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Kokoda (by Paul Ham)
- Narrated by: Peter Byrne
- Length: 21 hrs and 20 mins
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A validation of the courage of those on the track
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get it right.
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For Australians, Kokoda is the iconic battle of World War II, yet few people know just what happened and just what our troops achieved. Now, best-selling author Peter FitzSimons tells the Kokoda story in a gripping, moving story for all Australians.
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Compulsory listening...we must know this.
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Within 24 hours of the Japanese invasion of Northern New Guinea at Gona in July 1942, the Australian militiamen of ‘B’ Company, 39th Battalion, spent four weeks fighting a delaying action against a crack Japanese force outnumbered by three to one. By mid-August, the rest of the battalion had arrived, and these men took up a position at Isurava, in the heart of the cloud-covered mountains and jungles of the Owen Stanley Range. The battle for Isurava would be the defining battle of the Kokoda Campaign and has rightfully been described as Australia’s Thermopylae.
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Overall
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On 21 July 1942, a large Japanese reconnaissance mission landed along the north-eastern coastline of Papua. It would soon turn into an all-out attempt to capture Port Morseby. This is the powerful story of the three weeks of battle by a small Australian militia force, the 39th Battalion, supported by the 1st Papua Infantry Battalion and the Royal Papuan Constabulary, to keep the Japanese at bay. Outnumbered by at least three to one, they fought courageously to hold the Kokoda Plateau - the gateway to the Owen Stanleys.
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For Australians, Kokoda is the iconic battle of World War II, yet few people know just what happened and just what our troops achieved. Now, best-selling author Peter FitzSimons tells the Kokoda story in a gripping, moving story for all Australians.
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Overall
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Performance
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Within 24 hours of the Japanese invasion of Northern New Guinea at Gona in July 1942, the Australian militiamen of ‘B’ Company, 39th Battalion, spent four weeks fighting a delaying action against a crack Japanese force outnumbered by three to one. By mid-August, the rest of the battalion had arrived, and these men took up a position at Isurava, in the heart of the cloud-covered mountains and jungles of the Owen Stanley Range. The battle for Isurava would be the defining battle of the Kokoda Campaign and has rightfully been described as Australia’s Thermopylae.
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Publisher's Summary
In a unique and balanced portrayal, renowned journalist Paul Ham recounts both the Australian and Japanese perspectives of the events on the hellish Papuan jungle trail where thousands fought and died during World War II.
It was a war without mercy, fought back and forth along 90 miles of river crossings, steep inclines and precipitous descents, with both sides wracked by hunger and disease, and terrified of falling into enemy hands. Defeat was unthinkable: the Australian soldier was fighting for his homeland against an unyielding aggressor; the Japanese ordered to fight to the death in a bid to conquer ‘Greater East Asia’.
Paul Ham captures the spirits of those soldiers and commanders who clashed in this war of exceptional savagery, and tells of the brave souls on both sides of the campaign whose courage and sacrifices must never be forgotten.
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- Rachael M
- 12-09-2021
Would read more of Paul Ham in the future!
Well researched and well-written! A very comprehensive look at the experience of both Australian and Japanese soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. The writer uses many primary sources, included letters and diary entries of both Australian and Japanese soldiers to showcase what soldiers on both sides of the campaign experiences. While long, it is faced paced and looks at many different people, places and events.
Would read more by Paul Ham in the future.
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- Kindle Customer
- 28-11-2021
phenomenal!
this has to be the most phenomenally researched and engaging book I've ever had the pleasure of reading, if you're interested in the new Guinea campaign in any capacity, you need to read this
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- Anonymous User
- 30-07-2019
A huge part of Australian history
A well researched and presented book describing in stunning details both sides of the battle without any form of white wash.
A truly great author.
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- Anonymous User
- 14-08-2022
Excellent
I have read the book and now listened to the Audible reading and it was excellent. It is a must listen to.
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- Mike JW Thorne
- 21-04-2020
Excellent
Having lived in PNG and been over the track, reading this book brought back a lot of what I experienced in the country.
But also gave me a true sense of what all those men must have suffered.
well worth the effort to listen to.
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- The Nautrual
- 13-09-2022
Awesome
You here about Kokoda, in the news regularly, but you really don’t know anything until you’ve read this amazingly detailed, beautifully written account of the true story which brings forth both the Australian and Japanese experiences of this truly ghastly and much under-appreciated part of the second world war in the south pacific. A must read!!
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- Anonymous User
- 17-04-2019
Kokoda
Once again Paul Ham has written an amazing book. This title is in depth and concise though still manages to mention stories involving the people who were there. This is the way all history books should be written.
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- Ben Johns
- 19-01-2021
Truly outstanding
Truly outstanding work of military history. Grand in scope, art and detail. I will be listening to more of Paul Ham’s work.
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- Andrew
- 30-04-2019
Best treatment of a poorly known campaign outside
This is a very insightful and well researched book that covers the torrid conditions that faced a few militia that faced overwhelming until reinforced by seasoned Australian troops. What made it more amazing was the absolute disconnect and intelligence failure of those military commanders Australian and American who directed the battle who had no idea of what they asked these men to do.
Many years ago I knew a man from the 39th who fought on the track. He never spoke much of what it was like. I can not tell you how hearing this book markedly increased my respect for this man and men like him had to fight in this battle.
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