James Burrows: The Last Coastwatcher

Australian Coastwatchers played a vital role providing intelligence on Japanese movements and rescuing stranded Allied personnel in the waters north of New Guinea. They faced harrowing environmental conditions and being discovered by the ever-present enemy, but kept to their task with a singular will.

Jim Burrowes joined the Second AIF in January 1942 and after qualifying as a wireless operator, transferred to M Special Unit, where he became a Coastwatcher. Now 100 years old, Burrowes, Australia’s last surviving Coastwatcher, describes his time in the islands and how he plied his trade behind enemy lines.

To read Jim’s article, purchase your copy of Wartime here.