Dark Jungle, Steep Mountains

In this book are gripping accounts of four refugee journeys which happened during the terrifying Japanese invasion of Burma 1941/42. Along with tens of thousands, both civilian and military, the writers of these stories were forced to escape to India, the only way out being to trek through dense jungle and over steep mountains in appalling conditions. Thousands did not survive. Josephine Chapman witnessed savage air raids and survived an exhausting journey. Dr Russell reluctantly left his hospital when all personnel were finally told to get out of Burma in April. Captain Gribble's superb descriptions of his work in the Burma Frontier Service give wonderful insights into the Kachin and Naga people.Sergeant Benjamin Katz stayed for months in a remote village and helped other refugees. Added is fascinating detail about the heroic rescue missions of the Indian Tea-Planters' Association. Dr Russell's son had many records from a Refugee Administrator which he allowed to be used, creating a direct link to the remote places in Burma and India where these incredible scenes of drama and endurance unfolded over 70 years ago. These accounts are inspiring and unforgettable. They are four out of thousands of stories, many unwritten and unknown.