Author Event: Sandra Stubbings at Devonport Library

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.

By registering for a Libraries Tasmania event, you agree to follow our policies – including the Responsible Conduct Policy and Safeguarding Children Policy. Thank you for helping keep our spaces safe and respectful for everyone.

To ensure a successful event, please:

· Don't attend if you are unwell

· Let us know if you can’t attend so we can offer your place to someone else

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

Accessibility:

· The multi-level car park (corner of Best Street and Fenton Way) provides disabled access parking, lift access and flat walking surfaces between the car park and the paranaple centre. Council parking fees apply.

· Entrance to the paranaple centre is via automatic doors at both Market Square and Rooke Street entrances. The Market Square entrance offers universal access and is available at the touch of a button, providing ease for patrons with access difficulties.

· Inside the paranaple centre, Devonport Library is located on both ground and first floors. Escalators, lifts and stairs are available to take you between the two floors. A parent and child room is situated on the ground floor and accessible toilets are available on all floors.

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