Fighting McKenzie

2003

In the research I have been making for an update of my popular book "800 Horsemen" I have been thrilled with some of the material I have found on the chaplains that rode with these Aussie "History Makers". Contrary to popular belief, not all of the Light Horsemen were the "larrikin" type. Men of God - pastors, missionaries, preachers and lay ministers - flocked to join the Light Horse, numbers joining as troopers as the quota for chaplains and padres was rapidly filled. These men were outstanding in their commitment and service, several being decorated for valour. From daylight to dark these good men walked the many ways of Christ at the head of successive parties of troopers. Some of the church services held at this time were deeply moving.

"Fighting Mac"

McKenzie was one of many men who were a credit to their faith as they tried to serve the Lord and fellow man in a world that had gone crazy. McKenzie was described as a "soldier's soldier and a chaplain's chaplain". Accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord in Bundaberg at the age of 17 he soon joined the Salvation Army and served around Australia. At the outbreak of war, McKenzie (aged 44) volunteered as a Military Chaplain. Landing at Gallipoli in 1915 "Mac" continued his ministry to the troops winning many to Christ with his practical Christianity. One Sunday on the Gallipoli beaches the burly Australian Chaplain was conducting Church services under Turkish shellfire. "Hallelujah", he cried as a shell exploded close by, showering him with dirt. Picking himself up and shaking the dust off he then proceeded to lead his congregation of young Light Horsemen in a time of worship. The irrepressible ANZAC inspired his comrades with his faith, heroism and humour. "Fighting Mac" spent most of his time in the trenches with the men who learned to respect and revere him. Every time he appeared there were cheers from the troopers. Often he would relieve an exhausted digger of their heavy pack, hoisting it onto his own back as they went into action.

I'm Not Afraid To Die With You

The Battle of Lone Pine was the bloodiest battle the Australians had fought. The young ANZACS charged straight into the face of machine guns leaving the Turkish trenches knee-deep with the dead and dying. Australians won seven Victoria Crosses that fateful day but left 800 wooden crosses marking the graves of those gallant young men. The Aussie troopers begged their beloved chaplain not to risk his life. But McKenzie replied: "Boys, I've preached to you, and I've prayed with you. Do you think I?m afraid now to die with you?"

Charged Enemy With A Spade

Although officially forbidden to take part in front-line actions, McKenzie blissfully ignored all orders and insisted on fighting alongside his men. Armed with only a spade, he once led an attack on Turkish trenches.

McKenzie obviously thought that the spade got around the international restrictions on Chaplains carrying arms into combat! During one battle he was ordered to remain away from the front-line, heconfiscated a bicycle and then he trudged through mud and shellfire to arrive at the front as dawn broke. Exhausted and covered with mud there was a spontaneous burst of applause and laughter as he appeared. "Fighting Mac" said: "Wherever my men go, I go!"

Scores found Christ through this unselfish man, and hundreds were buried with tender affection under his ministry. For his efforts in Gallipoli, he was awarded the Military Cross. The Diggers loved him almost to a man and, described him as "big hearted", "incorruptible", "considerate of the feelings of the individual", "one of the bravest of the brave", and "a friend of sinners"

Destroyed Brothels

McKenzie won greatness by taking Christian solace to the front-line battlegrounds. But "Fighting Mac" never did anything in half measures; it was not only the Turks that felt the wrath of this man of God, but the dens of vice in Cairo that lured the young Light Horsemen.

McKenzie led a raid of Australians and dragged scores of young soldiers literally out from the brothels "by their ears". Armed with firebrands they stormed through the streets setting the whole district ablaze (the Battle of the Wazzir). The Australians enthusiastically slashed through the firehoses and prevented the extinguishing of the fires.

The area was razed to the ground. At the war's end, an official declared: "There are men in Australia who would never have returned had not Mac challenged those hell-houses."

Voice Of God Saved His Life

Later on the bloody battlefields of France "Fighting Mac" wrote how his life had been spared on numerous occasions by an angel of the Lord. He learned to listen to the inner voice of his spirit that the Bible speaks so much about: "They started shelling?and some fell in close proximity. I had buried several fallen heroes...when my guardian angel said: "Get away from here quickly." I obeyed instantly and was about 25 yards away when a big shell landed right on the spot where I had been standing a moment before. I only got a shower of earth. At all times of great danger?.I am conscious of this guardian angel's presence.....I hear his voice saying: "Do not go there!" "Get in here!" or "Lie down in that shell hole! I could give six instances in a week when a prompt attention to his instructions has saved me from those big shells. I know that if I heed and obey God I shall continue unharmed until my work is finished, so if I fall you will know the reason."

A friend wrote: "Think of the battlefield - of a deafening clatter like the roar of express trains, of ground ploughed by exploding shells, of the splutter of machine guns, the charge of brave men, the rain of bullets, the cry of the wounded, the fall of the slain. Think of it, and then imagine a big man facing that hell with joy and triumph in his heart. Always listening for a voice from Heaven!"

McKenzie was farewelled by his beloved men in 1917 in a special ceremony. Amid the bands, cheers and tears, General Birdwood said: "I am sorry to lose you. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all you have done for our boys, we shall never forget you!"

Most Famous In the A.I.F.

On his return to Australia in 1918 tumultuous crowds greeted him in state capitals and smaller cities. He was the most famous man in the AIF and people travelled hundreds of miles to thank him for some kindness he had shown a loved one. In Melbourne hundreds were turned away from the buidling which was filled with over 7,000 people. After the war McKenzie was the one man every Digger wanted to greet.."

"Fighting Mac" inspired many books and magazine articles. His dedication compassion and heroic service to his fellow soldiers resulted in all but unbelievable exploits. From Gallipoli to France, Mac spoke of love of God and His forgiveness for all humanity. He shunned the spotlight and left for mission work in China. Fighting Mac died in 1947 and at his funeral teary-eyed diggers marched six abreast along the Sydney streets.

  Col and Jan Stringer