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Australia's Secret Army

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Australia's Secret Army

By: Michael Veitch
Narrated by: Michael Veitch
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About this listen

Established after World War I by the Royal Australian Navy, the Coast Watchers were a loose organisation of several hundred European settlers, missionaries, patrol officers and planters living in British and Australian Pacific Island territories whose job it was to observe and report on the enemy. They were mostly all unpaid volunteers whose job it was simply to observe and report on foreign shipping and aeroplane movements.

It was never envisaged that the Coast Watchers would do any fighting, nor operate inside enemy-occupied territory. But when World War II came to the Pacific, that is exactly what they ended up doing, becoming, in effect, Australia's secret army. Fully cognisant of their fate should they be caught, they nonetheless battled not just the enemy, but constant exhaustion, tropical disease, and the ever-present spectre of capture, torture and death.

Without the Coast Watchers and the crucial intelligence they provided, key moments in the war could have turned out very differently. This is the story of these unsung heroes who risked their lives—and sometimes lost them—in the service of their country.

©2022 Michael Veitch (P)2022 Hachette Australia Pty Ltd Armed Forces Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Military Oceania Special & Elite Forces War Air Force
All stars
Most relevant
This was a really interesting story, highly recommend taking the time to listen to it.

Fascinating bit of history

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Amazing history
The forgotten heroes that now cannot be forgotten thanks to Michael Veitech.
Great voice for narration

Admiration

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I didn’t know about these amazing people and this was such a well researched story of such bravery and dedication. Thank you so very much.

Brilliantly written

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thank you so much for this wonderful true story of some very brave people

just a wonderful true story

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What An incredible story of bravery and resilience in the face of a brutal Japanese enemy,

Unsung heroes

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.