Turning Point

The Battle for Milne Bay 1942 - Japan's first land defeat in World War II

By: Michael Veitch

Narrated by: Michael Veitch

The Battle for Milne Bay - Japan's first defeat on land in the Second World War - was a defining moment in the evolution of the indomitable Australian fighting spirit. For the men of the AIF, the militia and the RAAF, it was the turning point in the Pacific, and their finest - though now largely forgotten - hour. Forgotten, until now.

In August 1942, Japan's forces were unstoppable. Having conquered vast swathes of south-east Asia - Malaya, Singapore, the Dutch East Indies - and now invading New Guinea, many feared the Empire of the Rising Sun stood poised to knock down Australia's northern door.

But first they needed Port Moresby. In the still of an August night, Japanese marines sailed quietly into Milne Bay, a long, malaria-ridden dead end at the far eastern tip of Papua, to unleash an audacious pincer movement. Unbeknown to them, however, a secret airstrip had been carved out of a coconut plantation by US Engineers, and a garrison of Australian troops had been established, supported by two locally based squadrons of RAAF Kittyhawks, including the men of the famed 75 Squadron. The scene was set for one of the most decisive and vicious battles of the war.

For ten days and nights Australia's soldiers and airmen fought the elite of Japan's forces along a sodden jungle track, and forced them back step by muddy, bloody step.

In Turning Point, bestselling author Michael Veitch brings to life the incredible exploits and tragic sacrifices of these Australian heroes.

Critic reviews

Veitch has done a wonderful job . . . a fast-paced and thrilling tale

should be part of Australian military folklore

fascinating . . . Veitch brings the story vividly to life

Amazing Aussie Valor

The Battle of Milne Bay is completely overlooked in WWII history. And it's rarely even mentioned as the first Japanese land defeat largely because it is completely dwarfed by Guadalcanal. And lest we forget, it was the RAAF that saved the day here. All credit goes to the bravest of brave Australian warriors. The Allies were prepared for the Japanese onslaught, which secured the victory. However the losses were absolutely devastating. But as with so many of these stories, the untold men battled through malaria, the oppressing weather, and countless other atrocities. And they never grumbled or wavered in their duty. Oh to have these men today. Thank you Michael Veitch for writing this book about this little known battle and win for the RAAF and the Allies in the Pacific.

Michael Veitch is a wonderful narrator. Again, this is one of the rare times where an author is as good of a narrator as a writer. That's not very common. Wonderful all the way around.

a battle outside of Australia nobody was ever taug

the victor usually writes the history except in the case of Japan. and as an American we're never told about victories of other countries even Lennon graph we're taught was barely a victory. this is why learning history is so important so that we never repeat it. knowing the crimes and mistakes of your country for that reason

It was okay...

Im a tough critic and have read plenty of WW2 books. This one is a good sale book.