Alone on Guadalcanal: A Coastwatcher's Story

by Martin Clemens

British district officer and veteran of Guadalcanal Martin Clemens writes a lively memoir, based on his diaries, of the early years of the war behind enemy lines in one of the most unfriendly climates and terrains in the world. B&w photos. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Genres: World War II, History, Nonfiction, Military Fiction

343 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1998

Reviews

[Michael Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating and well done memoir. I’ve read a LOT of books about the air, land and sea battles of Guadalcanal but I learned a lot from this book. For example, I didn’t know that in 1942 the Solomon Islands Protectorate was a part of the British Empire. This was the reason that Clemons, a Scot, was the District Officer for Guadalcanal when the Japanese and later the U.S Marines arrived on the Island. Clemons played an important and critical role, often at the risk of his own life, in the Allied defeat of the Japanese. Great book. Highly recommended.

[Jeremy Kriewaldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written autobiographical memoir of the experience of the District Officer on Guadalcanal during 1942.
The author recounts with pride and becoming modesty how he managed the affairs of the Protectorate Government despite Japanese invasion and coordinated & carried out the coast watching and intelligence gathering that assisted the US recapture of the island.
The straight- forward and human telling of this story allows the loyalty and effectiveness of all involved, especially the local community, to shine through.

[Maryann · Rating 1 out of 5]

TMI and boring

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about an astounding chapter in history from an exceptional viewpoint.