Australia's Aviation Heroes: True stories from our airmen at war

From the author of bestselling Sisters in Captivity, seven remarkable stories of men who served from WWI to Korea – their wartime exploits and achievements through aviation. Based on personal interviews conducted by the author over many years, Australia’s Aviation Heroes captures the exploits of extraordinary men in extraordinary times. We’re introduced to Jack Treacy, the WWI fighter pilot who was not only on the scene when the notorious Red Baron was shot down over France but came perilously close to joining him in his grave. Re-live the story of Ernie Guest, a man determined to fly against all odds after storming into battle on the bloody shores of Anzac Cove, Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. Meet George Allen, the Scottish-born pilot who survived that same war and went on to become one of the great pioneers in Australian aviation history. Then there is the harrowing tale of Joe Herman, the Queensland bomber pilot blown out of his doomed aircraft over war-torn Europe without a parachute who, through a mid-air miracle – truly a million-to-one chance – managed to live to tell his story.

We get to know Clive Caldwell, the indomitable Sydney man regarded as Australia’s greatest fighter pilot of WWII, as well as Don Bennett, the resolute, record-breaking Queenslander who developed and led Bomber Command’s legendary Pathfinder Force. During the Korean War, Phillip Zupp, an Australian Meteor pilot, was badly hurt while trying to rescue a fellow jet pilot who had been shot down, and his bravery while under fire was recognised by a citation for a Purple Heart – the only Australian ever to be recommended for this uniquely American medal for injuries sustained during an act of outstanding courage.

These are the amazing stories of men who answered the call during desperate times, willingly taking to the dangerous skies in wartime. Australia can salute and be proud of their many astounding accomplishments.

© 2025 Simon & Schuster Australia (Lydbog): 9781761632518

Release date

Lydbog: 1. juli 2025