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Fly
'Fly is an absorbing read thanks to the amazing and previously untold stories Veitch collected from aging pilots, navigators and gunners.' HERALD SUN
All over the world during World War II, thousands of young men who had never so much as been near an aeroplane left offices, farms and classrooms to learn to fly and fight in the greatest conflict the world has ever seen. They fought over deserts, cities and jungles, in-single-engine fighter aircraft, heavy bombers, transport planes and flying boats. How do they feel about their dramatic days in the air? What is it they remember, and what do they choose to forget?
In these candid and moving stories, Michael Veitch, writer, broadcaster and aeroplane fanatic, uncovers some of the untold stories of World War Australian, British and even German. He captures the events that defined a generation of men before these stories are lost forever.
All over the world during World War II, thousands of young men who had never so much as been near an aeroplane left offices, farms and classrooms to learn to fly and fight in the greatest conflict the world has ever seen. They fought over deserts, cities and jungles, in-single-engine fighter aircraft, heavy bombers, transport planes and flying boats. How do they feel about their dramatic days in the air? What is it they remember, and what do they choose to forget?
In these candid and moving stories, Michael Veitch, writer, broadcaster and aeroplane fanatic, uncovers some of the untold stories of World War Australian, British and even German. He captures the events that defined a generation of men before these stories are lost forever.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2008
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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 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 28, 2018
This book showed what it was really like to fly aircrafts in World War two, the horrors and the fights. Not only did the book show the point of view of the allied forces but also what the Luftwaffe went through. Each chapter focuses on a different pilot and varies from cargo, fighters and navigators. The stories are told from the point of view of World War two veterans in a personal conversation with the author. The veterans are put back into their past and it makes the book very personal as the stories are being relived and brought back.
May 29, 2020
If you like the real stories from the people involved with flying during WWII, this one gives endless accounts from octogenarians interviewed by Michael Veitch. The majority of the men interviewed live in Australia, either having been born there or having emigrated. In general , most of these men vividly recall incidents 60 years later as if it happened last month. And a great portion rather bemused that they survived the perils spoken of in their stories and anecdotes.
I listened to an audio recording by the author. His interest in the subject comes across in his pursuit of the pilots, gunners, navigators, and other crew members so their stories can be recorded for us to remember that the risks of death were real.
I think this book might be better in hard copy so the reader can go back and reread accounts.
I listened to an audio recording by the author. His interest in the subject comes across in his pursuit of the pilots, gunners, navigators, and other crew members so their stories can be recorded for us to remember that the risks of death were real.
I think this book might be better in hard copy so the reader can go back and reread accounts.
August 31, 2021
Australians today and the generations to come will owe a debt of gratitude to Michael Veitch for capturing the stories of these World War 2 aviation heroes for their gallant exploits in the main, against Nazi Germany. The irony of it is that, as shown in the last story, the animosity wasn't against the individual German aviators but against a flawed and corrupt regime that was intent on world domination. Like author Veitch, I am also a World War 2 aviation tragic so this book was right down my street and I loved it, as will anyone else with a similar inclination.
October 12, 2018
Unusually written book, capturing memories of ageing pilots and bomber-crews. The author doesn't just tell the war stories, but he also gives you a generous description of his life and Australia in general. It might not be suitable to people hungry for the gung-ho adventures, but I quite enjoyed it's relaxed (I might even say "Australian") tempo.
December 18, 2019
This is an excellent book written about the brave men who flew planes during WWII. Veitch has gone to extraordinary lengths to capture these stories and immortalise them in print before they were lost forever. The book is an important piece of history told from the pilot's point of view. Obviously, the book caters to a niche audience but if you like these sorts of stories this book is for you.
November 17, 2017
I just loved this audio book, and even listened to a few of the stories a second time. There are 24 interviews with WWII pilots, navigators and gunners. Thank goodness someone has taken the time to record their stories before it is too late.
February 12, 2019
Author telling story of meeting a range of airmen from WW2.
December 6, 2022
A great collection of real life battle stories of pilots, navigators and gunners from the Second World War
December 30, 2014
Fly (Unabridged)
Author: Michael Veitch
Date:
01-AUG-2008
Narrator:
Michael Veitch
Provider:
Bolinda Publishing
Well, it is a good book of a variety of stories of men who were pilots, navigators, gunners, flight engineers in WWII and were residing in Australia while Veitch collected these stories.
