Flak

Michael Veitch's life-long obsession with the aircraft of the Second World War led him to conclude that every single person who flew, or flew in them has at least one extraordinary story to tell. With most of these veterans in their eighties, he knew that it was a matter of urgency to find them now, before their personal stories disappear forever. From bomber pilots to fighter aces, from rear gunners to bomb aimers, from stories of death and fear to tales of humour and comradeship, Michael has helped unearth the extraordinary stories of ordinary men living and fighting in extraordinary times.

About the Author :
Michael Veitch hails from a family of journalists, but for years he dodged his dynastic responsibilities, preferring instead to write and perform in television sketch comedy, then later in stage productions. But blood will out, and after several years contributing to various newspapers as a freelance writer and theatre critic, he explored his life-long interest in the aviation of the Second World War in his first book, Flak, and now Fly. Michael Veitch is a multi-talented writer, performer and presenter. He has an academic background in history but made his name as part of the ABC’s cult hit The D-Generation, followed by Fast Forward, Full Frontal and more. For five years he was the face of ABC television’s national weekly arts program, Sunday Arts, followed by a three year stint on ABC Radio, broadcasting across Tasmania and Victoria.

Review :
"A collection of vivid, unforgettable stories from RAAF veterans about their experiences of combat in World War II ... Michael has helped unearth the extraordinary stories of ordinary men living and fighting in extraordinary times." "Inspired by his fascination with WWII aircraft, Australian comedian Michael Veitch tracked down RAAF pilots, collecting their accounts of an extraordinary time. The result is surprisingly personal – instead of tales of adventure, the emphasis is on how pilots coped with fear, malfunctioning equipment, the loss of friends, and the constant presence of death. Veitch, an Aussie celebrity, describes his experiences tracking down the stories but usually lets the pilots' accounts take over. He reads their recollections with a voice that's respectful and excited at the same time. While aimed at Australian audiences, the book's focus on pilots provides a historical view on the war that will interest many other listeners as well."