Bastard Behind the Lines

Tom Gilling

$29.99

Paperback

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English

Allen & Unwin
02 February 2021

Second World War; Irregular or guerrilla forces & warfare; Biography - Australian

'The way I look at it is this...

When you're behind the line and get yourself into trouble, you've got to get your bloody self out irrespective of anybody else. That's why I like it.'

Scottish-born but a Queenslander to the bone, Jock McLaren was a true Australian hero. As a prisoner he escaped twice, first from Changi and later from the infamous Sandakan POW camp in Borneo. After paddling a dugout canoe across open sea, he fought for two years with American-led Filipino guerrillas, his exploits so audacious the Japanese put a price on his head.

At the helm of his 26-foot whaleboat, the Bastard, McLaren sailed brazenly into enemy-held harbours, wreaking havoc with his mortar and machine guns before heading back out to sea. In early 1945 he joined Australia's secretive Z Special Unit, parachuting into Borneo to carry out reconnaissance and organise anti-Japanese resistance ahead of Allied landings. He cheated death on numerous occasions and saved his own life by removing his appendix without anaesthetic, using 'two large dessert spoons' and a razor blade.

Drawing on Allied and Japanese wartime documents, Bastard Behind the Lines brings the story of a courageous digger vividly to life and throws light on a rarely explored aspect of Australia's Pacific war.

'The horror and heroism of the Pacific war are evoked by Tom Gilling in a way that is vivid and compelling as well as multi-faceted.' - The Age

'Gilling has produced an engrossing book, vividly bringing to light disturbing facets of Australia's Pacific War . . . a sobering reminder of a horrific era that should never be forgotten. An extraordinary true tale.' -Newcastle Herald

'Not for the faint-hearted . . . This cloak and dagger real-life story will have you on the edge of your seat.' -The Chronicle

By: Tom Gilling
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 235mm, Width: 155mm, Spine: 19mm
Weight: 340g
ISBN: 9781760875879
ISBN 10: 1760875872
Publication Date: 02 February 2021
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Tom Gilling is an acclaimed novelist. The Sooterkin, Miles McGinty and Dreamland have all been published in Australia, London and New York. His non-fiction works include The Lost Battalions and Project Rainfall. He is also co-author with Clive Small of the highly successful Smack Express, Blood Money, Evil Life and Milat.