Tribute to bomber squadron
We Find and Destroy

By Peter Alexander. Australian Military History Publications. 305pp. $40

Reviewer :: Gp-Capt Mark Lax

The RAAF provided 17 squadrons for service in the European theatre during World War II, and while readers know of the exploits of Australians in Bomber Command over Germany, many will not be aware of the RAAF’s efforts in North Africa and Italy.

This book, subtitled A History of 458 RAAF Squadron, is the story of one of those ‘forgotten’ units.

No. 458 Squadron flew Wellington bombers from October 1941, first from England against targets in Germany, then from Egypt on maritime patrol missions over the Mediterranean. In late 1944 the unit moved to Italy, finally ending up in Gibraltar at war’s end. Completing the story most recently, the Chief of Air Force approved the squadron’s unofficial badge after 60 years, confirming their motto “We find and destroy”.

Written by ex-squadron member and long-time national President of the RAAF Association Peter Alexander, the story develops in chronological order from his and others’ experience. Official records have also been checked to ensure accuracy, resulting in a well-written and liberally illustrated publication.

This edition is a fully updated release of a book first published in 1959 and makes an easy read. It forms a great tribute to those who served on Wellington bombers with 458, both as air and ground crew, and to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

For those readers with an interest in Air Force history, this is a must for your bookshelf.