THE BONE MAN OF KOKODA - Charles Hapell

One of my favourite books on the Kokoda campaign about an inspirational man that was true to his own beliefs and convictions.

In 2005 Nishimura, now in his mid-eighties and seriously ill, gave up everything he worked for to keep his word to his comrades. His story is an incredible adventure that gives us a radically different viewpoint on a battle that has become part of our national myth. Nishimura's life and quest above all offer a poignant reminder of the futility of war. This is an epic tale of determination and loyalty by one man to his Japanese countrymen. As the only man to survive out of his company during World War II, Kokichi Nishimura returned to New Guinea and for 25 years works alone to retrieve and return the bones of Japanese soldiers to their homeland and families. Interesting and thought provoking to read the story from a Japanese perspective and to be reminded about the futility of war.