Ratbag, Soldier, Saint

Lian Knight has recreated the amazing life of her grandfather, a war hero. There were whispers that he emerged from poverty, delivering fish before dawn in London's East End in the markets and laneways of Jack the Ripper's local haunts, before joining the army at just thirteen. Averse to authority, he was a military superior's nightmare. He served in South Africa and India before migrating to Australia. When WWI broke out, he was despatched to the Western Front where, gassed, bombed and working against remarkable odds, he saved the lives of many and was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for valour.