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BOOKS  about 3 SQUADRON and Related History

Featured Books:

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1.  FIRE IN THE SKY

Author Michael Molkentin gave a very interesting talk at 3 Squadron's 95th Anniversary dinner in Williamtown in September 2011.

"Fire in the Sky" provides us with a very accessible, entertaining, and thorough overview of the role of the Australian Flying Corps in the First World War.  Using a plethora of contemporary letters, diaries and official reports, Molkentin depicts a great many stirring episodes from this dashing era of individual bravery, but he also reflects on the human tragedy of "The War To End All Wars".  Forgotten campaigns such as Australia's first aerial operations in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq; nothing changes...) and the Sinai desert are presented from start to finish in their own chapters, allowing  the modern reader to easily grasp the whole story.  The later dazzling campaigns in Palestine by 1 Squadron AFC are then related, up until the end of their war.  (Several of 1AFC's pilots became famous Australian Aviation pioneers and were later knighted; including Lawrence Wackett, who later transferred to 3AFC where he created a brilliant and widely-used invention for parachuting ammunition crates to the attacking infantry.   Over the subsequent half-century, Wackett led the development of large-scale aviation manufacturing in Australia.)

The second half of the book is devoted to the Western Front in France, it explains the training experienced by AFC aircrew and ground-crew in England, their baptism of fire and their eventual outstanding contribution to Victory in 1918.  Again the structure is chronological, with major battles depicted as a whole, usually from the perspective of individual AFC Squadrons.  3AFC is well-represented and famous incidents such as the shooting-down of "The Red Falcon" (as the Red Baron was actually known in 1918) are presented with authority.  Much recent research is integrated to provide a fascinating explanation of what really happened.  

Searchable Sample

2. A LOT TO FIGHT FOR

The outstanding biography of John Jackson; a 3 Squadron desert ace who completed his hazardous operational tour in the Middle East and then subsequently sacrificed his life leading the desperate defence of Port Moresby in 1942...

For ordering details and text samples click: "A Lot To Fight For"

 

3 GROUND CREW - A MIDDLE EAST DIARY

Felix Sainsbury's  "Ground Crew" describes life in No.3 Squadron 1941-43

 For description, purchasing details, sample photos and extracts, click: "Ground Crew" .

 

 

Nicky Barr - An Australian Air Ace

4.  NICKY BARR - AN AUSTRALIAN AIR ACE

Nicky Barr was 3 Squadron's highest-scoring ace, flying over the North African desert in the frantic days of 1942.  His service history reads like something from the "Boys Own Paper"!  Besides being an international footballer pre-war, becoming a gifted pilot and inspirational leader of men, Nicky was an inveterate escaper and evader.  He earned the Military Cross for his actions behind enemy lines with partisans in Italy - a most unusual accompaniment for his Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar.  (The story of how Physiotherapist Peter Dornan came to write this biography was told on ABC-TV's "Australian Story" program in 2002.)

» Searchable Preview of the Opening Chapters

 

5. GOON IN THE BLOCK

"Goon in the Block" is a POW memoir by Canadian Don Edy, who  - after surviving being shot down in Libya and then having his Italian POW transport ship torpedoed in the Mediterranean! - spent extensive time "inside" with some of 3 Squadron's captured fliers: Fred Eggleston; "Robbie" Roberts and Robert Sydney "Bob" Jones.  Don also documents the terrible winter forced-march of POWs from Sagan Camp right across Germany. 

(This huge retreat also swept up other 3 Squadron men, such as Snow Campbell and Alan Righetti.) 

To see photos and a description of the content from Don's book, along with ordering details, click on the illustration.

 

6. WING OVER AND DIVE

Stan Watt's (450 Squadron) experiences alongside 3 Squadron in Italy ...

Click to see details of "Wing Over and Dive".

