Australian
HISTORIAN | AUTHOR | educator
histories of ordinary people who did extraordinary things
My current research and writing interests are fixed on matters of what it means to be an Australian. I’m interested in the importance of “truth-telling” to justice and recognition of First Nations people. That means to look in the eye our shared history without blinking, denying or turning away. It’s important that the history being written now includes the voices and perspectives of those who were often excluded, vilified, or ignored in the past.
“Lucas Jordan is part of a new generation of military historians. He is a bright star.”
BOOK TWO
THE CHIPILLY SIX - UNSUNG HEROES OF THE GREAT WAR
‘An absolute cracker of a story. No one — and I literally mean no one! — is more equipped to write a compelling book about the remarkable story of the Chipilly Six.’ — Ross McMullin, author of Life So Full of Promise
‘A superb piece of investigative historical storytelling. Lucas Jordan is part of a new generation of military historians. He is a bright star.’ — Peter Stanley, author of Bad Characters: Sex, Crime, Murder and the Australian Imperial Force
‘Throws new light on the impact of war on families and communities, wives and brothers-in-arms.’ — Marilyn Lake, Professorial Fellow, University of Melbourne
BOOK ONE
STEALTH RAIDERS - A FEW DARING MEN IN 1918
‘Depressingly often we see books promoted as “the forgotten story” or “the untold story”. Yet Stealth Raiders tells such a story, of a few daring Australian infantry who . . . so demoralised their opponents that they feared to enter the line against them’ – Bill Gammage
A gripping account of the crucial summer on the Western Front, Stealth Raiders: A Few Daring Men in 1918 considers the stealth raiders’ war experience and training, the unprecedented conditions at the front and the morale of the German Army in 1918. Lucas Jordan argues that bush skills, and the bush ethos central to Australian civil society – with its emphasis on resourcefulness and initiative – made stealth raids a distinctively Australian phenomenon.
READERS REVIEWS
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Lucas has done a wonderful job recording the bravery and acts of these men; a must for any war historian.
Ian Smith, Starts at 60
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Jordan cleverly places the courageous tale of the raiders amid the larger story of the war.
CASPAR WEBB, COURIER-MAIL
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It’s impossible to read this ripping, vivid recreation of events without shaking your head in disbelief.
Sydney Morning Herald and The Age
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This expertly researched account of our soldiers’ audacity and courage is essential reading for all WWI history buffs.
JAN TYQUIN, WARCRY
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A remarkable piece of recovered history that offers great insight into the impact of war on Australian society. Highly recommended.
Jeff Popple, Canberra Weekly