A new biography by Avondale University’s Emeritus Professor Daniel Reynaud sheds light on the life and legacy of one of the most revered yet largely forgotten Anzac figures—Chaplain William "Fighting Mac" McKenzie.
Titled The Man the Anzacs Revered, the book explores how McKenzie, a Salvation Army chaplain who preached against alcohol, gambling, and bad language, became one of the most beloved figures among Australian soldiers during World War I. Despite his moralistic stance, McKenzie’s dedication to the troops—whether in the trenches of Gallipoli or the battlefields of France—earned him a place of honour among the Anzacs.
Professor Reynaud’s research, drawn from archives at the Australian War Memorial and the Salvation Army, reveals how McKenzie’s tireless efforts, including his campaign for Australians to send letters “To a Lonely Soldier,” profoundly impacted the morale of frontline troops. Though celebrated upon his return to Australia in 1918, his story has since faded into obscurity.
“If the original Anzacs revered [McKenzie], then we who revere them should pay attention to his story,” says Reynaud.
Reynaud, a distinguished historian and Avondale University faculty member for 32 years, is well known for his expertise in Anzac social history. He is also the inaugural Visiting Historian at the Anzac Memorial in Sydney.
Published by Signs Publishing and distributed by Simon & Schuster, The Man the Anzacs Revered will be released on 2 April 2025.
On April 13, Professor Reynaud appeared on ABC NightLife to discuss his new book.