Michael Veitch's life-long obsession with the aircraft of the Second World War led him to conclude that every single person who flew, or flew in them, has at least one extraordinary story to tell. With most of these veterans in their eighties, he knew that it was a matter of urgency to find them now, before their personal stories disappear forever.
So, over the course of a year, Veitch interviewed over fifty former aircrew across Australia, many of whom had never spoken about their experiences before, even to their families. The result was FLAK – a collection of vivid, unforgettable stories from RAAF veterans about their experiences of combat in World War II - and Fly is the second instalment of stories. From bomber pilots to fighter aces, from rear gunners to bomb aimers, from stories of death and fear to tales of humour and comradeship, Michael has helped unearth the extraordinary stories of ordinary men living and fighting in extraordinary times.
Reviews
AudioFile Magazine...
The author undertakes a personal mission to interview WWII pilots from both sides and record their war experiences before they disappear. He encounters many rich characters who are eager to talk, introducing them with dry wit in an Australian accent. Assuming the intonation of the senior citizens, even if Russian or German, he re-creates the excitement of their air battles and the sadness of remembering fallen comrades. As Veitch describes the interviews, one feels a personal involvement. After recounting a harrowing mission, one pilot remembers, "Oh, yes. That was the first time I came back with [expletive] in my pants." Like a good wine or a rare cheese, it seems as though these tales have become better with age, some for 60 years. J.A.H.
About the Author
Michael Veitch is a multi-talented writer, performer and presenter. He has an academic background in history but made his name as part of the ABC's cult hit The D Generation, followed by Fast Forward, Full Frontal and more. He is a regular guest presenter and interviewer on ABC morning radio and is the face of ABC television's national weekly arts program, Sunday Arts. In 2006, he pursued his life-long interest in aviation with his first book, Flak, a series of interviews with airmen from the Second World War. The follow-up volume Fly, was released by Bolinda Audio in August 2008.
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