Men of ANGAU - A History of the Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit

Mostly Unsung Military History Research and Publication, 2020. New book, 131 pages. ANGAU - the Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit, or 'Angow' as it was commonly referred to, was the largest and most diverse Australian Military Force unit in World War Two. Although its role was primarily to administer the areas of Papua New Guinea in the sudden absence of all forms of civil control and administration, ANGAU was a military unit and charged also with operational roles in a hostile, unforgiving environment, facing and indeed often behind the lines of a ruthless enemy. Perhaps more important was the vision of those who created and managed the unit with an eye to the future of an emerging nation, long after the guns had fallen silent. The focus of this book is on those who served. Each and every digger with ANGAU is identified herein and their story has a least been touched on. Warriors, spies, patrol officers, plantation managers, agronomists, lawyers, veterinarians, drivers, mechanics, and so many more plying not only new military traders, but other skills they brought from their civilian life to coax and encourage the people of Papua and New Guinea to survive the ravages of war, and emerge triumphant. Over 3,300 men are a last identified by name and often personal deed. These men were the heart and soul of a unit which helped defeat a most formidable enemy. The supported and befriended the hard pressed civilian population and in so doing gave New Guinea, and Australia, a legacy of goodwill and accomplishment which remains evident today.. Signed by Author. Soft Cover. As New. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" Tall.