Darwin Spitfires: The real battle for Australia, Anniversary Edition

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       September 25, 2022

 

Author  Anthony Cooper.

Distributor:      New South Books
ISBN:                 9781742237787
Publisher:         NewSouth
Release Date:   August 2022  

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Many people have been to Darwin and visited the war museum there. During the Second World War the extent of the bombing of Darwin was kept quiet but now most people now are aware of that terrible time. Darwin Spitfires: The Real Battle For Australia aims to tell the story of the many later bombings which are largely unknown.

 The air raids on the Northern City were on the 19th February 1942, but for almost two years after that there were constant raids and bombs dropped. Anthony Cooper tells the story of the RAAF’s No 1 Fighter Wing, composed of Australian and British Spitfire pilots.

In 2011 Anthony Cooper first presented this book. He claimed, so much war time propaganda, poor research, and stories had little to do with the truth and facts presented about this time in Australia’s history. Now, the ability to read past the war time propaganda, and explore all aspects of this era, allows the truth to be presented. His narrative is gripping and tense as we follow the day to day duties, flights, fights and living conditions of these courageous pilots and their support staff.

Darwin Spitfires begins after the first bombing of Darwin and looks at the situation from many perspectives. The officials who were in command as well as the pilots are all cited, making this a truly comprehensive guide to this period.

Included are, maps, photos charts, and tables from the pilots, showing their engagements and remarks, such as “Both cannons failed. “To complete this rare piece of Australian History, the Cooper has compiled an intensive Index, a Bibliography, and Reference notes, including Primary Sources. For any war historian this is a must read. It has been endorsed by the War Museum and may be relied upon for the truth.