11 March 1942: The Japanese have stormed the Philippines, forcing US general Douglas MacArthur to flee with his family, escaping by the skin of their teeth to the nearest safe country - Australia.
Meanwhile, Australia's foremost general, Thomas Blamey, is ordered home from the Middle East by Prime Minister Curtin to tackle the military emergency suddenly facing our nation, with invasion appearing imminent.
These two generals, both with colourful pasts and intensely clashing personalities, are now tasked with defending Australia against the Japanese war machine. One will lead us to victory, the other will claim the glory.
In The Battle of the Generals, Roland Perry, bestselling author of Monash and The Changi Brownlow, does full justice to the dramatic story of MacArthur, Blamey and the desperate defence of Australia in World War II.
Praise for Roland Perry:
'Stirring stuff . . . generations to come should salute their memory.' Weekend Australian on Monash & Chauvel
'Roland writes well and engagingly.' The Age on Anzac Sniper
'I can unashamedly recommend this very readable book, particularly as it fills in a major gap in Australia's history.' Major General Jim Barry (retired) on Pacific 360
'Given our reputation in war, which is strong, and our reputation in sport, which is also strong, The Changi Brownlow is a fascinating combination.' Ron Barassi on The Changi Brownlow
'The first great read about the victories of the Australian cavalry in Arabia.' The Australian on The Australian Light Horse
'Highly readable . . . inspiring.' Herald Sun on Monash
By:
Roland Perry
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 153mm,
ISBN: 9781761470493
ISBN 10: 1761470493
Pages: 384
Publication Date: 01 October 2024
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
Map: The Pacific Theatre of World War II PART ONE: The Generals 1 The Theatrical Commander 2 Trained and Primed 3 MacArthur and Rosario 4 Of 'Doubtful Character' 5 Savige Intervention 6 Blamey's Choices 7 MacArthur's Dilemma 8 Commander-in-Chief 9 MacArthur Escapes 10 Curtin Upbeat 11 War Councils 12 Blamey Returns 13 MacArthur Takes Charge 14 Blamey Hits Back PART TWO: Japan Attacks in the Pacific 15 Japanese Navy Plans 16 Battle of the Coral Sea 17 Sydney Harbour Shock 18 Just Another Pacific Island 19 Battle of Midway 20 MacArthur's Doubtful Reassurance 21 The Americans Are Here PART THREE: Japan Attacks Australian Territory 22 Invasion Day 23 MacArthur Blinded 24 Templeton's Courageous Disinformation 25 Popular Potts 26 Milne Bay: Hell on Earth 27 Doing it Potts's Way 28 Hard Commander 29 Politician Panic 30 Pressure Mounts PART FOUR: The Japanese Retreat from Papua and New Guinea 31 MacArthur Visits Port Moresby 32 Reversal of Fortunes 33 Back to Kokoda 34 Blamey's Error 35 Diggers' Victory 36 MacArthur's Embarrassment 37 The Enemy Digs In 38 Back in Action 39 Australian Victory in East Gona 40 Sanananda 41 And Still They Come . . . 42 The Captain's Pick 43 'The Holding War is Over' 44 Blamey's Amphibious Success 45 PNG: Mission Accomplished PART FIVE: War End Games 46 Japan in the Sights 47 An Offer for Blamey 48 Curtin's Word 49 Clash of the Titans 50 Blamey's Miscalculation 51 Blamey Threats, MacArthur Frets PART SIX: Old Generals Don't Die 52 MacArthur's Farewell 53 Island-hopping 54 Kamikaze Chaos 55 Blamey Focuses on Borneo 56 Curtin Dies a Hero 57 Blamey's Due 58 MacArthur Oversteps 59 A Field Marshal Down Postscript Acknowledgements Notes Bibliography Index
Roland Perry OAM is one of Australia's best-known authors. He has written 40 books, many of them bestsellers, including Bill the Bastard, Horrie the War Dog, The Australian Light Horse, The Changi Brownlow, Monash & Chauvel and Anzac Sniper.
