Point of the Spear

Five years after World War II, beautiful and exotic Malaya is torn by rebellion. Corporal John Barr and his men are at the 'point of the spear' as they search for the battle-hardened and elusive communist terrorist forces led by the ruthless Major Goh Chu. Gruelling patrols deep into the jungle-covered mountains of a dangerous land force them to depend on each other for their very lives.

Five years after World War II, beautiful and exotic Malaya is torn by rebellion. Corporal John Barr and his men are at the 'point of the spear' as they search for the battle-hardened and elusive communist terrorist forces led by the ruthless Major Goh Chu. Gruelling patrols deep into the jungle-covered mountains of a dangerous land force them to depend on each other for their very lives. Called upon to protect British interests, John Barr meets Patricia Marsters, the beautiful, headstrong daughter of a plantation owner. Despite the difference in their backgrounds, romance blossoms. Wounded in an ambush, an enraged Goh Chu hits back. The Marsters plantation is attacked and Patricia and her mother are taken hostage. John Barr leads a desperate rescue attempt that culminates in an attack on Goh Chu's jungle stronghold. Against the authentic background of a country at war, strong men clash and love overcomes all odds.

Now in his seventies, Dave Hayward was born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand. He joined the New zealand army at the age of sixteen and at twenty was a corporal commanding a section of Infantry during the 'Emergency' in Malaya. His first novel 'Point of the Spear' is based on that experience. Dave remained a soldier for theirty-three years and saw active service again during Indonesia's 'Confrontation' with Malaysia and in the Vietnam War. It is the later experience that is the basis for his second novel, 'Danger Close'. Dave retired as the Sergeant Major of the Army - the ultimate senior-soldier appointment. His first hand knowledge of the New Zealand Infantryman is recognised as unique - he is regularly invited to address students at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Massey University. In his younger days, dave was both a race and rally driver, but latterly prefered the challenge of 4WD adventures in Australia. He has recently embarked on yet another adventure - he married his neighbour - the lovely Jan casey.