What started as a personal project about his great uncle Donald Cameron has now turned into a couple of books, with the latest entitled Cameron of Beersheba. 

The late Lieutenant-Colonel, of Rouchel in the Upper Hunter, was well-known from World War I, as the commander of the 12th Australian Light Horse Regiment, which together with the 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment, captured the town of Beersheba in Palestine on October 31, 1917, from Turkish troops.

The two brigades took part in a cavalry charge on Beersheba, which has been described by some as “the grandest charge of mounted men in history” and “without parallel in the history of warfare”.

“I’m absolutely amazed by the response, and interest, in ‘Don’ and the book,” the Soldiers Point man said.

“My first offering, a biography about him, took about four or five years to put together.

“And, as I delved more into his life, it got bigger and bigger – I just kept finding additional material on Don.

“So, I thought I’d do another book and put his story out there.

“With the benefit of the previous research, this was a lot quicker [process].

“I see this tome as my contribution to the legend of Don.

“Hopefully, people will take part in the Beersheba celebrations throughout the Upper Hunter.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Cameron has been acknowledged by some as having played a major role in the success of the charge, both in its planning and the execution of it.

The centenary of the charge – on October 31, 2017 – is being marked by commemoration services and functions at Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Tamworth, Armidale and further afield, including Beersheba in Israel.

“Although I don’t remember meeting Don – he died at Muswellbrook on October 7, 1950, aged 73 – my family is in awe of him,” Mr Harrison said.

“He has the honour of having his photo and a brief narration on the Australian Light Horse memorial at the ANZAC Memorial Walk in Newcastle.

“He is also the man who officially unveiled the World War I Roll of Honour in Kelly Street, Scone, in 1924.

“Don had seven years of overseas military service, including South Africa, Gallipoli and the Middle East.

“Recent research has shown him to have been a man with a real sense of duty to his nation, politically incorrect in many ways, courageous in battle and highly-regarded by his men.

“He was obviously a great soldier – and I think his country upbringing played a role in that. 

“I’m amazed he survived Gallipoli, the Middle East and the Boer War [on two occasions].

“But, it appears as though he was a natural leader of men.

“The title of the book came from an article published in The Bulletin (October 25, 1950).

“I believe it will appeal to those who are interested in military, and local, history.

“As for me, I’ll have a rest for a while before picking up the pen again.

“However, I’m captivated by the Cameron family history – they’re all interesting characters.”

The limited edition, not-for-profit, book is available at Hunt A Book in Scone.