Last of the Cavalrymen: Memoirs of Major-General Robert Harley Wordsworth

Robert Harley Wordsworth led an extraordinary life for a country lad from NSW. His military career spanned both World Wars, beginning as a junior officer in the 1st Light Horse at Gallipoli and later transferring to a cavalry regiment of the Indian Army. He progressed through the ranks to Major-General in command of the 1st Armoured Division in the Middle East. In all, he spent 25 years in the rarefied world of the British Raj, playing polo and big game hunting with maharajas and other royalty.

Back home in Australia, he forged a second career in public service, first as a senator for Tasmania then as Administrator of Norfolk Island. He attributed much of his success to his sporting prowess, bravado and a great deal of luck, all of which enabled him to live a grand life at the height of the British Empire.

Wordsworth was a great story-teller and the book is an entertaining read with illuminating anecdotes and first-hand accounts of astonishing life experiences. It paints a picture of a loyal subject of his time, a man of service and courage and someone who grasped opportunities when they came his way.

Product details:

Editors: Ana Scarf and Charlotte Scarf

Publisher: FortySouth Tasmania

Pages: 275

Format: Paperback

Publication date: April 2024

ISBN: 9780975640616