Ian Howie-Willis
Ian Howie-Willis is an independent professional historian based in Canberra, Australia. He is the author of 23 books.
Ian’s latest book has the title Operation Postern: The Battle to Recapture Lae from the Japanese, 1943 (Big Sky Publishing, Newport [New South Wales]; release date 12 December 2023).
Operation Postern: The Battle to Recapture Lae from the Japanese, 1943
Japanese troops seized and brutally occupied New Guinea’s capital, Lae, for 18 months until 16 September 1943. That day Australian soldiers retook the town against fierce resistance. Defeated, and after suffering huge losses, more than 8000 Japanese soldiers fled across the formidable 4000-metre Saruwaged Range behind Lae; 2000 died on the nightmare trek.
In this groundbreaking publication, Ian Howie-Willis unveils the untold story of Operation Postern, the campaign for the recapture of Lae, and its significant impact on the Pacific War. The book sheds light on how the Australian and US Allies retook Lae, the one-time capital of New Guinea, from Japanese forces on 16 September 1943. Through meticulous research, Ian brings to life the heroic efforts of Australian soldiers, their support by the US Navy, Air Force and Army, the harrowing experiences of the Japanese retreat, and the often-overlooked plight of the Papua New Guinean village communities caught in the crossfire.
Read more about Operation Postern: The Battle to Recapture Lae from the Japanese, 1943 and Ian’s other books on the Books page.
Ian Howie-Willis 