LATEST RELEASES

FROM THE ANGLO-KELTIC SOCIETY

Fax (03) 6243 8599 Phone (03) 6243 8597 Mobile 0409 975 587.

NEW RELEASE

"THEY SERVED WITH DISTINCTION"
Compendium of Tasmanian Military History

This latest book from REG.A.WATSON highlights the State's military history.  It tells of Tasmania's involvement in The Anglo-Boer War, where Tasmania won its first Victoria Crosses. It substantially deals with this 'forgotten war' moving then to the First World War in which fourteen thousand Tasmanains served and nearly 2,500 lost their lives.  The book then pogresses to the Second World War, providing much detail on the State's involvement and the sacrifice of its citizens.  The Army, Navy and Air Force are all given equal prominence and many facts and figures are revealed.  The book also contains piognant stories of events and individuals.  The Second World War section carries a comprehensive and important list of thoses Tasmanians who died, from watever causes, between tghe years 1939-1945.  It is a great source of reference material.  Finally there is a section on Korea and briefly on Vietnam, carrying the Tasmanian names of those who died fighting for their coutnry.  This book is an exceptional and valuable reference to the State's military history. A4 size 224 pages, many photoSgraphs.  RRP. $49-95. Posted: $57.

TASMANIA! A SAGA OF A PIONEERING FAMILY.

This amazing story deals with the history of Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) from the year dot until 1856 with the coming of Responsible Government. Written in a novel style, the book deals with the very early development and exploration of Tasmania. Contained in its pages are such pioneers as the Rev Bobby Knopwood, the Solomon Brothers, Richard Morgan and family, John Wade, Feltham Bold Wentworth and the early governors of Van Diemen's Land, such as John Bowen, David Collins, Sorell, Arthur, Franklin and others up until 1856. The book also deals with the early industry of live theatre in Tasmania and the building of the well known and famous Theatre Royals, both in Hobart and Launceston. RRP $20.

 

JOHN BOWEN AND THE FOUNDING OF TASMANIA by Reg A Watson

This is the book the Tasmanian State Government preferred not to see published.

 Far from being politically correct, it deals with the founding of Tasmania in 1803 by Lt John Bowen RN.  This was the first British settlement in Tasmania, an occasion the State Government wished never happened.

The book deals with the early European explorers of Tasmania, the Dutch, French and British, moving on to the settlement of Bowen and the 48 others who came with him.  The  settlement is discussed, followed by the coming of David Collins in 1804 and William Paterson in the north of the island.  The book then deals with the demise of the Bowen settlement at Risdon Cove and the removal of it to Sullivan's Cove, now Hobart.  The final two chapters tell of the recent history of Risdon Cove, up to 1995.  The final chapter reveals the politics behind the scenes with the handling over of the site of the first settlement at Risdon Cove to radical aboriginal activitists by successive State Governments, both Labor and Liberal.

The book is non-apologetic, in that it refers to Bowen's arrival as the "British settlement" rather than the recently adopted and politically-correct term, "European invasion"

Good informative reading. $20 posted within AUSTRALIA.      Foreword by Sydney academic and author, Keith Windschuttle.  130 pages, A5 size, together with pics and index.

 WATSON'S TASMANIA by Reg. A. Watson.

A selection of historical works on Tasmanian history, including military, social, aboriginal, crime, colonial, parliamentary and religious which Mr Watson had had published, elsewhere, in leading newspapers and magazines over a career exceeding thirty years. Murderers, scandals, cads, heroes, controversial figures, strange mysteries and UFOs - there're all here and more! Material includes, Thomas Francis Meagher, Sean Flynne, Tasmanian POWs, Chubbie Miller, Captain Cook, Betty King and John Batman. With photos. A5 size. 160 pages. Excellent value!  $20

NAMES OF ALL TASMANIAN PERSONNEL WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN WORLD WAR TWO. (FROM WHATEVER CAUSE, PLUS SUBSTANTIAL NOTES).

