AustLit

'John Desmond Peck enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in October 1939. Although he was born on 17 February 1922, he declared he was born on 16 February 1919. Author Peter Monteath suggests that, like others of his generation, the 17-year-old’s motivation for early and under-age enlistment derived from a yearning for new challenges and adventure. As Escape Artist: The Incredible Second World War of Johnny Peckattests, the young serviceman encountered many challenges and much adventure during combat with the 2/7th Battalion AIF against Italian forces at Bardia and Tobruk, and against the Germans in Greece and on Crete, and as an evader and escaper behind the lines on Crete and in Italy. He was 19 when he went into battle for the first time at Bardia; 20 when he was stranded for months on Crete after the Allied evacuation; 21 when he established an evasion network in Italy after the September 1943 Armistice; and 22 when he faced execution by the Gestapo, became an operative for the Special Operations Executive (SOE), fought with Italian partisans, and at one point commanded approximately 450 men and 30 officers. As his biography’s strapline claims, Peck’s war was ‘incredible’.' (Introduction)

'From her first taste of the air when she joined Bert Hinkler in the cockpit for a joy ride in 1928, Lores Bonney was hooked. With her aviation licence and the support of her husband, she took to the Australian and international skies and braved the challenge of long-distance flying. In 1931 Lores broke the Australian record for the longest one-day flight by a woman; the following year she became the first woman to circumnavigate mainland Australia by air. Australia wasn’t enough for Lores so she was in the air again in 1933 in a bid to become the first woman to fly from Australia to England. Four years later she undertook her last long distance expedition, the first solo flight from Australia to Cape Town, South Africa.

'Drawing on diary extracts, published recollections, interviews, documents and newspaper accounts now found in the National Library’s collection, Taking Flight celebrates this audacious pilot’s aerial accomplishments.' (Publication summary)

Includes biographies of six Australian airmen who took part in the Battle of Britain. Piloting Spitfires and Hurricanes, these dauntless youngsters took on the might of the German Luftwaffe after just a handful of flying lessons.

Jack Davenport, Beaufighter Leader recounts the life of an Australian hero. Jack saved the lives of his crew from a near-fatal spin and rescued a pilot from a blazing aircraft; he flew close to well-armed enemy vessels to drop his torpedoes; and he led large formations in the narrow confines of the Norwegian fiords to successfully attack enemy shipping. But there is more to heroism than just courage and brave deeds; Jack's career also encompassed the heroism of conviction, duty, responsibility and dedication to service. Post-war, he was a successful Sydney businessman and fundraiser and his service to the community and industry was recognised by the AO and AC.

'His courage, determination, skill and his undoubtedly outstanding ability as a leader are an inspiration to his wing and worthy of the highest praise.' Extract from Distinguished Service Order citation

'Clive Caldwell was officially attributed with more than 27 victories and became Australia's highest scoring fighter pilot in World War II. In addition, he became an Ace in both the Middle East and Pacific theatres - the only Australian pilot to attain this status.

'Kristen Alexander has had unrivalled access to Caldwell's personal papers as well as official and privately held records. She vividly brings to life Caldwell's aerial exploits and presents a man driven to carry out his duty.

'Originally considered an individualist, Caldwell became a fine fighter pilot and a dedicated leader, much loved by those he commanded. He did not wear the restrictions of the RAAF well and, despite his achievements, endured public inquiry over liquor trading and the so-called 'Morotai Mutiny'. Even so, he continued to be well-regarded and respected by the public.

'This well-researched biography is a celebration of Caldwell's military achievements. It details his rise from a green fighter pilot to Wing leader and includes striking details of his air battles. It also includes unprecedented discussion of the Barry Inquiry and Caldwell's court-martial.' (Publication summary)