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Barney Greatrex
Author(s): Michael Veitch ISBN: 9780733637230 Binding: Paperback Published: 2017-09-26 The incredible untold World War II story of Australian hero BARNEY GREATREX - from Bomber Command to French Resistance fighter. A high school and university cadet in Sydney, Barney Greatrex signed up for Bomber Command in 1941, keen to get straight into the very centre of the Allied counterattack. The RAF's strategic bombing missions faced the deadliest and most dangerous fighting imaginable as they attempted to break the will of the German people and destroy its industrial might. Bombing Germany night after night, they 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 Greatrex's war was far from over. Rescued by the French Resistance, he seized the opportunity to carry on fighting and joined his local Maquis. Alongside the men and women of the Vosges, he took part in the often savage and always dangerous operations against the occupying German forces to assist the Allies in the liberation of France. Barney was awarded the French Legion of Honour after the war, and his unique World War II story, surviving two of its most dangerous and diverse battlefronts, is told here for the first time by acclaimed bestselling author Michael Veitch.'Brilliantly researched and sympathetically told, 44 DAYS is more than just a fitting tribute to brave but overlooked heroes. It's also a top read.' DAILY TELEGRAPH on Michael Veitch's 44 DAYS
336 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2017
14 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Michael Veitch
28 books36 followersMichael 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).
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).
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 29, 2024
A fascinating, and amazingly true story, brought to life by a wonderful biographer. Michael Veitch has researched in great detail the story of this obviously modest Australian.
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 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.'
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 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.'
October 17, 2017
I absolutely loved this book, as indicated by the speed at which I read it. In fact, had I had the time I would have demolished in at one sitting. Michael Veitch is to be congratulated for the superb writing skills he has used to turn a box of old letters and records into such a readable finished product. In some respects it reminds me of the those great W.E.Johns adventure stories I devoured as a schoolboy like Biggles, but this one is much better written.
March 30, 2019
Books like this should be a part of school history classes. The stories of ‘ordinary’ people who lived extraordinary lives within major historical events. This book really brings Barney’s story to life and is so accessible, thrilling and enjoyable. Like Barney, I shake my head at his survival.
February 23, 2025
Listened as an audiobook, it was so insightful and interesting and different from what I would normally read. We live the life we have now because of people like him and the countless other brave individuals mentioned in this book.
February 7, 2018
excellent read
August 10, 2018
Captivating story of a survivor of WWII, made more compelling by the fact that I had the pleasure of meeting the subject, at the book launch. Sadly he has since passed away.
May 14, 2020
What a great book by Veitch.
Covering a person that went through so much during his time in World War 2.
The great research did not cause me to question parts of the story that were new to me.
Covering a person that went through so much during his time in World War 2.
The great research did not cause me to question parts of the story that were new to me.
January 18, 2021
Brilliant story of survival and perseverance. Michael Veitch does a Wonderful job opening your eyes to what these people went through.
August 16, 2022
Such a worthy person to write a book about and the story would be untold if not for Michael Veitch
November 8, 2023
Incredible story, great read.
Another quality piece from Veitch.
Another quality piece from Veitch.
November 5, 2024
More like Barney Dominatrix
October 27, 2025
3.5 stars
October 23, 2022
Didn't finish this book, was very dry.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews