Overview

The untold story of courage, comradeship, and daring that captures the true spirit of the ANZACs in the air. From the freezing airfields of Scotland to the storm-lashed fjords of Norway, two squadrons of aviators from the other side of the world forged one of the most daring and effective maritime strike forces of the Second World War. In 1944, the Royal Australian Air Force’s No. 455 Squadron and the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 489 Squadron joined forces under RAF Coastal Command to hunt German shipping across the North Sea. Flying Bristol Beaufighters at wave-top height through sleet, flak and fighter interception, these young airmen fought with courage, ingenuity and grim determination — destroying convoys, crippling the enemy’s lifelines, and writing a new chapter in the ANZAC story. Drawing on newly digitised archives, operational records, and eyewitness accounts, Air Vice-Marshal John Quaife (Ret’d) brings to life the exhilaration and chaos of low-level strike warfare and the enduring comradeship of those who flew and fell together. It is a fitting companion volume to Battle of the Atlantic, Quaife’s earlier book in the series on the RAAF in Coastal Command during the Battle of the Atlantic. ANZAC Strike Wing is the untold story of Australians and New Zealanders who fought side by side in the air war over Europe — ordinary men achieving extraordinary feats in one of history’s most dangerous arenas. ANZAC Strike Wing is the 12th title in The Australian Air Campaign Series. About the Series  The Australian Air Campaign Series from the Royal Australian Air Force History and Heritage Branch showcases the skill, courage and innovation of ANZACs in the air. Each title blends meticulous research with vivid storytelling and features full-colour images, illustrations, and maps to uncover lesser-known chapters of the RAAF’s operational history. ‘The Australian Air Campaign Series … consists of well-researched books on RAAF history that are not only underpinned by rigorous scholarship and solid evidence, but also are readable, well-illustrated, educational and enduring.’ — RAAF History and Heritage Branch ‘These themed titles explore specific facets of the Air Force … sourced from official records and first-hand accounts.’ — airforce.gov.au

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9781923514485

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John Quaife grew up in Melbourne and as a kid just loved military aviation. He lived the dream. John spent 28 years with Royal Australian Air Force as a fighter pilot. He is a graduate of the RAAF’s ‘top gun’ training course who went on to become one of Australia’s most senior military commanders. John continues to serve as an Air Vice-Marshal in the RAAF active reserve. John is currently working on a companion history that covers RAAF and RNZAF experience as Coastal Command’s ANZAC Strike Wing.

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