Flak

by Michael Veitch

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. From bomber pilots to fighter aces, from rear gunners to bomb aimers, from stories of death and fear to tales of humor and comradeship, Michael has helped unearth the extraordinary stories of ordinary men living and fighting in extraordinary times.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Military Fiction, Aviation, War, World War II, Military History

MP3 CD

First published March 1, 2008

About the author

Michael Veitch spent much of his youth writing and performing in television sketch comedy programs, before freelancing as a columnist and arts reviewer for newspapers and magazines. For four years he presented Sunday Arts, the national arts show on ABC television, and produced two books indulging his life-long interest in the aircraft of the Second World War, Flak and Fly. He lives in Hobart, where he presents ABC radio.

Books:
Hailing from a family of journalists, Veitch wrote Flak – True stories from the men who flew in World War II published in 2006 by Pan Macmillan and later, Fly: True stories of courage and adventure from the airmen of World War II published by Penguin Australia in August 2008. A third book, The Forgotten Islands, exploring the lesser-known islands of Bass Strait, was published by Penguin Australia in August 2011.

Further publications include a history of the CSIRO marine exploration vessel, Southern Surveyor will be released in late 2015 (CSIRO Publishing) and a further volume of Second World War airman stories, which will also be published late 2015 (Penguin Books).

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend for anyone interested in World War II, aeroplanes and/or facinating real life stories. I listened to this book with the author reading it which was an added attraction and it did not disappoint. Flak is a collection of aircrew memories, mostly Australian but not all. It is probably more accurate to say it is the story of writing the book, gathering information and descriptions of the people the author interviewed as well as their stories from the past.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We should give author Michael Veitch a medal for public service for writing this enjoyable book for telling the real life stories of these gallant airman. In fact, the biggest downer for me is that for space considerations half of the stories that had been collected were omitted. I hope this means there is another volume of these stories planned for the future.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, informative and easy to read interviews with a variety of airmen from WW2 as they retell and relive their experiences. Such unique, amazing and heroic men, in defence against the enemy. Aircraft so different from those we cruise in today. These were brave men. And they will not be forgotten. Thank you to Michael Veitch for honouring that pilot’s request-“To be remembered.”

[Davina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of interesting stories. Would have liked him to interview some American vets in Australia (assuming there are some.) Would have liked him to have had that experience. His brief conclusion is one of the best parts of the book. He interviewed a lot of interesting characters. This is hardly a dense, momentous work of history, yet, each story has it's own gravity. I think the authors own childhood love of war planes shows through, although it's never too intrusive. A lovely little book.

[Helen O'Sh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flak was the first good (Fly the second and Heroes of the Skies the third; I read Fly first, Heroes second and Flak third). Interviews with aircrew from WW2.

I don’t know whether he got better, I got accustomed or it actually was the best, but I enjoyed Fly and Heroes better than Flak. I think there was more personalisation in the first two I read, more about the person and the surrounds and Michael’s feelings. Whatever the case, all the stories are amazing and I’m glad I’ve heard them.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this audiobook, it felt like sitting down in an old family friend's lounge room over a cuppa for a chat - listening to extraordinary stories from ordinary people living through incredible times. My grandfather was a pilot in the RAAF, so it felt close to home, and parts resonated strongly with a few of his experiences too. What a piece of history.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit it, I am a huge fan of Michael Veitch's books. Love how he gives the person their voice in his research. Love how he tells a complicated story straight without a lot of fuss. Obviously, he has a huge passion for WWII and aircraft and knows these stories must live on.
Once again, another great read.

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 2006, this book chronicles the stories from the mouths of those who were there, of pilots, gunners, wireless operators and navigators who flew in the various theatres of the Second World War. Quite fascinating, although a little repetitive at times.

[Diana]

This was a book left in the house I bought in 2018, about Australian bomber crew: pilots, gunners etc in WW2. Really interesting as it talked with these men and got real, and personal stories of their adventures with a variety of the planes. They were all characters and for the most felt themselves very 'lucky' to have survived. I passed it on to my brother who also enjoyed it.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Containing a little more than two dozen tales told by airman who thought all over the world but now live in Australia. The book is easy to read because of this format. Very easy to follow, a good change from the more academic books about the war.

[Bill Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars for the men who flew in WW2. Tears for those on all sides who never got to come home. A raspberry for the men who (still) start wars.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight up delightful - what history writing should be in my mind. Joy, nerdery and a deep love of and respect for the chosen area.

[Shane Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting tales about pilots of world war two. I never knew Sweden shot down RAF planes.

[Antony Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read, short stories.

[Antony Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very amazing collection of stories that uphold the legacy of amazing men who served in the skies. A demonstration of the true ‘masters of the air’

[Captain Dunsel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and refreshingly honest, especially the descriptions of classic planes.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great collection of stories and tales from former aircrew in WW2. Well researched book. Pity he didn't do 2 volumes the second with the 100 others that didn't make it into this book.

[Michael O'Donnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. Flying in World War 2 told from an Australian perspective. Told by a man in love with the machinery. It is amazing that the machines and men came back with so much damage.

Loss of comrades felt but there were so many of them.

Little feeling for the people dying below but that was the job necessary.

A view of Australian History.

Who knew Spitfires were shit in the tropics?

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

see Fly

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read. Factual stories of the pilots and crews from WW2. Easy to read in a very approachable manner. Really enjoyed this one