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Turning Point: The Battle for Milne Bay 1942 - Japan's first land defeat in World War II

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Turning Point: The Battle for Milne Bay 1942 - Japan's first land defeat in World War II
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Michael Veitch
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:336
Dimensions(mm): Height 198,Width 128
Category/GenreTrue War and Combat Stories
Military history
Second world war
ISBN/Barcode 9780733648670
ClassificationsDewey:940.5426541
Audience
General
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Hachette Australia
Imprint Hachette Australia
Publication Date 27 July 2022
Publication Country Australia

Description

The Battle for Milne Bay - Japan's first defeat on land in the Second World War - was a defining moment in the evolution of the indomitable Australian fighting spirit. For the men of the AIF, the militia and the RAAF, it was the turning point in the Pacific, and their finest - though now largely forgotten - hour. Forgotten, until now. In August 1942, Japan's forces were unstoppable. Having conquered vast swathes of south-east Asia - Malaya, Singapore, the Dutch East Indies - and now invading New Guinea, many feared the Empire of the Rising Sun stood poised to knock down Australia's northern door. But first they needed Port Moresby. In the still of an August night, Japanese marines sailed quietly into Milne Bay, a long, malaria-ridden dead end at the far eastern tip of Papua, to unleash an audacious pincer movement. Unbeknown to them, however, a secret airstrip had been carved out of a coconut plantation by US Engineers, and a garrison of Australian troops had been established, supported by two locally based squadrons of RAAF Kittyhawks, including the men of the famed 75 Squadron. The scene was set for one of the most decisive and vicious battles of the war. For ten days and nights Australia's soldiers and airmen fought the elite of Japan's forces along a sodden jungle track, and forced them back step by muddy, bloody step. In Turning Point, bestselling author Michael Veitch brings to life the incredible exploits and tragic sacrifices of these Australian heroes.

Author Biography

Michael Veitch is well known as an author, actor and former ABC television and radio presenter. His books include the critically acclaimed accounts of Australian airmen in World War II, 44 Days, Heroes of the Skies, Fly, Flak, Barney Greatrex, Turning Point and The Battle of the Bismarck Sea. He lives in the Yarra Valley, outside Melbourne.

Reviews

Veitch has done a wonderful job . . . a fast-paced and thrilling tale * Daily Telegraph on Michael Veitch's Barney Greatrex * Veitch has done a wonderful job . . . a fast-paced and thrilling tale * Daily Telegraph on Michael Veitch's Barney Greatrex * should be part of Australian military folklore * Adelaide Advertiser on Michael Veitch's 44 Days * should be part of Australian military folklore * Adelaide Advertiser on Michael Veitch's 44 Days * fascinating . . . Veitch brings the story vividly to life * Sydney Morning Herald on Michael Veitch's Barney Greatrex * fascinating . . . Veitch brings the story vividly to life * Sydney Morning Herald on Michael Veitch's Barney Greatrex *