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Beyond adversity
William Park
'U' Company, 15th Battalion 1941 - 1942. In late 1941, about 100 university students began their short-term compulsory military training with the 15th Infantry Battalion. Most were aged 19-22, had daytime jobs and were evening or external students from the arts, commerce and law faculties. They were ambitious, hard-working young men anxious to make their way in the world. With their compulsory military training due to end in early 1942, and the students would be released to return to their jobs and continue their part-time studies. The outbreak of the Pacific War on 7 December changed everything. From Caloundra to Townsville and on to to New Guinea, the 15th Battalion took part in the Salamaua and Lae campaigns and did not return to Brisbane until mid 1944. Later that year they were sent to fight in Bougainville. The Battalion finally returned home at the beginning of 1946. After the war, most returned to their studies and jobs within the community. This book tells the story of those Queensland University students of ‘U’ Company, 15th Battalion during its brief existence. It covers their wartime service in all its tragedy and triumph and how they resumed their lives, studies and careers once the war was over. Hard cover, photographs, 361 pages.
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