WILLAGEE resident Len Castle admits he was unsure how his collection of Australian Anzac poetry would be taken prior to launch.
But he need not have worried with Let’s Not Forget was warmly received for its depiction of war, its lighter stories and anecdotes.
“An interesting analysis on war and the devastating effect it had on so many of the people who volunteered their services for the country they loved,” wrote the nephew of Victoria Cross recipient Arthur Gurney.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“The author has a deep understanding of the many facets of conflict no doubt instilled in him from an early age by a proud family who served their country well.”
Castle said the comments, which mirrored those by 3rd Brigade Commander Chris Field, were a shock.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” he said.
“A kind word would have been nice but what I got was better than that.”
Castle’s insight comes from being in a family with strong ties to the nation’s defence – including his grandfather who served in Gallipoli and on the Western Front during World War I, and his brother who recorded two tours of Vietnam.
He said he gained inspiration for his collection from family chats around the table, as well as the World War I soldiers deeply affected by the “atrocities that they had seen”.
“The stories need to be told and its education to young and old,” he said.
For information, email lencastle01@gmail.com.
MORE: Perth braced for wet weekend as heavy rain forecast
MORE: Mandurah Veteran Ken Adams to lead Perth Anzac Day parade
MORE: Opa! Perth Glendi Greek Festival this weekend
MORE: Perth Anzac Day services 2018: full list of events and locations