My War is an extraordinary and vivid memoir that captures the raw, untold experiences of Brian Walpole, a young Australian soldier serving in the crucible of the Second World War. Departing Melbourne at twenty, Walpole was thrust into the dense jungles of New Guinea as a member of one of Australia’s first commando units. His journey eventually led him into the clandestine and perilous world of the elite Z Special Unit in Borneo. Here, in a surreal collision of cultures, he fought alongside Sea Dyak headhunters, forging bonds in the heart of the jungle.
Far from a standard military account, this narrative balances the grim, grotesque realities of combat with a profound zest for life. Walpole’s voice remains that of a youthful digger, brimming with wit, humour, and an unorthodox spirit that refuses to be dampened by the horrors of war. From fishing with hand grenades to the complexities of romance and the camaraderie of service, this book offers a unique, honest, and utterly captivating insight into an incredible chapter of Australian history that remains largely unknown.
Used (good, see images, some yellowing and minor cover wear) Softcover ISBN 0733314635
