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Pacific World War II Book Review  
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by Don Bain
Henley Beach  2005
Softcover
236 pages




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Mayday!
A Journey Through Enemy Lines and Through Life

This book covers the life of RAAF crewman, Ray Graetz a member of the crew of Beaufort A9-571 on May 20, 1944 when it was damaged and ditched into the sea off Cape Wom.

Wandering in enemy territory, he attempted to walk westward back to his base at Tadji Airfield. Passing But Drome, he inspected enemy aircraft and discovered a 37mm anti-aircraft gun and puts sand into the barrel and breech to foul the weapon.

He encountered many Japanese soldiers, but avoided being captured by posing as a dejected Japanese soldier. Along the way, he attempted to disable Japanese trucks by removing vital parts, or searching soldier kits. In total, he spent eight days behind enemy lines.

On May 28, 1944, he was rescued by PT-128 and PT-131 near the mouth of the Danmap River. Unable to swim to the boats or hold a tow line, Lt. William W. Stewart and Ens Gregory J. Azarigian paddled ashore in a rubber raft to rescue him, despite sniper fire.

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Last Updated
December 25, 2024


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