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Barney Greatrex

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Barney Greatrex

By: Michael Veitch
Narrated by: Michael Veitch
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About this listen

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 antiaircraft 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.

©2017 Michael Veitch (P)2018 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
Air Forces Armed Forces Military Military & War World War II Veteran War Warrior
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A well written storey of a fine Australian whom led a remarkable life. Well done.

Remarkable

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Great story to listen to on the road. Not overly long and well read. Enjoyed it very much.

Not padded out like some books

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Once again, Michael takes the reader on a journey that is unimaginable to our everyday lives.
An incredible story of fear and survival with the local people living under a brutal regime that never ceases to amaze me.

Brilliant yet again

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incredibly good true story, well written and narrated
listened to it with my 90 year old father who enjoyed every minute

incredible true story

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Michael Veitch brings to light a great story from another Australian who served as aircrew in the RAAF in WW2.

A wonderful story from a dark time in history

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.