmy and Willie are ordered into the front lines. There, they witness the crash landing of a British aircraft out in no-man’s-land and resolve to rescue the pilot who they believe has survived. They consider this decision logical but a British officer, convinced the Germans will begin their attack at any minute, believes the venture is tantamount to suicide.
Daniel Carbury leads his Squadron on a reconnaissance mission over the front lines where he witnesses for himself, the build up of German troops on the ground. He pursues an unmarked plane flying low that he realises is targeting British observation balloons and engages with it in a dogfight.
For the British soldiers occupying the front lines, the certainty of a massive German attack is terrifying. They have orders to hold their ground and fight to the death. When the attack does come, it is immense. The line collapses and the British are forced onto the retreat with great loss of men and materiel. The Australians are amongst the few British Divisions held in reserve and are rushed forward to reinforce the breach.
Through desperate allied defence and German inability to sustain their attacks and supply lines, the great Spring Offensive of 1918 eventually comes to an end. The arrival of the Americans sees the allies prepare, once again, to push on for victory. The AIF, now under the command of John Monash, along with the Canadians spearhead a massive attack east from Amiens. It is the first day of one hundred days that will see the Kaiser abdicate and force Germany to sue for peace.
When the guns fall silent on November 11 both the Roberts and Carbury families have been touched by tragedy. Neither family can ever be the same, yet the survivors must attempt the restart their lives after the war. A war that has claimed 16 million lives, ended monarchies, brought down empires and changed world order forever.
Here ends The Scent of Eucalyptus.