Should We Fall to Ruin: New Guinea, 1942. The untold true story of a remote garrison and their battle against extraordinary odds.

During World War II, Australian soldiers and nurses stationed at the New Guinea port of Rabaul were considered "hostages to fortune" and were left with no modern equipment, no lifeline to the outside, and no means of escape when the Japanese invaded in 1942. Many were captured and killed in the sinking of the prison ship Montevideo Maru, but the surviving soldiers and nurses continued to fight the Japanese on other fronts or witness the collapse of the Japanese Empire from the inside. Their letters and diaries provide a detailed account of this untold period in military history, showcasing bravery and resilience in the face of an unstoppable enemy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2022
Publisher: Ultimo Press

When Japan invaded New Guinea in 1942, the Australian men and women stationed at the port of Rabaul found themselves trapped and isolated. Their government had written them off as "hostages to fortune," and they were left with no modern equipment, no communication with the outside world, and no means of escape. Most of the garrison was captured and killed when the prison ship Montevideo Maru sank, which remains Australia's worst sea disaster. However, a handful of surviving soldiers and nurses continued to fight the Japanese on other fronts or witnessed the collapse of the Japanese Empire from within.

Their letters and diaries provide a rich and detailed account of this untold period in military history. They reveal the bravery and resilience of the individuals who faced seemingly insurmountable odds. Should We Fall to Ruin is a compelling tale of bravery and resilience in the face of an unstoppable enemy. It sheds light on the sacrifices made by these individuals and their contributions to the war effort.

The book is filled with first-person accounts, providing a personal perspective on the events of that time. The soldiers and nurses describe the hardships they endured, the battles they fought, and the emotions they felt as they witnessed the collapse of the Japanese Empire. They also provide insights into the political and social context of the war, including the role of Australia and its allies in the fight against Japan.

Overall, Should We Fall to Ruin is a valuable addition to the literature on World War II. It offers a fresh perspective on a lesser-known period of military history and provides a compelling account of the bravery and resilience of the individuals who faced impossible circumstances.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 235 x 145 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781761150067