A LOT TO FIGHT FOR

The War Diaries and Letters of

Squadron Leader J.F. Jackson, DFC

 

John Jackson, Queensland grazier and businessman, joined the RAAF as a pilot when war broke out in 1939 and served a year with 3 Squadron in the Middle East.

Returning to Australia, he became an instructor until given command of 75 Squadron. He was killed in action leading that squadron in its heroic defence of Port Moresby in March and April of 1942. This story is told in the documentary, "44 Days", presented by Geoffrey Robertson, for ABC TV in 1992.

This is a collection of diaries and letters from that time, edited by his two children (Patricia and Arthur), in which he records in vivid and often humorous fashion, his daily experiences interspersed with numerous anecdotes. He gives advice and encouragement to his family, tells of the rumours, blunders, and loss of mates, and expresses forthright opinions on his fellow and opposing pilots, the aircraft they fly, and the way he thinks the war should be fought.

As it was against air force regulations to keep diaries on active service, and letters were often thrown away after being read, this is one of the very few surviving accounts written as it happened.

Chapter Headings: Joining up and Embarkation, Off to War, Waiting for Action, John's First Combat and the Big Push, Benina, Retreat to Egypt, Palestine and Cyprus, The Syrian Campaign, Back to the Desert, Going Home, The New Enemy.

Appendices: John's notes on air fighting, 3 Squadron victories, a record of his last combat.

For more information, write to:

P. Jackson

P.O. Box 6057

St Lucia, Q. 4067

Australia.

      Tel: 07 3371 3751 or 07 5541 1432

Email: p.m.jackson@uqconnect.net Fax: (07) 5541 1432 (A. Jackson)