Burma Surgeon by Gordon S. Seagrave M.D. ; hardcover with dust jacket ; Peoples Book Club Edition ; 1943 illustrated ; WWII

Printed in the USA under wartime conditions and government regulations. Promoting War Bonds on back of dust jacket. 

"Burma Surgeon" is a memoir written by Dr. Gordon S. Seagrave, an American physician who served as a surgeon in Burma (now Myanmar) during World War II. The book was first published in 1943 and provides a firsthand account of Dr. Seagrave's experiences in the war-torn region.

The book primarily focuses on Dr. Seagrave's time as a medical officer with the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society in Burma. When the war broke out, he was stationed at the mission hospital in the town of Loiwing, near the Chinese border. As the Japanese army advanced into Burma, he and his team were forced to evacuate and embark on a dangerous journey through the jungle to reach safety.

During their escape, Dr. Seagrave and his team encountered numerous challenges, including treacherous terrain, lack of supplies, and hostile forces. Despite these obstacles, they managed to establish a new hospital in the remote town of Lashio. From there, Dr. Seagrave and his colleagues provided medical care to both civilians and soldiers, often operating under difficult conditions.

One of the highlights of the book is Dr. Seagrave's collaboration with the British Army's Chindit special forces, led by General Orde Wingate. The Chindits conducted long-range penetration missions deep behind enemy lines, and Dr. Seagrave joined them as their medical officer. He describes the grueling nature of these operations and the challenges of providing medical aid in such remote and hostile environments.

"Burma Surgeon" also sheds light on the wider context of the war in Burma, including the political situation and the brutality of the Japanese occupation. Dr. Seagrave's narrative offers a unique perspective on the war, focusing on the medical and humanitarian aspects rather than military strategy.

Overall, "Burma Surgeon" is a gripping and inspiring account of Dr. Gordon S. Seagrave's experiences as a surgeon in Burma during World War II. It provides a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by medical personnel in a war zone and the resilience and dedication required to save lives amidst the chaos of conflict.