SILENT FEET: The History of ‘Z’ Special Operations 1942-1945

A SUPERIOR copy. Account of Australia’s Z Special Unit’s missions behind Japanese lines during the period 1942-45. It is a story about the courage, danger and initiative of the individuals and small groups who had little hope of help if their missions were unsuccessful. Contains an honour roll of members killed on active service, a bibliography and an index. pp. 272 illusts #0817R “For the first time to full story of the operations of Z Special Unit, behind Japanese lines is revealed. ‘Silent Feet’ highlights the foolish mistakes made by SRD headquarters in Melbourne, in asserting that their parties in Timor were operational, when in fact, they had been prisoners of the Japanese for many months. The inter-Allied distrust and bickering over the value of ‘cloak and dagger’ operations of Z Special Unit confirms the adage that nation states have no friends but only interests. The Privations of the Australian and British members of Z Special Unit, bring home the true nature of war in the jungle–constantly tracked by Japanese patrols, often beheaded when captured. By 1945, Z Special operatives demonstrated that a few well trained, audacious troops could exact a heavy toll of the Japanese Army. Colonel Courtney has spent many years sifting through Australian, Allied and Japanese records to produce the first comprehensive study of the secret operations of Z Special Unit. ‘Silent Feet’ is a new and fascinating review of a hidden part of Australia’s military history. “The blowpipe dart would fly silently on its way, burying itself in the rearguard’s back. Happily chattering to his comrade, the man immediately in front would continue his conversation for some time until he realised that he was receiving no reply … The process would be repeated, the Dyaks moving silently inside the trail and parallel to the patrol.”