Author Event: Sandra Stubbings at Devonport Library

Join author Sandra Stubbings as she discusses her first published book Billy – A boy from Queenstown.

It’s not known how many under-aged Tasmanian boys signed on for the Great War, but Sandra Stubbings’ great uncle Billy Gadd from Queenstown was one of them.
He enlisted in 1915 at just 16 years of age. Three years earlier, Billy’s father Albert had been recognised as a national hero for his actions during the North Mount Lyell mining disaster. Sadly, Albert died in 1913, his death hastened by carbon monoxide poisoning suffered during the rescue efforts. This left his wife Henrietta a widow with eight children to raise.
Billy, the eldest, was barely 17 when he was killed alongside three of his 12th Battalion mates in the early hours of 14 April 1917, near Lagnicourt in northern France. His short life was marked by hardship, commitment and courage.

Sandra Stubbings is a retired consultant, university administrator and secondary school teacher. Sandra holds a BA DipEd from the University of Queensland with a major in Australian history and literature. Billy – A Boy from Queenstown will be her first published piece and possibly the first published story of a Tasmanian World War 1 boy soldier.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase from the Devonport Bookshop on the night, chat to Sandra as she signs them for you.

Bookings required: Eventbrite

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• Don’t attend if you are unwell

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• Practice COVID safe behaviours

• Let us know if you have any support needs, or if a support person will be coming with you.