From Ascot to Tobruk And Back: A True Story of Courage Humor and Mateship

A true story of growing up in the depression of the 1930's in Australia. Two very different characters become great friends and live through World War 2. One as a front line soldier in North Africa and later a POW who confronts Rommel's tanks and sets the Germans on the run. The other as a civilian worker in Brisbane. Working at the shipyard and the American air base he sees the war machine up close and has thrills and spills as Brisbane fill up with tens of thousands of US serviceman. Wild brawls, whiskey, women and cultural clashes. Keith becomes a man as his home town gets out of control. Lots of original photos and previously unpublished interviews with veterans. This true story is harrowing but at times hilarious bringing out the true values of Australian mateship

About the Author Mark O’Neill grew up in Brisbane during the 1960’s when the ＂city＂’ was like a big country town. Disappearing for hours to play in the creek and bush, with friends, he developed a fondness for open space and freedom. The creek would flood every year and in 74 it went over the houses near the canal. As luck would have it his Dad has created an oasis on top of land filled above the flood. A spirit of independence was passed on to him as the ＂Old Man＂ would tell stories of Brisbane in the early days, before rock and roll and when being called a ＂old bastard＂ was still a term of endearment. The fun and carefree episodes stuck a cord and eventually they were recorded and copied down, the end result being this book. Keith O’Neill was a great story teller and Mark hopes this trait will stay in the family. The Author has his own son’s now and is enjoying passing down what it means ＂ when Adam had shorts＂ and ＂if you scratch your head you’ll get splinters.＂