A follower caravanner we met in Gundagai recommended a visit to Harden. They enjoyed the striking War Memorial—known as ‘Bill the Bastard’ — Australia’s greatest war horse. We certainly agree, the sculpture left us in awe, easily earning the top spot among our favourites. And the story behind it? Even more fascinating! See below:
A few facts about Bill the Bastard. It was described that he had the lungs and heart of an elephant.
He had the power, intelligence and unmatched courage that stood above all the 200,000 Australian horses sent to the Middle East in The Great War. He was a big 17.1 hh with a long back and big rump. Chestnut in colour, and a Waler – named after New South Wales.
The first person to try to ride him was a young lad called Ben Towers, a questionable 17 years of age. He came from Cootamundra.
Young Ben claimed to be a capable rider, but Bill had other ideas. After several attempts, it seemed that Bill would allow only one person to ride him – Major Michael Shanahan.
Shanahan persuaded his Captain ‘Banjo Patterson’ to let him take Bill into battle. He felt sure that Bill would be the ideal horse for the job.
In the thick of the Battle of Romani, with four soldiers down, Shanahan rode Bill under heavy Turkish fire and, with super strength, got the four soldiers on, making it five in total on Bill, and returned them to safety.
After Bill had a big drink, Shanahan said to the horse: “It’s time to get back. Bill, you’re a bloody marvel!” and so they rode back into the thick of raging war.
It was soon after that Shanahan was shot in the thigh, and Bill was shot twice. Still, they continued to fight until Shanahan collapsed into the saddle. Bill was aware of the seriousness of the situation and took Shanahan three kilometres through the fighting, straight to the vet.
He was then taken to the Medic. As a result of his injuries, Shanahan unfortunately lost his leg. He helped Bill to become a hero, and also became a D.C.O hero himself.
