Our upcoming CoveTalk is with historian Dr Will Davies, editor of Edward Lynch's First World War classic Somme Mud.

Authored by Private Edward Lynch upon his return from the First World War, Somme Mud is a first-hand experience of a returned digger. As an eighteen-year-old boy from Bathurst, he found himself on the frontline in France in January 1917. His handwritten manuscript tells a vivid and frightening story of Australia's engagement on the Western Front, from the terrible sacrifices made by men at war, to the humour and mateship that can be found between comrades-in-arms. 

Originally drafted in exercise books in pencil, then typed up and submitted to publishers without success in the 1940s, this painstakingly restored version has been edited by Will Davies and published by Random House Australia to international critical acclaim.

Please note this event will not be livestreamed. If you are a Sydney-based member, join us in the live audience for this fascinating discussion. The video will be available later, here on The Cove.

Details

  • When: 1500h [AEDT] Thursday 15 October, 2026.
  • Where: Victoria Barrack's Sergent's Mess (all ranks welcome)
  • Bar snacks provided

Biography

Dr Will Davies, Author

Will is a graduate historian from the ANU in Canberra and holds a PhD from that university. He started work at the Commonwealth Film Unit in 1972, worked at the BBC and in Hollywood in the 1970s before setting up his documentary production company LOOK FILM PRODUCTIONS in 1977, one of the most prolific documentary production companies during the period 1983-2003.