One False Move
‘I held my breath. I endeavoured to moisten my lips with the piece of blotting paper that had been my tongue. Never have I known two minutes to take such a long time to pass.’
One False Move is the previously untold story of a small band of Australians who volunteered to work defusing the mines dropped in and around Britain during World War II. Combining incredible bravery with the precision of surgeons, these men defused the lethal devices – often buried in residential areas, submerged in mud, or deep underwater – at huge risk to their own lives.
The mines were often booby-trapped by the Nazis, and these men came to recognise the products of the twisted minds and methods of the individual German mine makers.
In the ultimate demonstration of skill and bravery, Australian Leon Goldsworthy, specialising in underwater defusing – working at depth, and mostly by touch alone – worked out how to defuse the ‘K’ mine. In so doing, he helped neutralise the German mine defences before the invasion of Normandy, leading to the victory of the Allied forces.
Truly, these men were the bravest of the brave.
Published by Hachette Australia, One False Move is out now.
Buy the book now from Booktopia
Listen to Robert speak about the book on Radio National
Here is a recent review
Publisher : Hachette Australia; 28th August 2012
Language : English
Number Of Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780733629952
ISBN-10: 0733629954
Robert Macklin brings this story to life in this colourful and masterful account.
Hello Mr.Macklin.I just saw you on ABC morning news speaking about your new book on Hugh Syme etc,I wondered why G J Cliff was not included.as he was my cousin,well my parents 1st cousin,but I did know him well,would be interested as to why,as he lead the Australians in the VE march in London and was also on the HMS Shropshire at the peace signing.I shall be getting the book anyway,with sincere regards, Suzanne
I am interested in your work, but, having seen a book blurb that claims you are telling the story for the first time — Leon Goldsworthy’s maybe — I wonder if you have read Ivan Southall’s classic account “Softly Tread the Brave”, or the children’s retelling “Seventeen Seconds”?
Robert, You have a very special gift at writing, in taking the reader within and experience the people and their experiences. I never really knew my father, but your book.. ” One Flase Move ” has brought me to a point of knowing him and understanding who he was ,a little better. Thank YouRobert.. Angus Mould.
Peter Harvey was an Australian Journalist, news reader and current affairs presenter. He worked in this industry for over 50 years. Traveled the world reporting on many world stories. He also was the reader of 60 minutes mail bag. He died 02.March. 2013 at the age of 68.
What does this have to do with this page?.
The last book that Peter Harvey was reading was this book “One Faulse Move”
The book is still sitting on his desk at Channel 9.
If Peter found this book of interest then I will make the effort to go out and buy it.