Sailor, Soldier, Vicar, Farmer: The Improbable Life of Anzac Chaplain Walter Dexter

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Daniel Reynaud

Sailor, Soldier, Vicar, Farmer

Name: Sailor, Soldier, Vicar, Farmer
Price: 34.99 AUD
Availability: PreOrder
ISBN: 9781923352285

The Improbable Life of Anzac Chaplain Walter Dexter

Daniel Reynaud

$34.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

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English

Signs Publishing Company
31 March 2026

Autobiography: religious & spiritual; Biography - Australian

The first 45 years of Walter Dexter’s life read like adventure fiction. What credible author would have dreamt up the improbability of a merchant mariner who wins decorations for bravery as a horseman in the army, then returns to sea to win awards for civilian bravery, before quitting it all to become a mere clergyman, then winning more medals for bravery as an Anzac chaplain in another war? But, having invented such a hero, what writer would dare have them fail so disastrously as a farmer, then live the rest of their life in the shadows? Truly, Dexter’s life was stranger than fiction. Walter Dexter, DSO, MC, DCM, remains the most distinguished and highly decorated Australian military chaplain of all time. Of all the chaplains of the AIF, he gave the longest frontline service, from the earliest appointments in 1914 until demobilisation in 1920. His work for the spiritual, material and emotional welfare of the soldiers was unmatched and in return he was held in the highest regard by the soldiers. This book explores the extraordinary career of Dexter, taking in his colourful life and unparalleled achievements. His story should stand as a cornerstone in Australia’s Anzac memory.

By: Daniel Reynaud
Imprint: Signs Publishing Company
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 5,817mm, Width: 3,861mm,
ISBN: 9781923352285
ISBN 10: 1923352288
Pages: 278
Publication Date: 31 March 2026
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Dr Daniel Reynaud is Emeritus Professor of History at Avondale University in Cooranbong, New South Wales. He is the inaugural Visiting Historian at the Anzac Memorial in Sydney's Hyde Park. Dr Reynaud has published extensively on Anzac war cinema, the Anzacs and religion and the Anzacs and food.