Items related to Unsung, Ordinary Men: A Generation Like No Other
Synopsis
Max Butler, Sally's father, was a member of the 2/40th, a battalion of volunteers from the bottom of the world, mostly Tasmanian, almost 900 men; many were sons of World War I veterans, sons who were never given a fighting chance when they were effectively abandoned on Timor - courtesy of the unprepared authorities - with a few rifles and old Lewis guns, insufficient submachine guns and precious little ammunition. The Australian military underestimated Japanese capabilities and strength and Churchill decided that Australia's first duty lay in the defence, not of Australia, but of Burma - all for Britain.
All this together with orders such as those coming from Major General Sydney Howell, 'to put up the best defence possible with the resources you have at your disposal'. These men turned and faced the onslaught. With absolute courage. Timor was the last of the islands to fall to the Japanese. The prisoners they became were spread throughout the Japanese prisoner-of-war camps scattered over the Pacific. Where their real nightmares began...
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About the Author
Sally was born in Tasmania in 1953. She got a BA in politics and history before going to live in Australia where she had a variety of jobs including in television and radio. She then got a Diploma of Journalism and is married with two children.
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