Defying the Odds

This is the first full-length account of the experiences of a unique group of 145 Australian officers who were held prisoner by the Japanese at Sandakan, and later at Kuching, from 1942 to 1945. Sandakan is one of the least known - and least commemorated - of WWII wartime atrocities. The officers were separated from their men in October 1943 in order to lessen their influence over them, after a radio and intelligence network was uncovered in the camp. Uniquely, they were the only officers who were required by the Japanese to undertake heavy manual labour along with the other ranks over an extended period of time (twelve months). This is not a story of atrocities, although torture, beatings and abuse did occur. It is, rather, a story of the struggle to survive with ever diminishing resources, and the determination to maintain morale by reading, studying and the unearthing of musical and acting talents. Educational activities organised by the officers helped to inspire the will to live and were far more comprehensive than those of any other group of POWs. After the war these former POWs held frequent reunions where, despite the brutality and trauma they had suff. These are USED books. Please only purchase if you are happy with that. Images & Editions We use stock images and database descriptions based on the ISBN. The image shown may NOT be the actual book cover you will receive. Covers, editions, printings, and publishers may differ. If you need a specific cover, edition, or printing, please contact us before purchasing. What "Used" Means Because these books are pre-owned: Colouring books may be coloured in Textbooks may have answers filled in, highlighting, notes, or underlining Workbooks may have writing inside Access codes, download codes, CDs, DVDs, or online content are usually missing or already used Books that originally came with toys, inserts, maps, cards, or bonus items will usually NOT include them Pages may be folded, marked, or show normal signs of use If you are buying a book for anything other than reading (e.g. colouring, study use, collecting, gifts, specific covers, bonus items, or digital access), used books may not be suitable. Condition All books are listed as Used - Good Books are clean and readable but not new Some books may have: Writing, highlighting, or markings Folded pages or minor wear A small warehouse or inventory sticker on the spine Original retailer stickers (we do not remove them) Our Process We purchase books by the pallet and scan thousands at a time. For this reason, we cannot photograph or individually inspect every book. Acknowledgement By purchasing, you acknowledge that: You understand the book is used You accept the condition and limitations described above Stock images and descriptions may not exactly match the item received Thank you for supporting Oak Books and helping give books a second life.…