 

 

7THE IMPERIAL GIFT

John Bennett's excellent book about the foundation of the RAAF in 1921. 
For ordering details and an illustrated review click
: "The Imperial Gift"               

 

8.  THE LUCK OF THE DRAW

In July 1942, Ted Sly, after serving with Bluey Truscott's 452 RAAF Squadron,  was posted to 450 squadron, 3 Squadron's sister squadron.  There he flew Kittyhawks until, after 22 missions and fighting the same foes as 3 Squadron, including Hauptmann Hans-Joachim Marseille, he was posted to 92 Squadron, RAF.  Here he began his long love-affair with Spitfires.  Today Ted, in his mid 80s and actively working, is still an integral part of the Spitfire Association. 

His cracker-jack autobiography "The Luck of the Draw"  has undoubtedly joined the ranks of Australia's exceptional historical records.  It is a truly delightful read.  (Click here to access more details and extracts from the book.)

He begins so vividly with his early days on the land before he joined up.  He writes, describing his RAAF service days, concisely and informatively recounting hundreds of instances which he shared with such well known characters as Neville Duke, Bobby Gibbes, Paul Brickhill and Clive Caldwell whilst attached to  457 Squadron fighting the Pacific War from  Morotai. 

Added bonuses are being able to read about some of Ted's ancestors who were Australian pioneers and also reading about how he spent his life during the 58 years following the war.  Every young person could well benefit from a study of his achievements, particularly Ted's viewpoint expressed on Page 11:  "I consider the period of one's teens to be the best time for learning self-discipline and how to cope with adverse conditions.  My early experiences of survival in adverse conditions, held me in good stead in all war zones." 

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8. CLIVE CALDWELL AIR ACE

Kristen Alexander, who has a bookshop in Canberra specialising in Military Books, has recently researched the life of Clive Caldwell; Australia's top ace of WW2 and the most successful P-40 pilot in any of the Allied air forces.  

Clive was was C.O. of 112 Squadron in North Africa, under 239 Wing, alongside 3 Squadron.  Kirsten's successful book is highly recommendable:

It relates not only the historical and operational aspects of Caldwell's career, but reveals the more human side: the lighter moments, the anecdotes, the stories that flesh out the "bare bones" historical record.  Caldwell had a tumultuous flying career and RAAF veterans who knew Caldwell have shared their personal memories of him, covering his EATS training days, service in the Middle East, his brief period of service in England, and in the Pacific Theatre, his service with No 1 Fighter Wing, No 80 Fighter Wing, and OTU Mildura. 

Clive Caldwell Air Ace - Searchable Preview

Kristen's  Website is: www.alexanderfaxbooks.com.au, Phone (02) 6259 0540.  She kindly offers any 3 Squadron enthusiast a 10% discount from any purchase made from her bookshop.  

Further 3 Squadron and RAAF history is described in the fine books below....

WRITTEN BY H. N. WRIGLEY, "THE BATTLE BELOW"  IS A HISTORY OF THE SQUADRON DURING WWI.   OUT OF PRINT AND TODAY HIGHLY VALUED BY COLLECTORS. (~$500)

"SECRETS REVEALED" (This title comes from of 3SQN's Latin Motto) WAS PRODUCED IN 1991 TO COMMEMORATE THE SQUADRON'S 75th  ANNIVERSARY.  IT WAS WRITTEN BY PETER MULLER  and JOHN HUTCHISON. IT IS AN EXCELLENT AND CONCISE HISTORY. (~$100 Resale Value)

WGCDR JOHN WATSON and LOUIS JONES PRODUCED THIS CLASSIC WWII HISTORY FOR OUR ASSOCIATION: "3 SQUADRON AT WAR". DENNIS ADAMS' ARTWORK ADORNS THE COVER.  VERY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN A COPY (Resale Value ~$600).

"YOU LIVE BUT ONCE" WRITTEN BY ONE OF THE SQUADRON'S LEGENDS, BOBBY GIBBES, THIS  AUTOBIOGRAPHY GRAPHICALLY DESCRIBES HIS EXCITING TIME WITH 3 SQUADRON.

