Description
Discover the remarkable tale of a true Australian hero in 'Bastard Behind the Lines'. This gripping true story by Jock McLaren chronicles the audacious exploits of a Scottish-born Queenslander, who defied the odds as a prisoner of war. Escaping twice from notorious camps, including Changi and Sandakan, he became a symbol of resilience and bravery in World War II. After a thrilling escape in a dugout canoe, McLaren joined forces with American-led Filipino guerrillas, launching daring raids that left the Japanese scrambling. His exploits were so audacious that the Japanese placed a price on his head! Noble and fierce, he commandeered his 26-foot whaleboat, the Bastard, to strike fear into enemy-held harbors, skillfully wielding machine guns and mortars. In 1945, he became a part of Australia's covert Z Special Unit, conducting perilous reconnaissance missions and organizing resistance. This meticulously researched narrative utilizes both Allied and Japanese war documents to cast a spotlight on McLaren's life and the larger context of Australia's role in the Pacific War. Perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in the courageous tales of war heroes, this compelling read is a must-have for your collection. Get ready to be inspired by McLaren's story of survival, defiance, and sheer willpower. Order now to receive your copy promptly, shipped directly to your door!
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781760875879
Year: 2021
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Description:
'The way I look at it is this...When you're behind the line and get yourself into trouble, you've got to get your bloody self out irrespective of anybody else. That's why I like it.'
Scottish-born but a Queenslander to the bone, Jock McLaren was a true Australian hero. As a prisoner he escaped twice, first from Changi and later from the infamous Sandakan POW camp in Borneo. After paddling a dugout canoe across open sea, he fought for two years with American-led Filipino guerrillas, his exploits so audacious the Japanese put a price on his head.
At the helm of his 26-foot whaleboat, the Bastard, McLaren sailed brazenly into enemy-held harbours, wreaking havoc with his mortar and machine guns before heading back out to sea. In early 1945 he joined Australia's secretive Z Special Unit, parachuting into Borneo to carry out reconnaissance and organise anti-Japanese resistance ahead of Allied landings. He cheated death on numerous occasions and saved his own life by removing his appendix without anaesthetic, using 'two large dessert spoons' and a razor blade.
Drawing on Allied and Japanese wartime documents, Bastard Behind the Lines brings the story of a courageous digger vividly to life and throws light on a rarely explored aspect of Australia's Pacific war.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781760875879
Year: 2021
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Description:
'The way I look at it is this...When you're behind the line and get yourself into trouble, you've got to get your bloody self out irrespective of anybody else. That's why I like it.'
Scottish-born but a Queenslander to the bone, Jock McLaren was a true Australian hero. As a prisoner he escaped twice, first from Changi and later from the infamous Sandakan POW camp in Borneo. After paddling a dugout canoe across open sea, he fought for two years with American-led Filipino guerrillas, his exploits so audacious the Japanese put a price on his head.
At the helm of his 26-foot whaleboat, the Bastard, McLaren sailed brazenly into enemy-held harbours, wreaking havoc with his mortar and machine guns before heading back out to sea. In early 1945 he joined Australia's secretive Z Special Unit, parachuting into Borneo to carry out reconnaissance and organise anti-Japanese resistance ahead of Allied landings. He cheated death on numerous occasions and saved his own life by removing his appendix without anaesthetic, using 'two large dessert spoons' and a razor blade.
Drawing on Allied and Japanese wartime documents, Bastard Behind the Lines brings the story of a courageous digger vividly to life and throws light on a rarely explored aspect of Australia's Pacific war.