An outstanding description of a brutal battle. - Reviewer

A gripping insight into the war for New Guinea and the operation for Cape Gloucester.

Determined to capture a pivotal island in their war against the Japanese, the US 1st Marine Division were faced with a challenging task - to land on the fortified peninsula of Cape Gloucester and capture its two vital airfields.

Taking the peninsula and the island of New Britain would give them a vital stepping stone in their campaign to push the Japanese out of New Guinea and the Bismarck Sea. Struggling through difficult terrain and enemy ambushes, the Marines fought their way to the heart of the peninsula and captured the airfields. Offering a fascinating insight into the often-gruesome battles which marked the Pacific Theater, Operation Backhander presents a captivating account of the Allies’ struggle against the Japanese army.

A must-read for fans of WW2 pacific naval history books, this riveting book sheds light on the campaign to capture Cape Gloucester, giving a day-by-day look into the beach landings, the skirmishes, and the months-long operation to force the Japanese into retreat and take this pivotal stepping stone for themselves.