Fly

By: Michael Veitch

Narrated by: Michael Veitch

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

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)

Changed my feelings about the Australian Solider

I found this to be a very interesting collection of interviews of members of the RAAF. Enjoyed the style and delivery, I was surprised however to discover that Americans were held is such low esteem by many if not most of those interviewed. As an American knowing the amount of American blood that was shed to save the Pacific from total Japanese domination it kind of left me with a view of Aussies akin to that of the way the French said thank you. I walked away with a feeling our Allied relationship was similar to that we had with the Russians.

Fairly Good, but biased

I found the stories interesting, but the author clearly is biased against USA. None of his stories included US fliers. Any mention of the US in the book was negative. You get the feeling the US was incompetent and killed more allied fliers than the Germans.

Fairly Good, but biased

I found the stories interesting, but the author clearly is biased against USA. None of his stories included US fliers. Any mention of the US in the book was negative. You get the feeling the US was incompetent and killed more allied fliers than the Germans.

Excellent book from RAF and RAAF point of view

Any additional comments?

I am very much a WWII aviation enthusiast and read a lot on the subject. This book contains tales from RAF and RAAF pilots and crew who flew in Lancasters, Sterlings, Blenheims, Beauforts, Sunderlands, Fireflies, etc. This material is rare to find elsewhere. In addition, Mr. Veitch is a marvelous writer and narrator. I highly value both the subject matter and the masterful style in which it is presented.

If you are a WWII aviation enthusiast, this is definitely a book for you.

Reviewers often focus on there being comments negative toward Americans. As an American myself, I wish the impression were different. But I keep in mind that WWII was fought by young servicemen, many full of bravado, and it was not uncommon for those of one nation to have some rivalry toward or frictions with those of another -- such was even sometimes the case between one branch and another or even between one squadron and another of the same nation's forces.

Great flying Narratives.

Would you consider the audio edition of Fly to be better than the print version?

This is read by the author, in his Australian accent, about RAAF and RAF flyers.

Any additional comments?

Great story's of incredible men of WWII.