From Gallipoli

While it may have been labelled differently in a past century, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was nonetheless a reality for many soldiers coming home to Australia from the horrors of WWI.
These days governments and communities are realising - thankfully - that dealing with PTSD is not merely a matter of telling someone to "pull yourself together and get on with it".
But for men like Lieutenant Bruce Campbell, being home at last from Gallipoli was a battle in itself.
No amount of well-meaning "she'll be right mate" comments were going to make his life any easier.
From Gallipoli to Coopers Creek is Bruce's story, told by his daughter Cate Davis through his own diaries.
While Cate describes the book as a "fictionliased version" of his struggle to fit back into society, the heart of the story is gleened from his diary entries and is essentially a biography.
Bruce records his first shot in his diary - the first time he had deliberately fired a shot with the intent of killing another human being.
On his return, Bruce is granted a block of land under the Soldier Settlement Scheme.
His is a heart-warming story about the legacy of war and the healing power of love.
n From Gallipoli to Coopers Creek, $32.95, at book stores.