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Trackers: The Untold Story of the Australian Dogs of War
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| List Price: | £9.99 |
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Average customer review:
Product Description
The story of the Australian army's little-known use of combat tracker dogs during the Vietnam War. A war veteran tells his story with immediacy, blending the terror of hunting and encountering the elusive Viet Cong with the tender relationship between a naive young Australian soldier and his dog. The book covers a surreal world of seething jungles, random minefields, and lethal friendly fire. Amid the mayhem, the author finds vital refuge in the innocence of his larrikin labrador-kelpie cross, Caesar.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #888883 in Books
- Published on: 2000-04
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Paperback
- 212 pages
Customer Reviews
An interesting and unusual take on the Vietnam War
Of my collection of 460 books on the Vietnam War this is one of the more unusual titles. It centres on the relationship between the author and his war dog Caesar and their year together in combat. This is clearly a little known aspect of the conflict and that makes the book a welcome addition to the body of work on the Vietnam War. Readers new to the topic may also not know that the Australian armed forces made a contribution to the effort in Vietnam. The book charts the growth of the relationship between the handler and his dog. The relationship is not perfect and is not without strains but is nevertheless very close.
The author also proves the maxim that war is mostly long periods of utter boredom shattered by spells of sheer terror. He gives the reader a glimpse into the enormous stress of patrolling through a hostile jungle. Another interesting aspect of the book is the criticism of the Americans and their way of war. The Australians make great play of the craft of patrolling in the jungle, which is briefly quietly and carefully. The Americans on the other hand burst through the jungle.
I can recommend this book as an unusual take on the Vietnam War.If nothing else it shows that even in the midst of horror the relationship between man and his dog is still very special.