(Now out-of-print and valued at around $1000.)

 


Australian Fighter Aces 1914-1953

This is a really well-researched record of many of the aces who fought in both wars. 

The book should be in most libraries. The Australian War Memorial should also be able to advise on availability.

 

THE REVEREND FRED McKAY'S INSPIRING BIOGRAPHY, WRITTEN BY MAISIE McKENZIE IN 1990, GIVES  A PROFILE OF ONE OF 3 SQUADRON'S DEAREST COLLEAGUES, IN BOTH WARTIME AND IN PEACETIME, DESCRIBING HIS ROLE AS THE SUCCESSOR TO THE FAMOUS "FLYNN OF THE INLAND".

CONTACT: BOOLARONG PUBLICATIONS, BOWEN HILLS, BRISBANE, QLD

Russell Brown's marvellous classic, "Desert Warriors", dedicated to the P40s and their pilots who fought the  Desert Air Force's war between 1941 and 1943.

Available from Banner Books, 122 Walker St. Maryborough QLD. 4650 or  visit www.banner-books.com.au

"THEY FLEW FOR THE KING".  THIS CLASSIC COLLECTION OF INDIVIDUAL STORIES OF 34 FAMOUS AIRMEN IN WWII WAS PRODUCED BY FRANK HARDING.  IT INCLUDES HIS MAGNIFICENT PAINTINGS PORTRAYING INCIDENTS  RELATING TO AIR HISTORY. (SAMPLE)

FOR AVAILABILITY CONTACT: NAN or MEGAN HARDING AT FOLKLORE GALLERY, RENMARK.  S.A. 5341        PH:   (08) 8586 6972

 

IN HIS BOOK," THE DESERT HARASSERS", LEN BARTON HAS WRITTEN ABOUT HIS OWN 450 SQUADRON,  RAAF ...  OUR PARTNER- SQUADRON  IN 239 WING DURING WWII
CONTACT: (02) 9960 2271  
Another of Len's books (451 Sqn) is now available too.


RAAF Base Williamtown - The First 50 Years

THIS STORY OF THE BASE IS AVAILABLE FROM THE ADMIN-OFFICE, RAAF BASE, WILLIAMTOWN.  IT WAS WRITTEN BY PETER MULLER and JOHN HUTCHISON IN 1991 AND DESCRIBES LIFE ON THE RAAF BASE THAT 3 SQUADRON HAS CALLED HOME FOR MANY YEARS.

 


Military Aircraft of Australia 1909-1918

THIS EXCELLENT BOOK BY KEITH ISSACS SHOWS FULL DETAILS, DESCRIPTIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS OF MANY AIRCRAFT USED ON ALL SIDES DURING WWl  (3 Squadron's aircraft are there). THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL, CANBERRA, ACT, SHOULD BE ABLE TO ADVISE ON ITS AVAILABILITY.

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"Catch 22"  A fictional book about crazy fictional WW2 airmen fictionally bombing the same places in Italy that 3 Squadron really bombed...
One of English literature's classic satires, the irony is not lost on the boys who lived through it...

Russell Brown recommends the next three books and here's what he has to say about them:

Billy Drake's Autobiography, written in collaboration with Chris Shores, is a valuable addition to the history of the Desert air war.  Since 112 Squadron flew in the same wing as 3, it might be of interest to members of the Association.  He mentions in passing that '3 was particularly distinguished, and home to some seriously tough operators'.  Be warned however, that mentions of 3 are only as background to Billy's story. 
I certainly enjoyed it. 

Billy Drake's book ($50.00) is published by Grub Street - which handles all of Chris Shores' work. 
Grub Street: The Basement 10 Chivalry Road London SW11 1HT 

 

Osprey's Gladiator Aces covers 3 Squadron's use of the machine quite thoroughly, but it is only a minor part of the book. Three and a half pages, six photos and two colour profiles. 

