On 11th September 1944, Porpoise, a British submarine, slipped quietly from Fremantle Harbour, Australia, bound for the Riouw Islands, south of Singapore. Onboard were 23 Australian and British members of Operation Rimau under the leadership of the remarkable Lieutenant-Colonel Ivan Lyon, Gordon Highlanders. They had intended to repeat Operation Jaywick, a commando raid on Japanese-occupied Singapore Harbour, where they had successfully blown up sixty vessels in the previous year. None of these men were to return. For 45 years, the truth about Operation Rimau had been shrouded in mystery. Embedded in red tape, distorted by hearsay and covered up by officialdom at the highest levels, the facts behind Rimau and its 23 men were all but lost. According to scant official history, the mission was an utter failure. Nothing could have been further from the truth. It has taken the combined talents of Major Tom Hall, who spent 31 years in research, and writer Lynette Silver to overturn the official version. Their work revealed a dramatic story of unparalleled courage with amazing tenacity.

The first substantive study of Operation Rimau...based on solid and detailed research...well-documented...a pacy, well-written and captivating book, which fills a gap in Australian military history. The Australian War Memorial. ...possibly the most complete record Sydney Morning Herald ... The Heroes of Rimau is an enthralling tale of great heroism and determination in the face of overwhelming odds and is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable and intriguing stories to emerge from World War II. Canberra Times 

Ivan Lyon is an extremely brave man, possibly the bravest man I have ever met. Someday his exploits will be disclosed and they will read stronger than any fiction. Admiral Christie, US Naval Commander Task Force 71, 1944