The Battle for Wau Ne Guinea's Frontline 1942}}}1943 [Hardcover]

Bradley describes the early WWII conflicts in New Guinea.Bradley describes the early WWII conflicts in New Guinea, from the Japanese landing at Salamaua in 1942 to the defeat at Wau in 1943. Drawing on recollections from over seventy veterans and first-hand knowledge of the region, all aspects are brought together in one readable volume.Bradley describes the early WWII conflicts in New Guinea, from the Japanese landing at Salamaua in 1942 to the defeat at Wau in 1943. Drawing on recollections from over seventy veterans and first-hand knowledge of the region, all aspects are brought together in one readable volume.The Battle for Wau brings together for the first time the full story of the early World War II conflicts in New Guinea, from the landing of the Japanese at Salamaua in March 1942 to their defeat at Wau in February 1943. Phillip Bradley draws on the recollections of over 70 veterans from the campaign and on his own first-hand knowledge of the region. Beginning with the early commando operations in Salamaua, the story unfolds with the burning of Wau, the clashes around Mubo, the Japanese convoy to Lae and the United States air operation to Wau. The book climaxes with the fortitude of Captain Sherlock's outnumbered company. Desperately fighting an enemy regiment debouching from the rugged unguarded ranges to the east, Sherlock's men fought to hold Wau airfield open for the arrival of vital reinforcements.Maps; Foreword Peter Ryan; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations; Prologue; 1. Salamaua Falls; 2. Commandos; 3. Scorched Earth; 4. Undermined; 5. Convoy; 6. Assault on Mubo; 7. 17th Brigade; 8. 'They came like the rain'; 9. 'Lifeblood of green'; 10. Force of arms; 11. Lost airmen; 12. Retreat from Wau; Conclusion; Notes; Bibliography; Index. Bradley has done a good job of piecing together a 'who was where, when' account of a battle fought over difficult terrain dominated by narrow jungle tracks. -John Burton, Pacifica Affairs