Historical information
This manuscript and letter represent the connection between two significant people from the North East of Victoria and their common interest in literature and development of the Upper Murray.
Des Martin was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. He joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment and in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, serving in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo.
After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. Amongst other pursuits he became the first President of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and founded the Murray Valley Hunt Club. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a Steward at that event.
As well as “Many a Mile”, Des also wrote “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing and a “Tale of Twin Cities” as well as collaborating with R. M. Williams to develop the “Hoofs and Horns” publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. Des Martin died on 12th April 1995.
Thomas Walter Mitchell was born at "Towong Hill" near Corryong, Victoria and was educated at Cranbrook School, Sydney and Cambridge University.
A keen skier, Mitchell founded the Australian National Ski Federation, captained the Australian skiing team and won gold medals in competitions against England and New Zealand. He was an Australian champion in the downhill and long-time member of the Ski Club of Australia. In 1937 he published Australia’s first ski handbook "Ski Heil".
Mitchell joined the Second Australian Imperial Force in 1940 and was a Captain in the 2/22 Battalion and Headquarters 8th Division. He was captured and interned in Changi POW camp until 1945.
Tom Mitchell served as the Country Party Member for Benambra in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1947 to 1976. He was awarded the C.M.G. “For distinguished services to the Community, particularly in the fields of Politics, Alpine Sports and Safety, and Writing.”
He died on 4th February 1984.
Significance
This volume is significant because it is the manuscript of a book written by a local Wodonga author. The letter written to Tom Mitchell contains anecdotes and details of the writing of the novel, Many a Mile.
Physical description
An original typed manuscript bound in blue coverboard. It is accompanied by a typed letter.
