Synopsis
Alistair Urquhart was a soldier in the Gordon Highlanders, captured by the Japanese in Singapore. Forced into manual labor as a POW, he survived 750 days in the jungle working as a slave on the notorious “Death Railway” and building the Bridge on the River Kwai. Subsequently, he moved to work on a Japanese “hellship,” his ship was torpedoed, and nearly everyone on board the ship died. Not Urquhart. After five days adrift on a raft in the South China Sea, he was rescued by a Japanese whaling ship.
His luck would only get worse as he was taken to Japan and forced to work in a mine near Nagasaki. Two months later, he was just ten miles from ground zero when an atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. In late August 1945, he was freed by the American Navy—a living skeleton—and had his first wash in three and a half years.
This is the extraordinary story of a young man, conscripted at nineteen, who survived not just one, but three encounters with death, any of which should have probably killed him. Silent for over fifty years, this is Urquhart’s inspirational tale in his own words. It is as moving as any memoir and as exciting as any great war movie.
His luck would only get worse as he was taken to Japan and forced to work in a mine near Nagasaki. Two months later, he was just ten miles from ground zero when an atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. In late August 1945, he was freed by the American Navy—a living skeleton—and had his first wash in three and a half years.
This is the extraordinary story of a young man, conscripted at nineteen, who survived not just one, but three encounters with death, any of which should have probably killed him. Silent for over fifty years, this is Urquhart’s inspirational tale in his own words. It is as moving as any memoir and as exciting as any great war movie.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review
A story of almost unimaginable suffering.
Riveting, powerful, moving.
Memorable, vivid, relentless.
In his memoir, Urquhart employs matter-of-fact prose that is somehow perfectly appropriate to describe the horrors he experienced. Although grateful and positive about the many benefits in his long life he describes himself as a lucky man he is angry at the Japanese government's lack of acknowledgment of Japan's wartime abuses, and he feels neglected by his own government. His story makes clear that he has every right to feel that way.
A remarkable memoir.
Urquhart. imprisoned in the Kanyu camps, forced to build the Death Railway, herded on the 'hell ship' Kachidoki Maru, and forced to work in mines around Nagasaki, is in a survival league of his own.
Compelling . . .A book that must be read.
Urquhart grabs our attention with unforgettable stories.
Book Description
* An extraordinary and moving tale by an ex-POW and last surviving member of the Gordon Highlanders regiment that was captured by the Japanese in Singapore, out now in paperback
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The Forgotten Highlander: An Incredible WWII Story of Survival in the Pacific
Seller: HPB-Red, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have some wear or writing/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_418368441
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The Forgotten Highlander: An Incredible WWII Story of Survival in the Pacific
Seller: ThriftBooks-Reno, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Former library book; Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G161608152XI5N10
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The Forgotten Highlander: An Incredible WWII Story of Survival in the Pacific
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Former library book; Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G161608152XI5N10
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The Forgotten Highlander: An Incredible WWII Story of Survival in the Pacific
Seller: HPB-Movies, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_454414455
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Forgotten Highlander,The: An Incredible
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Hardcover. Seller Inventory # 978161608152U
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THE FORGOTTEN HIGHLANDER: An Incredible WWII Story of Survival in the Pacific
Published by
Skyhorse Publishing, NY, 2010
ISBN 10: 161608152X
ISBN 13: 9781616081522
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: NorthStar Books, Spokane, WA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. BOOK DESCRIPTION: 8vo, 312 pgs, index, map, photo illustrations. Stated first printing of first edition. White cloth, black spine with gilt title. Dust jacket as issued. CONDITION DESCRIPTION: Fine; interior is clean and tight. Unclipped DJ is near fine in mylar sleeve. CONTENTS DESCRIPTION: "A remarkable story of survival during World War IIa Scottish soldier that survived work camps, five days adrift at sea, and the atomic bomb! Alistair Urquhart was a soldier in the Gordon Highlanders, captured by the Japanese in Singapore. Forced into manual labor as a POW, he survived 750 days in the jungle working as a slave on the notorious "Death Railway" and building the Bridge on the River Kwai. Subsequently, he moved to work on a Japanese "hellship," his ship was torpedoed, and nearly everyone on board the ship died. Not Urquhart. After five days adrift on a raft in the South China Sea, he was rescued by a Japanese whaling ship. His luck would only get worse as he was taken to Japan and forced to work in a mine near Nagasaki. Two months later, he was just ten miles from ground zero when an atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. In late August 1945, he was freed by the American Navya living skeletonand had his first wash in three and a half years. This is the extraordinary story of a young man, conscripted at nineteen, who survived not just one, but three encounters with death, any of which should have probably killed him. Silent for over fifty years, this is Urquhart's inspirational tale in his own words. It is as moving as any memoir and as exciting as any great war movie. 24 color illustrations" (PUBLISHER). Seller Inventory # 0425009
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The Forgotten Highlander: An Incredible WWII Story of Survival in the Pacific
Published by
Skyhorse Publishing, 2011
ISBN 10: 161608152X
ISBN 13: 9781616081522
New
Soft cover
First Edition
Seller: ThatsTheCatsMeow, Goldsboro, NC, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Soft cover. Condition: New. 1st Edition. As one of the last survivors of my battalion of the Gordon Highlanders, the majority of whom were either killed or captured by the Japanese Imperial Army in Singapore, I know that I am a lucky man. I was lucky to survive capture in Singapore and to come out of the jungle alive after 750 days as a slave on the "Death Railway" and the bridge over the river Kwai. Surviving my ordeal in the hell ship "Kachidoki Maru" and, after we were torpedoed, five days adrift alone in the South China Sea, perhaps stretched my luck. So too my close shave with the atomic bomb, when I was struck by the blast of the A-bomb dropped on Nagasaki. My story may be remarkable but for over 60 years I have remained silent about my sufferings at the hands of the Japanese. Now I am breaking my silence to bear witness to the systematic torture and murder of tens of thousands of allied prisoners. Millions of Asians died at the hands of the Japanese from 1931 to 1945. Like the allied prisoners, the British, Americans, Australians, Dutch and Canadians, they were starved and beaten, tortured and massacred in the most sadistic fashion. My time as a prisoner of the Japanese helped shape and determine my path in life just as much as my childhood did. I hope that this book will stand as an indictment of the criminal regime that ran Japan during the war years and the failure of successive Japanese governments to face up to their crimes. Seller Inventory # 919
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The Forgotten Highlander: An Incredible WWII Story of Survival in the Pacific
Seller: Toscana Books, AUSTIN, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: new. Excellent Condition.Excels in customer satisfaction, prompt replies, and quality checks. Seller Inventory # Scanned161608152X
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The Forgotten Highlander: An Incredible WWII Story of Survival in the Pacific
Seller: BennettBooksLtd, San Diego, NV, U.S.A.
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hardcover. Condition: New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! Seller Inventory # Q-161608152X