44 Days
75 Squadron and the Fight for Australia
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44 Days
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Narrated by:
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Michael Veitch
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By:
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Michael Veitch
About this listen
The epic World War II story of Australia's 75 Squadron - and the 44 days when these brave and barely-trained pilots fought alone against the Japanese.
In March and April 1942, RAAF 75 Squadron bravely defended Port Moresby for 44 days when Australia truly stood alone against the Japanese. This group of raw young recruits scrambled ceaselessly in their Kittyhawk fighters to an extraordinary and heroic battle, the story of which has been left largely untold.
The recruits had almost nothing going for them against the Japanese war machine, except for one extraordinary leader named John Jackson, a balding, tubby Queenslander - at 35 possibly the oldest fighter pilot in the world - who said little, led from the front, and who had absolutely no sense of physical fear.
Time and time again this brave group were hurled into battle, against all odds and logic, and succeeded in mauling a far superior enemy - whilst also fighting against the air force hierarchy. After relentless attack, the squadron was almost wiped out by the time relief came, having succeeded in their mission - but also paying a terrible price.
Michael Veitch, actor, presenter and critically acclaimed author, brings to life the incredible exploits and tragic sacrifices of this courageous squadron of Australian heroes.
©2016 Michael Veitch (P)2016 BolindaWhat listeners say about 44 Days
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- James
- 23-11-2016
I really enjoyed the book
I thought it was a great book with a lot of information I have listened to his books before and really enjoyed them he is a great writer
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Bruce
- 09-01-2023
A must
This is a story that all Australians should be aware of. How brave these men. Their situation was terrible not to mention their probability of being killed. I can’t imagine how they must have felt. As a child I lived in PNG so I have a good idea of the climate they had to live in. The rest of their situation must have been traumatic. How strong they must have been.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- The reader who failed English!
- 13-06-2017
Australia. Peculiar in how we choose our hero's. what an understatement!
I enjoy documentaries of what the Australian military have done throughout the world. How these men could not be considered for decoration is beyond me. A well researched and presented documentary, I wonder how many members of the current 75 squadron have read it? More importantly how many of the "top brass" who know everything about combat because they learned it all in officers school. A good book for those who are interested in what makes us Australian
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 10-10-2018
Shinning a Spotlight on unacknowledged Heroes
Its astounding that very little has been said about the 44 Days. Yes there was a lot happening on many fronts, but now the heroes who risked their lives need more recognition. The book was enlightening and took the listener right into the cockpit. Laugh out loud moments. Sadness and incredulity at some stupidity and unnecessary deaths.Thank you for bringing this story to Audio.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Robert
- 22-02-2017
A story that should be heard.
A great in site to the forgotten hero's of the 75th squadron. I can't imagine what these guys went thought. What a bunch of brave brave blokes.
A must listen to anybody that is interested in Australian war history.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jason
- 05-03-2017
Incredible Story
A well-written account of an amazing snapshot in Australian military history. Achieving a good balance of facts and figures vs action sequences, this book is always engaging and highlights well the truly incredible struggle against massive odds of the hand full of pilots involved im those 44 days.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Lee
- 07-08-2017
Essential for history buffs
This well researched book tells a little known but important part of our wartime history. Well worth a listen
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- tlcdc
- 31-05-2024
Aussie hero’s
Great read I wish more stories like this were available to read my word we had some tuff buggers looking after Australia.
We shall remember them🇦🇺
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- JANET
- 06-11-2017
A Must Listen
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Factual, well written well narrated by author. Extremely interesting! Recommend!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- William Doughty
- 06-07-2017
Important Australia History.
A part of Australia war history. You never known. Very hounor to have listen to this book. Courage in extremely difficult conditions. Brave human spirt. I am full of respect. For these true war heroes.
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