Gordon Nelson joined the Australian Army at the beginning of World War Two and was posted to the 2/12th Field Company of the Royal Australian Engineers. 

    The unit was sent to Malaya with the 8th Division and at the end of the fighting, like 15,000 of his fellow Diggers, the Author went into captivity at the fall of Singapore.

 When the Japanese started building the infamous railway to carry war materials to their front line, Gordon was sent to the Burma end and worked on the construction from the west.

    This book describes his ordeals and those of his mates as they suffered through mistreatment, overwork, poor food and a variety of illnesses. Many did not make it home and Gordon had his eyesight permanently damaged by poor nutriment.

      However, he is one of those who returned home and despite his impediment, went on to a successful career as a civil engineer.

      Younger generations should read this book, to better understand the price paid for the liberty and freedom of Australia and the world.