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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 Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Military Oceania War Veteran
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Editor 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)

What listeners say about Fly

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Goggles on and chocks away!

I loved this book. Humour shone through all, despite some of the tales being rather grim. Especially loved the tale of the guy shot down over England, who was nearly impaled on a pitchfork after being mistaken for a German. "Will you piss orf and get me an ambulance!" will live with me forever.

Couldn't reccomend it highly enough.

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Great stories, very well narrated.

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

Without reading the book, I can't compare. But the fact that the author is a professional actor allowed him to apply accents and characterisations that for me, really brought the anecdotes to life.

What other book might you compare Fly to, and why?

In my opinion, the definitive book of aviation stories is Death is the Hunter by Ernest K. Gann. This is in a different genre, but it is still very good indeed, but not quite at the standard of that title.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

No really relevant. This contains a series of reminiscences from many WW2 aircrew, all of whom had some common experiences, yet every story is unique in some way. I can say that not one story could be considered sub-par compared to the others.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many of the tales recounted had moving elements. Overall though, what moved me the most is that since the interviews with the aircrew took place in 2008, many of them will no longer be with us now. It is great that we have a record of their memories.

Any additional comments?

The quality of narration was significantly better than any other Audible book I have purchased so far. If you are an aviation enthusiast, particularly if you have an interest in military aviation, I strongly recommend it. I almost came upon it by chance, as it does not appear in Audible search results under "Aviation". Audible search needs an overhaul, perhaps a review of the tagging.

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