The Coast Watchers
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15
Ratings1
Average rating4
After Pearl Harbor, Japan swept unchecked through the Pacific. But a tiny band of brave men stayed behind the enemy lines. Aided by loyal islanders, they watched and they warned. They were the Coast Watchers. They saved countless lives - including that of future US President John F. Kennedy - and they changed the course of the Pacific War. They knew capture meant certain execution but, while the Japanese hunted them, they moved and hid in the jungle, taking their cumbersome teleradios with them (equipment that took more than a dozen men to transport). They warned of Japanese air strikes, reported on the movements of their shipping and troops, and saved scores of downed airmen. Their reports gave vital warning time to the Allies and allowed them to take a decisive toll on the enemy. The famed American admiral, William 'Bull' Halsey summed it up- 'Guadalcanal saved the Pacific, and the Coast Watchers saved Guadalcanal.'
Reviews with the most likes.
Populist in presentation and not a definitive history of The Coast Watchers but a very readable book none the less. I would suggest that for the novice on the subject, such as myself, this is a good place to start.
Following a few of the individuals and the events that surrounded their Coast Watching, author Patrick Lindsay has presented a well-researched book with good footnotes and an excellent bibliography.
Many of the watchers were in fact civilians prior to the Japanese invasion of the south Pacific Islands and one has to admire their tenacity in the face of grave danger. Lindsay states that 36 died in action. As US Commander Admiral Fitch wrote “Your constant, efficient, courteous work with (his) staff has been of great value to me and all Air Services engaged in the South Pacific. Your efforts have been worthy of your superb coast-watching organisation which since the start of the campaign has merited the deep gratitude and the highest-possible admiration of all Air Forces and specially all Flyers”
Recommended to any that have an interest in a small Force that played a vital role in the war in the Pacific.
