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

— —

Michael Veitch

Turning Point

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

Michael Veitch

$22.99

Paperback

In stock
Ready to ship

QTY:

English

Hachette Australia
27 July 2022

True war & combat stories; History; 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000; Military history; Second World War; Air forces & warfare

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.

By: Michael Veitch
Imprint: Hachette Australia
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 132mm, Spine: 36mm
Weight: 284g
ISBN: 9780733648670
ISBN 10: 0733648673
Pages: 336
Publication Date: 27 July 2022
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

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

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 *