Unknown British Hero

[Gagnrad]

I was in Waterstone's today and came across a new paperback called Jungle Soldier by Brian Moynahan.

The subject of it is a naturalist, arctic explorer, and survival expert called Freddy Spencer Chapman. He was in Malaya during the war and went behind Japanese lines observing and sabotaging, eventually on his own, but causing such havoc that, apparently, the Japanese had an entire regiment looking for him. He endured every tropical illness going, and once was unconscious for 14 days.

Lord Wavell suggested that should be compared to Lawrence (who, of course, is better known because of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom). Mountbatten, who thought the comparison actually sold Chapman short, recommended him for a VC.

 

[JonathanD]

Sounds interesting, might have to pick that one up and check it out.

 

[rancid badger]

I was in Waterstone's today and came across a new paperback called Jungle Soldier by Brian Moynahan.

The subject of it is a naturalist, arctic explorer, and survival expert called Freddy Spencer Chapman. He was in Malaya during the war and went behind Japanese lines observing and sabotaging, eventually on his own, but causing such havoc that, apparently, the Japanese had an entire regiment looking for him. He endured every tropical illness going, and once was unconscious for 14 days.

Lord Wavell suggested that should be compared to Lawrence (who, of course, is better known because of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom). Mountbatten, who thought the comparison actually sold Chapman short, recommended him for a VC.

Anything but unknown, at least in some circles anyway
You might like to give "The Jungle is Neutral" (by F.Spencer Chapman Himself), a read if you enjoyed the above.

A very interesting insight I thought.

cheers

R.B.

 

[drewdunnrespect]

sounds good especially since its a true storey

 

[hiraeth]

A true hero i think, such a pity his life ended so sadly.

 

[jackcbr]

No more spoilers please, want to read the book fresh. But then I could just not read this thread.

 

[Shewie]

There's just so many books I want to read at the moment, thanks for the heads up, another for the list.

 

[superc0ntra]

I was just looking for some holiday read. Will see if I can find it.

 

[CaptainBeaky]

I have this on loan from the library at the moment, about halfway through it. Good read

 

[rik_uk3]

What a real boys own type hero he was. If you enjoyed this then get books written by the man himself such as 'The Jungle Is Neutral' 'Memoirs Of A Mountaineer' or 'Watkin's Last Expedition'

I first read his works decades ago and I put him up there with Captain Scott.

 

[Bushwhacker]

Sounds like a good book.
It's just a shame I'm not allowed in any branch of Waterstones after putting 'signed by author' stickers on all the bibles and writing 'All the best. Love God' inside the covers.

 

[Aristotle]

"The Jungle Is Neutral" is superb.

 

[Tengu]

I read it in my teens

cant remember much

 

[eel28]

Sounds like a good book.
It's just a shame I'm not allowed in any branch of Waterstones after putting 'signed by author' stickers on all the bibles and writing 'All the best. Love God' inside the covers.

LOL thats got to the funniest thing I have read in ages