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Kokoda

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Kokoda

By: Paul Ham
Narrated by: Peter Byrne
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About this listen

 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.©2004 Paul Ham (P)2010 Bolinda Publishing Military World War Solider Imperial Japan
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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

phenomenal!

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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.

Excellent

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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!!

Awesome

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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.

A huge part of Australian history

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I have read the book and now listened to the Audible reading and it was excellent. It is a must listen to.

Excellent

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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.

Would read more of Paul Ham in the future!

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For anyone with an ounce of Australian patriotism or any amateur historian or even anyone who wants to know about ANZAC’s most influential part in the enormous orchestra that is world war 2.

An absolute beauty.

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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.

Kokoda

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Truly outstanding work of military history. Grand in scope, art and detail. I will be listening to more of Paul Ham’s work.

Truly outstanding

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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.

Best treatment of a poorly known campaign outside

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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.