Sergeant Richard Cecil James AAMC served as a nursing orderly with the 2/7 Field Ambulance (New Guinea Campaign) during World War II. He was on the front lines, tended to the wounded, and comforted the dying. He worked tirelessly alongside others who did the same. Many have documented the courage and sacrifice of the Australian troops on the Kokoda Trail, but perhaps never penned as beautifully as in this volume. More than just a historical narrative, this account comes alive from the pen of one who was there and witnessed the harsh and brutal struggle first-hand. The almost poetic descriptions of the jungle landscape starkly contrast with the accounts of hard-fought battles and incredible bravery and commitment. Factual, moving and beautifully descriptive, yes. But also informative, as Sergeant James's accurate note-taking and razor-sharp memory recount high-level conversations from the command tents. Sergeant James and these young Australians went to fight for their country and deserve an account like this to secure their place in the history books.
