The Cowra Breakout

During World War II, a large prison break occurred at a POW camp in Cowra, New South Wales, involving over a thousand Japanese prisoners of war. The Cowra Breakout was the only land battle of World War II fought on Australian soil, and it resulted in the deaths of five Australian soldiers and over 230 Japanese POWs. This book by bestselling historian Mat McLachlan tells the story of the breakout, highlighting the bravery of the Australian soldiers and the negligence and complacency of the authorities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2022
Publisher: Hachette Australia

The captivating tale of a missing piece of Australia's World War II history unfolds through the insightful words of bestselling historian Mat McLachlan (Walking with the Anzacs, Gallipoli: The Battlefield Guide). During World War II, in the town of Cowra in central New South Wales, Japanese prisoners of war were confined in a POW camp. By August 1944, over a thousand inmates were interned, and on the chilly night of August 5th, they orchestrated one of the most significant prison breakouts in history, initiating the sole land battle of World War II to take place on Australian soil. The Cowra Breakout resulted in the tragic loss of five Australian soldiers and over 230 Japanese POWs.

This enthralling and captivating book, penned by one of Australia's foremost battlefield historians, vividly chronicles the entire story of the Breakout. It is a tale of brave warriors and unconventional Australian soldiers. Of negligence and complacency, and of authorities too slow to recognize danger before it occurred and too quick to cover it up when it was too late. However, it primarily revolves around the raw human emotions and the extremes individuals will resort to when they believe all hope is lost.

The book delves into the intricate details of the planning and execution of the Breakout, shedding light on the bravery and resilience of the prisoners of war. It explores the complex relationships between the Australian soldiers and their Japanese counterparts, highlighting the mutual respect and admiration that developed despite the circumstances. The author also sheds light on the political and military implications of the Breakout, examining how it impacted the course of the war and the subsequent treatment of Japanese prisoners of war.

Through a combination of historical research, personal anecdotes, and eyewitness accounts, the book provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Cowra Breakout. It offers a poignant reflection on the human cost of war and the sacrifices made by individuals on both sides of the conflict. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Australian history, World War II, or the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 234 x 154 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780733647628