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In August 1944, the quiet Australian town of Cowra became the site of the largest prisoner-of-war breakout in history. This gripping account details the desperate actions of Japanese prisoners held in captivity, their failed attempts at resistance, and the violent eruption that followed. Hugh Clarke presents a meticulously researched narrative that moves from the front lines of the New Guinea campaign to the barbed-wire compounds of Cowra. By drawing on official court of inquiry records and personal testimonies, the book illuminates the tragic human reality behind the statistics. It explores the cultural misunderstandings, the profound sense of shame felt by the captives, and the eventual post-war reconciliation that transformed a site of trauma into a place of reflection. This is an essential read for those interested in the often-overlooked events of the Pacific theatre and the enduring legacy of the Second World War. Through haunting personal reflections and historical analysis, it provides a sobering look at the vanity of war and the search for identity amidst the ruins of conflict.
Used (good, see images, some yellowing) Softcover ISBN 9780091827762
