The Man the Anzacs Revered

William “Fighting Mac” McKenzie, ANZAC Chaplain

By Daniel Reynaud

Published by Sign Publishing; Dist. by Simon & Schuster

RRP $29.95 in paperback

ISBN 9781925044164

 

Despite being a man who railed against the multiple evils of booze, brothels, betting and bad language, William McKenzie, a Salvation Army officer who volunteered at the outbreak of World War I, became well-known and much loved by the men of the AIF, during their training camps in Egypt, on Gallipoli and then on the battlefields of France.

As an Army chaplain, he filled many roles – the expected pastoral role and that of spiritual adviser as well as organising entertainment for the troops.

Regardless of religious belief, burying the fallen was an important task. Impromptu funerals on the battlefield meant risk for chaplains as well as those who attended.

Others have challenged the myth that came to surround McKenzie as being similar to other Anzac myths that did not bear close scrutiny.

Yet it is clear he was a man who commanded respect and admiration from those he served. He was a man who won ‘undying popularity’ because of his actions. He was a big personality, an impressive man in every respect.

A man whose story is worth telling.

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