Robert Sidney Bowen (1900–1977)

Written during the war, this definitely is aimed at young people as an adventure story with propaganda overtones. The Japanese sailors, airmen and soldiers are referred to as "Japs". Red Randall is the hero of several wartime adventure novels aimed at young people.

This novel focuses on the lesser known war theatre of Burma and India. Having pushed the British out of Burma towards India, the Japanese were on the march to capture India and were spreading unrest amongst Indian nationalists who they hoped would become a fifth column behind British lines.

This novel suggests there were British soldiers hiding in the Burma jungle who were gathering intel on where the Japanese were planning on attacking next. Randall and his buddy Jimmy accidentally became involved in rescuing the British soldiers trapped behind Japanese lines. Good adventure story but dated by language and stereotyping.… (more)