Home Before the Leaves Fall

In 1914 a young man enlists as a subaltern with the British Royal Field Artillery. He will serve four years in France, earning the Military Cross three times. He is mentioned in dispatches and awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre. A century later an Australian Vietnam Veteran bids for a portrait of a highly decorated British officer. Who was this soldier? Why and where was the painting done? And what is it now doing hanging in a Melbourne auction room? The first clue lies in a tattered death notice, pinned to the back of the portrait. It is dated twelve days before the Armistice. So begins a journey of discovery. Two soldiers, two families, two wars fifty years apart, and a hero who wants to finally go home. Home before the leaves fall by Leigh Hay is an unforgettable story of courage, sacrifice and love. About the Author: Leigh Hay is a freelance author, editor, copy proofer and poet. Leigh created the publishing name Tales from the Treehouse as a way of publishing and marketing books with small print runs for target audiences. Leigh wrote the libretto for When the Bugle Calls to music composed by Australian composer Nicholas Buc, first performed in Melbourne in 2016. Leigh’s published works include books of poetry and picture books for children.