Bastard Behind the Lines: The extraordinary story of Jock McLaren's escape from Sandakan and his guerrilla war against the Japanese

Jock McLaren was a Scottish-born Australian hero who escaped twice from Changi and Sandakan POW camps. He fought with American-led Filipino guerrillas and sailed into enemy-held harbours on his 26-foot whaleboat, the Bastard. He joined Australia's secretive Z Special Unit in 1945 and parachuted into Borneo to carry out reconnaissance and organise anti-Japanese resistance. He cheated death on numerous occasions and saved his own life by removing his appendix without anaesthetic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Allen & Unwin

When faced with adversity, one must take personal responsibility and find a way out, regardless of the circumstances or the opinions of others. This is a principle that resonates with me deeply.

Scottish-born but a Queenslander to the core, Jock McLaren was a true Australian hero. As a prisoner, he not only escaped from Changi but also from the notorious Sandakan POW camp in Borneo. After an incredible journey, he fought for two years alongside American-led Filipino guerrillas, his bravery and exploits earning him a price on his head from the Japanese.

At the helm of his 26-foot whaleboat, the Bastard, McLaren sailed fearlessly into enemy-held harbours, using his mortar and machine guns to wreak havoc before retreating back to sea. In early 1945, he joined Australia's secretive Z Special Unit, parachuting into Borneo to carry out reconnaissance and organize anti-Japanese resistance ahead of Allied landings. Throughout his remarkable journey, McLaren faced countless dangers and narrowly escaped death on numerous occasions. He even saved his own life by removing his appendix without anaesthetic, using only two large dessert spoons and a razor blade.

Drawing on Allied and Japanese wartime documents, Bastard Behind the Lines brings the story of this courageous digger to life, offering a rare insight into Australia's Pacific war. Jock McLaren's unwavering determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that in the face of adversity, we must never give up and always find a way to overcome challenges and emerge victorious.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 235 x 155 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781760875879