Researched by Reg. A. Watson.

Nearly 1200 Tasmanians are included, from the ARMY, RAAF and RAN.

Information included: Rank; Death Date; Serial Number; Place of Death and Burial; Cause of Death; (and possibly although not in all cases) Religion; and Next of Kin. Information contains not only data but explanation notes, written material, code identification and list of sources.

AVAILABLE IN BOOK FORM OR COMPUTER DISC. Book Spiral Bound A4 Size 100 Pages. $25. Disc 3�". $21.

"HEROES ALL"

Tasmanian Casualties in the Boer War. By well known Tasmanian historian and author, Reg. Watson.

"THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER" - Irish Exile to Van Diemen's Land.

A Biography. By Reg. A. Watson

Thomas Francis Meagher was an Irish exile to Van Diemen's Land. Involved with the Young Ireland Movement, he, with six other Irish political exiles, was transported to the penal isle for the rest of his life. Thomas was sent to the Midlands and after a period of time married a beautiful Tasmanian girl, Catherine Bennett. In 1852, Thomas escaped and made his way to the USA. Catherine after giving birth to their only son (who died three weeks later) went to join him, but Thomas had changed and virtually rejected her. Catherine, broken in spirit, travelled to Ireland where she died giving birth to a second son. In the meantime, Thomas had become a celebrated hero in his newly adopted home. When the Civil War broke out, he became a General for the Union Cause. Afterwards he became Acting Governor for the (then) Territory of Montana. He died mysteriously in 1867 and is much revered in the State of Montana.

The book is a historical biography. perfect binding, A5 size.  Several photos. $20.

 "THE SCANDALOUS ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN FREDERICK WENTWORTH WATSON" - A Tasmanian Cad and Rake.

Papers edited by Reg. A. Watson.

Tasmania will never be the same. Based on the "scandalous" adventures of a Tasmanian rake, the book is divided into four sections:

i. "Tasmania's Civil War"

ii "The Duke of the Duchy of Flinders Island"

iii "Frederick Meets the Breaker" (Morant).

iv. Chubbie Miller, female aviator, and Captain Frederick.

For those who like a rollicking laugh over the exploits of an unbelievable character, based against a historical background, this is a must. Material from which telemovies are made! A5 size $15

A4 size with 90 odd pages. Contained in this attractively spiral bound volume are nearly 13,000 names, including rank, day of enlistment, discharge and whether a casualty. Seven pages of explanatory notes. A must for all historians, genealogists and record holders. Edited by Reg. A. Watson. $18:65.Imperfect copies.  Now $8.00

"TASMANIAN CRIME STORIES "

By Reg. A. Watson.Ten selected Tasmanian crime cases - and more, dealing with murder and missing persons. A unique and unusual book, all factual and most not previously dealt with. A fascinating look at this aspect of Tasmania’s history. A5 size. 115 pages with photographs.$22.. Includes the case of the last man to be hanged in Tasmania, Frederick Thompson, the 1922 triple murder in Swansea, The murder of Chinese man, Samuel Yick in 1913 and Tasmania’s connection to the notorious Jack the Ripper.

GOVERNOR WILLIAM AND JULIA SORELL.

A family history against the background of frontier Van Diemen’s Land, until the cessation of transportation and establishment of the Tasmanian Constitution. The first published biography of Julia Sorell, who left for England in 1856, as the wife of Thomas Arnold, an inspector of Tasmanian Schools, who accepted Chairs at Oxford University and Dublin. Julia was the grandmother of Dr. J. Huxley of UNESCO and writer Aldous Huxley ("Brave New World"), etc.

By Jane Sorell, collateral descendant of Julia and modern Tasmanian authoress and educator. A5 size. 192 pages which includes a number of photographs and index. $16.50.

