In January 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army invaded New Guinea, landing on the northern coastal areas of this harsh, remote country. This book recounts the desperate efforts of missionaries, along with groups of downed allied airmen, ANGAU (Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit), officials and members of the 39th militia Battalion, to escape the invading Japanese army. Following each groups harrowing story as they made their way through the energy sapping heat of the Papuan jungle, skirmished with Japanese troops, grappled with the, at times dubious, loyalties of the Papuans they encountered, and tried to survive. Lines of Escape also details the incredible mission undertaken by Australian forces to cripple the Japanese air base at Salamaua.