Ross McMullin. Pompey Elliott was a charismatic, controversial and outstandingly successful Australian commander. He was significant in such major battles of the Great War as Fromelles, Polygon Wood and Villers-Brettonneux. An accomplished tactician and remarkably brave, he was renowned for never sending anyone anywhere he was not prepared to go himself. His tempestuousness generated numerous anecdotes that amused his men and disconcerted his superiors. Historian, Ross McMullin, has written an award-winning biography of Pompey Elliott.