Australian Eagles. Australians in the Battle of Britain

The official release day for Australian Eagles is 1 July 2013 but Alexander Fax Booksellers have already received stocks and it is on sale now at alexanderfaxbooks.com.au

Even before the release, Australian Eagles has received some favourable comments.

 

Neil Follett from the Aviation Historical Society of Australia emailed the other day to advise he would be including a review in the Society's September newsletter.

 

He told me: 'I really enjoyed the read and your in depth research shows ... I will certainly recommend it.'

 

On 6 June I was interviewed by Richard Stubbs of ABC 774.

 

You can download the interview at: http://blogs.abc.net.au/victoria/2013/06/australian-eagles-battle-of-britain.html

 

Here are just a handful of the great things he had to say:

 

'Done herself proud'

 

'Investigative writing and also emotional writing'

 

'I found it terribly moving'

 

'Clearly you've done some research to make these people come alive again'

 

'A meticulous researcher and a very good writer'

 

'This is a wonderful book'

 

I am trying not to get a big head!

 

The first review of Australian Eagles! This early bird review appeared in Flightpath Volume 24, Number 4 (this was also printing in Wings, Winter 2013):

 

They were known simply as “The Few”; the 3000 RAF fighter pilots that defended the UK through the Battle of Britain. These were essentially young men tasked with the greatest of responsibilities and the manner in which they rose to the occasion has become history. These men came from across the Commonwealth, including a small band of brothers from far-flung Australia. It is the story of six of these men—Jack Kennedy (Sydney), Stuart Walch (Hobart), Dick Glyde (Perth), John Crossman (Newcastle), Des Sheen (Canberra) and British-born James Coward, an “adopted” Australian—that Kristen Alexander has captured in her new book, “Australian Eagles”.

 

The history of “The Few” has been documented in word and film a number of times, but what Kristen’s book exudes is the human face. For ‘Australian Eagles’ steps back from the skies over Kent and traces these young pilots back to the schoolyards and sporting fields of their homes. Their deeds in the air made history, but it was their upbringing that made them the selfless men they grew into. Through family interviews and archives, the Australian “Few” come alive. And yet in seeking out the personalities behind the service numbers, Kristen has also thoroughly researched the operational truths.

 

From personnel files to squadron records and log books, the timeline of the battle is clearly established. This book is thoroughly researched on a number of levels and the role of each young man’s daily life is described to a backdrop of combat operations. There are dogfights and close calls, but there is also time for humour and reflection. These are young men caught in between their vitality and mortality.

 

 ‘Australian Eagles’ offers a wonderful blend of history and humanity. In times of upheaval, the individuals are often lost in the enormity of the undertaking. So dedicated to the greater good that their own stories can slip between the deepening cracks of time. Thankfully, Kristen Alexander has taken the time to catch these six young lives and share them with us. To the boyish faces staring out from the photographs upon the page, Kristen’s words have breathed new life.