The long road to Changi

Resource Information

The work The long road to Changi represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Randwick City Library. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

The long road to Changi

Statement of responsibility

Peter Ewer

Title variation

Long road to Changi

Title variation remainder

Australia's greatest military defeat and how it broke the bonds of empire

Creator

• trueEwer, Peter

Contributor

• Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Subject

• trueAustralia -- History, Military
• trueAustralia -- History, Military -- 20th century
• Australia -- Military relations -- Great Britain
• Great Britain -- Armed Forces -- Singapore -- History
• Great Britain -- Military relations -- Australia
• trueSingapore -- History -- Japanese occupation, 1942-1945
• Singapore -- History -- Siege, 1942
• Australia -- Armed Forces -- Singapore -- History
• World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- Singapore
• World War, 1939-1945 -- Great Britain
• World War, 1939-1945 -- Participation, Australian
• World War, 1939-1945 -- Singapore
• World War, 1939-1945 -- Singapore | Changi
• World War, 1939-1945 -- Australia

Language

eng

Summary

In the 1930s while war raged in Europe, Australians were assured by politicians that the country was safe as long as the Union Jack fluttered over 'Fortress Singapore'. The reality was so different: Britain, over-stretched and under threat, skimped on the forces it needed to hold the base. When Japanese forces began flexing their muscles in the Pacific, a hasty defence plan was put in place. Australian troops, aircrews and sailors were dispatched to Singapore as much for purposes of propaganda as anything else. The understanding was that bronzed Aussies would soon put the Japs in their place. But it was so much wishful thinking. While most books centre on the horrors of the death camps, historian Peter Ewer asks how we came to be in this mess in the first place. Why was an untested Australian military contingent expected to play a leading role in halting the cream of the Japanese army? Why did British commanders and politicians send them there - then blame them for the inevitable defeat? Could this disaster have been averted? Drawing on fresh archival research, Ewer uncovers a story of incompetent planning, powerful but flawed characters and national trauma which resonates to this day. Writing from the perspectives of foot soldiers and generals, politicians and socialites, he constructs a riveting picture of a war which was lost before it began

Dewey number

940.5425

Illustrations

• illustrations
• plates

Index

index present

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

bibliography