Sue Bagust

Every Man For Himself Sue Bagust

When Singapore fell and the Japanese military machine surged south, Australia found herself abandoned and alone. Despite Australia's enthusiastic support of Britain and the USA's diplomatic and foreign policies since Australia became a country, Mother England and Uncle Sam saw Australia only as a minor pawn that could be easily sacrificed in their world war and not as an equal ally. Australia's Prime Minister Curtin had to withstand strong diplomatic pressure from both Britain and the USA to return Australia's army from the Middle East to defend their homeland. In the meantime, Australia's army issued their infamous "Every Man for Himself" order to their beleaguered troops stationed in New Britain. The diggers of Rabaul's Lark Force found themselves abandoned by their country in an unknown land without supplies, medical aid, leadership, tactical support or any official plans for rescue.1942 was a time when many Australians felt the bite of betrayal from those they trusted to lead and protect them and learned instead how to trust themselves and their mates to ultimately save themselves, their families and their country. This novel tells the story of this time and these people.