Searchable Preview

Published by Osprey, part of a very comprehensive series: average price $40.00 each. 
Best place to obtain them in Melbourne is Hyland's Bookshop, 29 Heffernan Lane in Chinatown.  I'd guess that the Napoleon's Bookshops would also have them, as would all other specialist military specialist book shops in states other than Victoria. 

Osprey: Elms Court, Chapel Way, Botley,
Oxford OX2 9LP 

"Tomahawk and Kittyhawk Aces of the RAF and Commonwealth" is a terrific book, and deals with all the Australian Aces, with numerous photos and 
coloured profiles, including five from 3 Squadron.

 

Searchable Preview

Published by Osprey,  $40.00. 
 

 

 

 


Hurricanes over Tobruk, by Brian Cull with Don Minterne, Grub  Street, 1999

 As its title suggests, it is concerned with the role played by the Hurricane squadrons in the defence of Tobruk.  All of 3 Squadron's Tobruk Hurricane operations are included, and there is much material from the diary of John Jackson.  A fine record. 

By Lex McAulay,  also from Banner Books, (1998).  This book has a very detailed section on Nicky Barr's career with 3 Squadron.  The other pilots in the book are Hugo Armstrong, Peter Panitz and Dickie Williams.

PETER A DAVIDSON WROTE THIS HISTORY OF RAAF CHAPLAINCY IN 1990.  IT HAS MANY INSIGHTS INTO THE WORKINGS OF THE MINISTRY WITHIN THE SERVICE.

 

"THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF WORLD WAR I AERO HISTORIANS" PRODUCE JOURNALS AND PAPERS RELATING TO WWI AIRCRAFT AND THEIR PILOTS.  In past editions there are frequent articles about 3 Squadron AFC aircraft and personnel. 

Click for example Journal Articles.

John Bennett has discovered a new book that includes 3 Squadron AFC. He bought it over the Internet from the US. It covers all the British WWI squadrons, including the 69 Sqn/3 Sqn data.  He says it's a great book, 296 pages, from the US specialist military publisher Schiffer.

   

Behind all great men there are loving and caring women...

Many ex-servicemen know that were it not for the skilled and loving care they received at the hands of nurses and nurses' aides during their illness or wound treatment during their wartime service, they may not be here today.

Certainly, the individual nursing services attached to the fighting forces … RAAFNS,  RANNS and AANS  all carried out marvellous work, but little is known about the girls who formed the original Voluntary Aid Detachments (the famous VADs) and their subsequent transformation in December 1942 into the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service (AAMWS).

Betty Mount-Batten, ex-AAMWS herself, has brilliantly researched the history of each of the many AAMWS units that served on Australian soil, in the Middle East and in the New Guinea and the South-West Pacific areas.  In 1995, Betty privately published her book  "From Blue to Khaki"  (see excerpt at right for an explanation of the significance of this title) and it contains photos and poignant descriptions of daily life in the various theatres of war in which the VADs and the AAMWS participated.

Click here to read extracts from her book and to view a few photos.

To purchase a copy of her book (Aust $ 24 + postage) contact:

Betty Mount-Batten,     3/238 Jersey Rd, Woollahra.  NSW.  2025.   (Australia)

Phone: (Australia) ... (02) 9363 4934

Canberra Bookshop: The two owners of Crusader Trading, Antony Garrett and Rick McQualter, both have backgrounds in the Australian military and also enjoy many aspects of military history, with Tony preferring aviation history and Rick the land based subjects. All staff at the shop have a passion for the subject matter and can be counted on to assist anyone looking for a particular item.  Tony and Rick are keen to expand their product range and invite Canberra visitors to visit their unique and friendly shop, sure in the knowledge that most will find something to their liking. 

To visit: Townsville Street just next to Kennards.  Open Monday to Saturday. Phone: (02) 6239 2332  on-line at: http://www.crusaderbooks.com.au

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