Escapees’ exploits re-told

AIRCDRE Stewart Cameron and Michelle Lovi with an original copy of Against the Odds.

THE Air Power Development Centre has reprinted a book featuring 31 accounts, mostly from Australian World War II airmen, who had the dubious distinction of having been shot down over enemy territory in Europe, North Africa or New Guinea and either evaded capture or escaped from captivity.

Against the Odds was first published in 1995 by the Australian branch of the Royal Air Force’s Escaping Society (RAFES), but has been out of print for several years.

The idea of a reprint was initiated by Air Commodore Stewart Cameron, Director General Capability Management at Air Force HQ, who said it was important to remember the exploits of past members in times of war.

“The Air Force has a proud history of service and sacrifice and we, the current generation, need to understand the circumstances in which our forebears operated,” he said.

“Each of these stories is a tribute to the courage, determination, and never-die spirit of the Australian Serviceman and Servicewoman.”

The task of re-editing the text, preparing photographic illustrations and colour maps, and updating the biographical details of the contributing authors was undertaken by the publications officer in the APDC, Michelle Lovi, in
conjunction with the Office of Air Force History.

The original edition of the book was edited by former flight lieutenant Murray Adams, who trained at Wagga under the Empire Air Training Scheme before being sent to the Middle East in April 1941.

Eight months later he was shot down south of Tobruk during an offensive sweep by Tomahawks of 250 Squadron, RAF, but made it back to Allied lines within two days, in time to intercept the signal notifying his parents that he had been posted “missing in action”. His story is one of those included.

Now a sprightly 85-year-old living in Brisbane, Mr Adams said the stories were published because they were “history that deserved to be preserved before the authors died, as many have already”.

“We are grateful to the Air Force for this enhanced reprint, and in particular to AIRCDRE Cameron and Dr [Christopher] Clark, the RAAF Historian, for their help and enthusiasm.”

Copies of Against the Odds are available at the APDC website, http://www.raaf.gov.au/airpower or from the chairman, RAFES, 1/65 Orleigh Street, Hill End, Queensland, 4101. Copies cost $28 each, including postage within Australia.

For more information, contact RAFES by phone on (07) 3844 9115.

.