Scattered Under the Rising Sun : The Gordon Highlanders in the Far East, 1941–1945
This item is only available to U.S. billing addresses.
Overview
The harrowing true story of the Scottish battalion that spent over three years in Japanese captivity during World War II.
Posted to Singapore in 1937 with their families, the members of the 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders found themselves fighting bravely when the Japanese invaded Malaya in December 1941. But by mid-February came the surrender of Singapore, and those who were not killed became POWs.
After initial incarceration in Singapore, the Gordons were dispersed to work on the famous Thai-Burma railway, in the mines of Taiwan and Japan, and on other slave labor projects. The conditions they existed under defy modern comprehension. Others died trapped in hell-ships torpedoed by allied submarines. Of the thousand men involved initially, over four hundred had died before liberation in summer 1945. Despite their diverse backgrounds, all the men had been bound by close regimental spirit, and all suffered hard labor, starvation, brutality, and tropical diseases. Rank was no protection from death.
The author of this history has researched the plight of these extraordinary men, so many of whom never saw their native Scotland again. Despite the grim conditions, he captures the strong collective regimental spirit and the humor and cooperation that saved so many who would otherwise have perished. This is an inspiring tale of courage and survival against appalling odds.
This item is Non-Returnable
Details
- ISBN: 9781783830367
- Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
- Date: Jan 2013
- Seller Statement: Sold by Open Road Media, Inc
