To Kokoda and Beyond

Compiled by Victor Austin

The Story of the 39th Battalion 1941-1943. Formed in haste in 1941, this proud battalion was largely composed of untrained 18-19 year old Victorians, armed with First World War weapons. Destined for passive garrison duty in Australian administered Papua, the 39th Battalion found itself in Port Moresby in the front line of Australia's defence, just weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. Within months, they were suddenly the front line troops on hte Kokoda Track. Victor Austin's account is given dramatic effect and balance by the inclusion of excerpts from Japanese officers' diaries during the Papuan Campaign. Second Edition. Hard cover, illustrated, 319 pages.