"LIEUTENANT WALTER OLIPHANT ARNOT"

By Reg. A. Watson. The tragic story of Lt. Arnot, a South Australian who, despite having a wonderful military career in the Australian Army during the South African War (1899-1902), took his life by his own hands. Conveniently forgotten by officialdom at the time, he is now buried in a remote spot in that far off land, his grave tended to by the respectful villagers. Why did Arnott take his life? Mystery still surrounds this sad affair. Now it is time to remember this brave, but unfortunate hero. Interesting reading for all concerned. In Essay form, together with photos. A4 size. $6.

"A TASMANIAN'S PARTICIPATION IN THE FORGOTTEN WAR"

An essay. Taken from Private Robert's diary of the Boer War. A4 size. 20 pages. $6.

"DISTINGUISHED TASMANIAN HISTORICAL PARLIAMENTARIANS"

By Reg. A. Watson. A5 size, 30 pages with photos. The booklet highlights a number of historical local parliamentarians who have played a major, albeit often forgotten, part in Tasmania's parliamentary history. $5.

"TASMANIAN WAR (1830)"

Confrontation between the Aborigines and the Whites. A detailed report on the steps leading up to the Black Line of 1830 and the aftermath. A4 size with photos. $6.

"WATSON FAMILY HISTORY"

With photographs and charts. Traces this particular Watson line way back from Rutland England and in detail the existence of the family in Australia, dating from 1823.  A4 size. $20. Based on decades of research. see www.tassie.net.au/~rwatson/family. New edition May 2005

"PIONEERS OF VAN DIEMENS LAND"

A dossier on 38 prominent pioneers of the isle State, including wealthy businessmen, Henry Reed and Henry Hopkins, early Jewish settlers, Judah and Joseph Solomon, the first Anglican minister, Rev `Bobby' Knopwood,and Tasmania's first-born Premier, Sir Richard Dry. Others included are Bishop Nixon, Martin Cash (bushranger), John Wade, Richard Morgan, Amy Sherwin, John Glover - artist - The Merediths, Joseph Darling and Dr William Valentine - and more. Together with selected number of photographs. A4 size. 90 pages. Attractively bound. $20

"CANADIAN/AMERICAN EXILES TO VAN DIEMENS LAND"

An essay on this most significant, little known episode, in Tasmania's history. 92 rebels from Canada arrived to endure five long brutal years until pardoned. Two monuments exist in Hobart to their memory. With some photographs, $8.00 A4 size.

"THE PAYNE FAMILY LINE IN TASMANIA"

This essay documents the Payne family in Tasmania. Descending from Thomas Payne, it embraces the coming together of the Burnett and Miller families. A number of pics. Spiral bound. $7.50

"A VIOLENT AFFAIR"

On three 60 minute cassettes. A novel centering around the exploits and experiences of a Tasmanian trooper in the Anglo-Boer War. $12 per set. By Reg. A. Watson. Recorded professionally.

 STRANGE HAPPENINGS OVER THE SKIES OF TASMANIA AND BASS STRAIT. 

Contained in this most interesting report are various mystery disappearances and observations during the twentieth century over the waters of Bass Strait and Tasmania.  The work also includes the mysterious disappearance of Frederick Valentich in 1978, believed to have had a close encounter with a UFO. Other Tasmanian, but equally intriguing stories are included.  $15.

RICHARD MORGAN AND THE HISTORIC BARN AT ROSNY.

By Reg. A. Watson.

Richard Morgan and his family were the first settlers on Hobart's eastern shore, arriving in 1806. In 1813 the stout barn was built which still stands today, making it the oldest existing building still standing in Tasmania. Spiral bound. $6.

 THE DISGRACE OF RISDON COVE. DVD

Produced by the Bowen Association, this provoative and thought-provoking disc will inform viewers of the deplorable modern history and neglect of one of our most valuable historic sites. $25

TAK Society PO Box 146, LINDISFARNE TAS. 7015. By post, telephone (03) 6243 8597 or fax (03) 6243 8599. Mobile: 0409 975 587.

PLEASE NOTE.  10 % Postage for orders within Australia
Overseas orders please enquire