Memories of Moresby. A collection of verse from the lively pen of an Allied serviceman. Pamphlet.
Newcastle, N.S.W. Davies & Cannington, Ca. 1944. Dedicated by Aaron James McIntyre to "those gallant and long suffering "Moresby Mice", the Allied troops defending New Guinea. "Moresby Mice" was a name given to the 55/53 Australian Infantry Battalion by the Japanese propaganda broadcaster Tokyo Rose, who mocked the Australians over short wave radio for taking cover in slit trenches when the Japanese bombers flew over. It was a play on the "Rats of Tobruk", troops who held the Libyan port of Tobruk against the Afrika Corps.
A collection of poems and photographic illustrations of the hardships of fighting the Japanese, with the pages of poems with vignettes along the bottom printed in blue. Poems include one titled "Our Moresby Mice", which concludes: "And another Digger's sleeping in the jungle's tomb tonight, while his pals are pushing forward thru' the bloody, battle noise. Oh! hear me now, Australia -- "Please, back up us Boys."
Illustrated stiff paper wrappers, with cover illustration combining sketch of South Pacific seaside view with printed photographic image of a local topless beauty. Title printed in green in font made to look like bamboo. 8vo, 24 pp, 35 b&w photos of New Guinea and natives, with captions. Trove 4579835. OCLC: 55063739 cites only 1 library holding a copy. Very good + condition. Item #21068
Price: $45.00