Turning Point cover art

Turning Point

The Battle for Milne Bay 1942 - Japan's first land defeat in World War II

 Preview
Try Standard free
Select 1 audiobook a month from our entire collection.
Listen to your selected audiobooks as long as you're a member.
Auto-renews at $8.99/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Turning Point

By: Michael Veitch
Narrated by: Michael Veitch
Try Standard free

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $27.99

Buy Now for $27.99

About this listen

 The Battle for Milne Bay - Japan's first defeat on land in the Second World War - was a defining moment in the evolution of the indomitable Australian fighting spirit. For the men of the AIF, the militia and the RAAF, it was the turning point in the Pacific, and their finest - though now largely forgotten - hour. Forgotten, until now.

In August 1942, Japan's forces were unstoppable. Having conquered vast swathes of south-east Asia - Malaya, Singapore, the Dutch East Indies - and now invading New Guinea, many feared the Empire of the Rising Sun stood poised to knock down Australia's northern door.

But first they needed Port Moresby. In the still of an August night, Japanese marines sailed quietly into Milne Bay, a long, malaria-ridden dead end at the far eastern tip of Papua, to unleash an audacious pincer movement. Unbeknown to them, however, a secret airstrip had been carved out of a coconut plantation by US Engineers, and a garrison of Australian troops had been established, supported by two locally based squadrons of RAAF Kittyhawks, including the men of the famed 75 Squadron. The scene was set for one of the most decisive and vicious battles of the war.

For ten days and nights Australia's soldiers and airmen fought the elite of Japan's forces along a sodden jungle track, and forced them back step by muddy, bloody step.

In Turning Point, bestselling author Michael Veitch brings to life the incredible exploits and tragic sacrifices of these Australian heroes. Air Forces Armed Forces Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Military Oceania War Imperial Japan Solider Australia World War Ii

Critic Reviews

Veitch has done a wonderful job . . . a fast-paced and thrilling tale
should be part of Australian military folklore
fascinating . . . Veitch brings the story vividly to life
All stars
Most relevant
Great research and presentation again by Michael. Dark time in our history, but must be told. It’s terrible that the Japanese people want this whole episode of the atrocities committed in WW11 by their forbears hidden away like it never happened. Lest we forget….

Turning Point by Michael Veitch

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Well written, having worked there in 1987, it made a lot of sense.
listing to the story one gets the feeling of being right there.
was up set to learn what the US General had to say about Australians as fighters. He just could not accept that anyone else could fight.

Excellent.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Great to hear a story of how our histroy, valour, mateship and Aussie spirt was made

LEST WE FORGET

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
It is just a great read. I have listen to it twice and really enjoy it.

Great listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
What a hero “Silent Cyril” is. And how unsung.

The turning point of the War in the Pacific, Veitch’s work is thoroughly researched. Well written. And exceptionally performed.

This ought to be mandatory reading or listening for every Australian.

This story must be heard

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews
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.