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Fly

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Fly

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

 Fly is Michael Veitch's second collection of 24 interviews with pilots, navigators and gunners - now all in their 80s - who flew during the Second World War. Here are stories of bravery and fear, moments of terror and relief and vivid details of flying under fire. A passion for history and a boyhood obsession with World War II aircraft inspired Michael Veitch to record these stories of combat, fear and comradeship before they vanished.©2008 Michael Veitch. By arrangement with Penguin Group (Australia). (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing Air Forces Armed Forces Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Military Oceania War Aviation Veteran

Editorial reviews

A unique collection of stories from World War II airmen, ably narrated by Australian actor and broadcaster Michael Veitch, who collected them. Most of the octogenarian airmen here - pilots, bombers, and runners alike - are Australian or British, but their experiences run the gamut of emotions experienced during war, from terror to comedy, mourning to joy. Military history aficionados will greatly appreciate this collection of rare material, and marvel anew at the sacrifices made during these unforgettable battles.

Critic Reviews

"The author undertakes a personal mission to interview WWII pilots from both sides and record their war experiences before they disappear. He encounters many rich characters who are eager to talk, introducing them with dry wit in an Australian accent. Assuming the intonation of the senior citizens, even if Russian or German, he re-creates the excitement of their air battles and the sadness of remembering fallen comrades. As Veitch describes the interviews, one feels a personal involvement. After recounting a harrowing mission, one pilot remembers, 'Oh, yes. That was the first time I came back with [expletive] in my pants.' Like a good wine or a rare cheese, it seems as though these tales have become better with age, some for 60 years." (AudioFile Magazine)
All stars
Most relevant
Good stories. would be good if each story started a new chapter. enjoyed each story. would be great if each story was longer with more details.

Good stories

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great to hear their storys from the men that were there,great listening and recommended

loved it

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Great to hear these memoirs. An exceptional effort by the author. Well written and very well read. 10/10

Fascinating stories, rivetingly told.

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thoroughly enjoyed the captivating stories of these brave men . could of listened to another 20 . thanks to the author

super

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One of the best books on flying in WW2 I have read. Michael Veitch conveys the stories of these great Australians brilliantly. After each chapter I found myself muttering an expletive to myself with the words ‘that story can’t be topped’ only to find myself repeating it after the next chapter. With many tears and shaking of the head in between. Thank you, Mr Veitch.

Magnificent

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Great to hear the stories first hand.

Brave souls...

Thank you Michael for getting them out to who ever is interested.

A must listen.

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Listened to straight after Flak, thank you very much for putting these two books together and collecting all the history from the men themselves

Fantastic

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The vast experiences by the Servicemen interviewed resulted in the most enjoyable audible to date.

Terrific number of individual stories

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Yet another great book by Michael. Tells the stories brilliantly. can wait for his next one

Great

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I enjoyed every minute of this book and listened to it on long interstate drives. I was captured by the author’s descriptions of the circumstances of each interview, as much as by the dramas in each old man’s wartime service stories. I particularly appreciated Veitch’s respect for his subjects and their families.

Extremely professional

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