During its lifetime the 2/31st Australian Infantry Battalion took on the strength of 151 officers and 2509 men. Of this total, about one in three members of the battalion became casualties for one reason or another. This is one of the highest casualty rates in the AIF.
This reprint of 'Forever Forward' tells of the wartime experiences of the 2/31st in in their Middle East campaigns, on the Kokoda Track, the siege of Gona, Ramu Valley, Shaggy Ridge and the final battles at Balikpapan.
Well written, and with numerous photographs included, as well as a nominal roll and index, this book is dedicated to the men of the battalion who fought, but never returned.
Contents:
Author's Appreciation and Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Intorudction
Chapter 1. The 2/31st Battalion Soldier
Chapter 2. Birth of the Battalion
Chapter 3. Hard Action in the Syrian Hills
Chapter 4. The Agony of the Own Stanleys
Chapter 5. Back Home - and the Lae Campaign
Chapter 6. The 'Campaign' in Queensland
Chapter 7. Borneo Campaign - Hit and Probe
Chapter 8. Finishing Off in Borneo
Chapter 9. The battalion's Honours and Awards
Chapter 10. Roll of Honour
Chapter 11. The 2/31st Battalion's Poets
Chapter 12. Nominal Roll
Index
