Courage in the Skies

by Jim Eames

This is the extraordinary and little known story of Qantas' significant role during World War II, particularly in its campaigns against the Japanese. It is a story of truly heroic deeds during the fall of Singapore, taking munitions and military personnel up and refugees back, of escape and subterfuge as crews prepared for these dangerous operations. It tells of how Qantas confronted the Japanese advance into Indonesia and on to Timor, of its planes being shot down by Japanes Zeros, and the little mentioned bombing of Broome during which 14 flying boats were destroyed and many lives were lost. Then there are the Papua New Guinea campaigns, the highlights of which are the rescue of 90 Australian civilians who made it through to Mt Hagan after the Japanese took Rabaul and the airline's involvement in the great battles of Kokoda, Buna and Gona.This is a story of an extraordinary group of Australians who confronted the dark days of World War II with bravery, commitment and initiative. They just happened to be Qantas people.

Genres: Aviation, Military Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2018

Reviews

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about the early history of Qantas Airlines and it's service during World War 2. It has many interesting little stories in the book and is a great tribute to the men who risked their lives without getting the acknowledgement they deserved in those days.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my kind of book. Its about aeroplanes, World War 2 history and author Jim Eames is highly qualified to write it. The Qantas aircrews showed remarkable courage and determination to overcome enormous difficulties in maintaining a civil airline service during the war including the celebrated double sunrise Catalina flight from Perth to Ceylon. They were not helped by Government interference and stupidity on such issues as aircraft, maintenance and were denied receiving official recognition for their bravery. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about how we managed to survive World War 2.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absorbing,spirited and fast-paced,this is a story of an extraordinary group of Australians who confronted the dark days of WWII with bravery, commitment and initiative.They just happened to be Qantas people.WWI veterans Paul McGinness and Hudson Fysh envisaged an air service connecting Australia to the world.Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd was registered as a business on 16 November 1920.Founding chairman was Fergus McMaster.The first Qantas air routes provided vital connections to western Queenslanders who responded with enthusiasm by purchasing shares and travelling by air.The ‘NT’represented their plan to fly overseas via Darwin as the main aerial port of entry at the time.Overseas expansion was achieved in 1935 with services between Brisbane and Singapore using DH-86 aircraft.From 1938, Empire flying boats linked Sydney and Singapore introducing full cabin service and modern comfort.Despite having a number of its aircraft transferred to the RAAF, Qantas continued to operate air services to Singapore and within Australia after war is declared in 1939.Qantas crews ferried 19 Catalina flying boats from the USA to Australia in 1941.The first of these flights was just the second east to west aerial crossing of the Pacific Ocean.Singapore services cease in February 1942.Qantas flying boats evacuated servicemen and civilians from the Dutch East Indies to Australia.2 Qantas Empire flying boats were shot down by Japanese aircraft in early 1942.The Qantas hangar and flying boat servicing facilities were destroyed by Japanese air raids on Darwin on 19 February 1942.A QE flying boat narrowly escapes destruction.Qantas DH86 aircraft evacuate 78 people from Mt Hagen in New Guinea in May.Qantas completes urgent supply flights from Port Moresby to the front-line at Buna in late 1942.From June 1943, Qantas operated the only regular air service
to Australia across the Indian Ocean between Ceylon and Perth.Catalina flying boats flew 28-33h nonstop.Passengers were awarded a certificate of membership to‘The Rare and Secret Order of the Double Sunrise’.Qantas Liberators were the first to carry the flying kangaroo symbol.

[Grahame Collard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has moved to the top shelf of the many World War 2 books I have read.. Its about the unselfishness attitude of the QANTAS crew to get the work done in the face of the enemy in unarmed aircraft. The long distance flights across the Indian Ocean on the double sunrise Catalina flight from Perth to Ceylon. These were carried out at night without the modern navigational aids and with strict radio silence. Whenever there was a dangerous assignment to be carried out the QANTAS crew were sent in flying unarmed aircraft and were denied receiving official recognition for their bravery.

[Pam Ela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Qantas pilots and aircraft/flying boats in action during WW@

[Chris Klitzing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much admiration for the war time non military pilots in WWII and Qantas of today is a long way from the company of those times
Great read but takes time to read and absorb
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