Having just finished "A Higher Call" (by Adam Makos) and talking to my husband, who is a WWII history fan he suggested I listen to this book next. I really didn't want to but listened to the first two stories to humor him, then went off to a few books I thought would be more enjoyable. But i did come back to FLY when I didn't know what to listen to next.
Turns out, this book was enjoyable, too.
However, please be aware this is just my opinion and a matter of my "taste" -- but I think the book would have been better if it had covered fewer men and included more details from each story. I know the author had the intent of collecting combat stories but ...
At one point, he tells how he had to stop the old soldier from telling anymore great jokes and get him on-task and telling the stories the author had come to hear. In another case, (and I am probably paraphrasing here), the does not retell the "long and complicated tale" that "involved a pub and a train station" that told how the planes crew was formed and then says "I knew I was going to have to work hard to get anything to write about." **sigh**
And this is my assumption about the author -- If I was the wife of any one of these old men, I would be sorely disappointed with the finished book. It seems he spent hours with these men and whittled back their reminiscences to 15 to 30 minutes; he wanted only their names in a list and their stories but really did not care about the old soldiers, as individual people.
Even so, I do recommend the book to anyone unfamiliar with what it was like to be in a military aircraft during WWII.
I gave the book a 4-star, though in reality it is more like a 3 1/2 ... needs more detail.
Author: Michael Veitch
Date:
01-AUG-2008
Narrator:
Michael Veitch
Provider:
Bolinda Publishing
Well, it is a good book of a variety of stories of men who were pilots, navigators, gunners, flight engineers in WWII and were residing in Australia while Veitch collected these stories.
Having just finished "A Higher Call" (by Adam Makos) and talking to my husband, who is a WWII history fan he suggested I listen to this book next. I really didn't want to but listened to the first two stories to humor him, then went off to a few books I thought would be more enjoyable. But i did come back to FLY when I didn't know what to listen to next.
Turns out, this book was enjoyable, too.
However, please be aware this is just my opinion and a matter of my "taste" -- but I think the book would have been better if it had covered fewer men and included more details from each story. I know the author had the intent of collecting combat stories but ...
At one point, he tells how he had to stop the old soldier from telling anymore great jokes and get him on-task and telling the stories the author had come to hear. In another case, (and I am probably paraphrasing here), the does not retell the "long and complicated tale" that "involved a pub and a train station" that told how the planes crew was formed and then says "I knew I was going to have to work hard to get anything to write about." **sigh**
And this is my assumption about the author -- If I was the wife of any one of these old men, I would be sorely disappointed with the finished book. It seems he spent hours with these men and whittled back their reminiscences to 15 to 30 minutes; he wanted only their names in a list and their stories but really did not care about the old soldiers, as individual people.
Even so, I do recommend the book to anyone unfamiliar with what it was like to be in a military aircraft during WWII.
I gave the book a 4-star, though in reality it is more like a 3 1/2 ... needs more detail.
June 17, 2010
Michael Veitch has gathered a great collection of interviews from World War II pilots, gunners, bombardiers and navigators. Most of their tales have never been published before.
Not only does the Author gives this great collection, he also gives the background into why he has such an interest in this subject. As well as describing the lead up to each interview, how we managed to get these. He makes each one very personal for the readers, making you feel that you are there sitting on the couch with him.
I highly recommend this book for any one how has an interest in World War II history or just is interested in some great yarns.
Not only does the Author gives this great collection, he also gives the background into why he has such an interest in this subject. As well as describing the lead up to each interview, how we managed to get these. He makes each one very personal for the readers, making you feel that you are there sitting on the couch with him.
I highly recommend this book for any one how has an interest in World War II history or just is interested in some great yarns.
March 27, 2014
It's a lovely collection of stories from Commonwealth and German aircrew. I'd say just that. I don't think I arrived at any deeper truth or learned anything of great import. However, I did meet a wonder group of men who did their part when called on, and managed to survive. There are a number of interesting characters. It's worth a read. It would be useful to be familiar with the overall history of World War II first, although the author does do a pretty good job of providing context. Audio version is read by the author, and he does a fine job.
June 30, 2011
A complete tangent from my previous read. The author has interviewed some amazing people 60 years on from their war time experiences. Fantastic recollections from the unsung heros of WWII. Brilliant read
March 3, 2014
Another sobering collection of WWII Air Force servicemen. It is great to see author Michael Veitch continuing his efforts in interviewing as many war heroes as he can before many of their experiences go unrecorded.
May 21, 2010
Excellent and dramatic first hand accounts of American and British airmen during WWII.
July 12, 2011
Talking book and quite enjoyable.
June 2, 2016
True war stories
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews