The Lost Battalions

A battle that could not be won. An island that could not be defended. An ally that could not be trusted.

Nonfiction, History, Military, World War II
Cover of the book The Lost Battalions by Tom Gilling, Allen & Unwin
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Tom Gilling ISBN: 9781760637088
Publisher: Allen & Unwin Publication: August 29, 2018
Imprint: Allen & Unwin Language: English
Author: Tom Gilling
ISBN: 9781760637088
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication: August 29, 2018
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Language: English

They were thrown into a hopeless fight against an overwhelming enemy. Later, hundreds died as prisoners of war on the Thai-Burma Railway and in the freezing coal mines of Taiwan and Japan. Through it all, wrote Weary Dunlop, they showed 'fortitude beyond anything I could have believed possible'.

Until now, the story of the 2000 diggers marooned on Java in February 1942 has been a footnote to the fall of Singapore and the bloody campaign in New Guinea. Led by an Adelaide lawyer, Brigadier Arthur Blackburn VC, and fighting with scrounged weapons, two Australian battalions - plus an assortment of cooks, laundrymen and deserters from Singapore - held up the might of the Imperial Japanese Army until ordered by their Dutch allies to surrender.

Drawing on personal diaries, official records and interviews with two of the last living survivors, this book tells the extraordinary story of the 'lads from Java', who laid down their weapons, but refused to give in.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

They were thrown into a hopeless fight against an overwhelming enemy. Later, hundreds died as prisoners of war on the Thai-Burma Railway and in the freezing coal mines of Taiwan and Japan. Through it all, wrote Weary Dunlop, they showed 'fortitude beyond anything I could have believed possible'.

Until now, the story of the 2000 diggers marooned on Java in February 1942 has been a footnote to the fall of Singapore and the bloody campaign in New Guinea. Led by an Adelaide lawyer, Brigadier Arthur Blackburn VC, and fighting with scrounged weapons, two Australian battalions - plus an assortment of cooks, laundrymen and deserters from Singapore - held up the might of the Imperial Japanese Army until ordered by their Dutch allies to surrender.

Drawing on personal diaries, official records and interviews with two of the last living survivors, this book tells the extraordinary story of the 'lads from Java', who laid down their weapons, but refused to give in.

More books from Allen & Unwin

Cover of the book A Stout Pair Of Boots by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book The Tankermen by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book Boys' Stuff by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book Gather by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book Victoria's Heritage by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book Mrs D is Going Within by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book Political Lives by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book Diary of a Cricket God by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book The Anzac Girls by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book The Sound of Summer by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book Touching Earth Lightly by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book After Words by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book A Good Life to the End by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book The Winning Side by Tom Gilling
Cover of the book The Universal Heart by Tom Gilling
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy