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Barney Greatrex
From Bomber Command to the French Resistance - the stirring story of an Australian hero
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Format: Paperback / softback
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See moreThe incredible untold World War II story of Australian hero BARNEY GREATREX - from Bomber Command to French Resistance fighter.
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Description
The incredible untold World War II story of Australian hero Barney Greatrex - from Bomber Command to French Resistance fighter.
A school and university cadet in Sydney, Barney Greatrex signed up for RAF Bomber Command in 1941, eager to get straight into the very centre of the Allied counterattack. Bombing Germany night after night, Barney's 61 Squadron faced continual enemy fighter attacks and anti-aircraft fire - death or capture by the Nazis loomed large. Very few survived more than 20 missions, and it was on his 20th mission, in 1944, that Barney's luck finally ran out: he was shot down over occupied France.
But his war was far from over. Rescued by the French Resistance, Barney seized the opportunity to carry on fighting and joined the Maquis in the liberation of France from the occupying German forces, who rarely took prisoners.
Later, Barney was awarded the French Legion of Honour, but for seventy years he said almost nothing of his incredible war service - surviving two of the most dangerous battlefronts. Aged 97, Barney Greatrex revealed his truly great Australian war story to acclaimed bestselling author Michael Veitch.
'Fascinating . . . Veitch brings the story vividly to life' Sydney Morning Herald Pick of the Week.
'Veitch has done a wonderful job . . . a fast-paced and thrilling tale' Daily Telegraph.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Barney Greatrex has been praised for its extraordinary storytelling and fascinating narrative. Michael Veitch brilliantly weaves Barney's story with insightful connections to the broader context of the war, providing a compelling read. Reviews highlight the work as a significant addition to Australian military history.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780733640902
Publisher: Hachette Australia
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 29 January 2019
Country: Australia
Imprint: Hachette Australia
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 26.0mm
Width: 124.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 240g
Pages: 352
About the Author
Michael Veitch is well known as an author, actor and former ABC television and radio presenter. His books include the critically acclaimed accounts of Australian airmen in World War II, 44 Days, Heroes of the Skies, Fly, Flak, Barney Greatrex, Turning Point and The Battle of the Bismarck Sea. He lives in the Yarra Valley, outside Melbourne.
Also by Michael Veitch
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Borneo: The Last Campaign
From bestselling author Michael Veitch (Australia's Secret Army, Turning Point) comes the story of the brilliant, yet controversial campaign which ended Australia's involvement in World War II. Borneo: The Last Campaign tells the story of Operation OBOE, the massive, three-pronged assault on the vast Japanese-held island of Borneo in 1945. It was one of the largest amphibious invasions of the...Paperback$3600Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Battle of the Bismarck Sea
'Readers look for and admire good writers and great writing. They will find it, in spades, in The Battle of the Bismarck Sea.' -The Canberra Times In the thick of World War II, during the first week of March 1943, Japan made a final, desperate lunge for control of the South West Pacific. In the ensuing Battle of the Bismarck...Paperback$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Hell Ship
Meticulous research... Veitch fleshes out a tale of courage and tragedy and brings it to life with drama, passion and detail. Herald Sun For more than a century and a half, a grim tale has passed down through Michael Veitch's family: the story of the Ticonderoga, a clipper ship that sailed from Liverpool in August 1852, crammed with poor but...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Australia's Secret Army
A Coastwatcher's work is ... to sit in hiding like a spider, right in the web of the enemy, unseen and unheard. We became the eyes and ears of the Pacific.' Reg Evans, Coastwatcher Hidden deep in the jungles and high in the mountains of the Southwest Pacific during World War II, Australia's secret army - the Coastwatchers - reported...PaperbackSold Out -
Turning Point
The Battle for Milne Bay - Japan's first defeat on land in the Second World War - was a defining moment in the evolution of the indomitable Australian fighting spirit. For the men of the AIF, the militia and the RAAF, it was the turning point in the Pacific, and their finest - though now largely forgotten - hour. Forgotten,...PaperbackSold Out -
44 Days
βBrilliantly researched and sympathetically told, 44 Days is more than just a fitting tribute to brave but overlooked heroes. It's also a top read.β DAILY TELEGRAPH The epic World War II story of the heroes of Australia's 75 Squadron - and the 44 days when these brave and barely trained pilots fought alone against the Japanese. In March and April...PaperbackSold Out
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