The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli

The many lives and tragic death of Harry Freame, the Anzac hero betrayed by his nation

About The Book

Harry Freame was the first Australian soldier to win the Distinguished Conduct Medal at Gallipoli. He risked his life again and again to scout the battlefield, reporting invaluable intelligence and relieving stranded soldiers. Some say he should have got the VC but didn't because he was half-Japanese, a fact he tried hard to conceal.

After the war, Harry (real name Wykeham Henry Koba Freame) became a soldier settler and champion apple grower. But in the lead-up to World War II, he was recruited into Australian intelligence. Extraordinarily, this fact was leaked by the Australian press, and the Japanese secret police tried to assassinate Harry not long after his arrival in Tokyo in 1941. He died back in Australia a few weeks later.

Harry was the first Australian to die on secret service for Australia, but his sacrifice has never been officially acknowledged.

The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli is a fascinating and immersive investigation into a grievous historical wrong.

About The Author

credit to come

Ryan Butta is an Australian author of narrative nonfiction that blends original research, history and literary storytelling. He is the author of The Ballad of Abdul Wade, shortlisted for the South Australian Premier’s Awards Non-fiction Book of the Year 2024, and The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli. His books focus on overlooked lives and the hidden histories that shape Australia. He lives and works on Dharawal country on the New South Wales south coast.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Affirm Press (July 30, 2024)
  • Length: 288 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781922992086

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Raves and Reviews

'A vital parable at the root of multicultural Australia.' - Jock Serong

'A thrilling biography of one of Australia's forgotten heroes.' - Shankari Chandran

'Ryan Butta's dogged pursuit of the truth about Harry Freame is more than a virtuouso piece of archival sleuthing - although it's certainly that. It's an act of dedication to a forgotten Australian, the restoration of a discarded legacy. There is much to learn in here about the ways we mythologise ourselves, and the lies we repeat down the generations. Through compassion and careful scholarship, Butta has found a vital parable at the root of multicultural Australia.' - Jock Serong

'A thrilling biography of one of Australia's forgotten heroes. Butta is a gifted storyteller, exploring the lives of Australia's forgotten heroes. Beautifully written, the story reads more like a gripping, high stakes adventure than [a] historical biography. Butta returns Harry Freame - fearless Gallipoli scout, intrepid spy and devoted patriot - to his rightful place: the centre stage of our collective memory and history. Butta explores the socio-political forces of Australia that celebrate some heroes and erase others.' - Shankari Chandran

'An intriguingly complex tale '. - The Age/The Sydney Morning Herald

'A compelling and meticulously researched narrative'. - The Myrtleford Times

'Only now - thanks to Ryan Butta's diligence and passion for the truth - is Harry Freame to receive an official war grave marker befitting his heroic courage and service. I urge everyone to read this book'. - Independent Australia

'Very commendable'. - The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies

'Butta has pieced together the life of a man whose bravery and service deserve recognition.' - Australian Defence Magazine

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