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Barney Greatrex
On sale
30th May 2019
Price: £8.99
The incredible untold World War II story of Australian hero BARNEY GREATREX – from Bomber Command to French Resistance fighter.
A school and university cadet in Sydney, Barney Greatrex signed up for RAF Bomber Command in 1941, eager to get straight into the very centre of the Allied counterattack. Bombing Germany night after night, Barney’s 61 Squadron faced continual enemy fighter attacks and anti-aircraft fire – death or capture by the Nazis loomed large. Very few survived more than 20 missions, and it was on his 20th mission, in 1944, that Barney’s luck finally ran out: he was shot down over occupied France.
But his war was far from over. Rescued by the French Resistance, Barney seized the opportunity to carry on fighting and joined the Maquis in the liberation of France from the occupying German forces, who rarely took prisoners.
Later, Barney was awarded the French Legion of Honour, but for seventy years he said almost nothing of his incredible war service – surviving two of the most dangerous battlefronts. Aged 97, Barney Greatrex revealed his truly great Australian war story to acclaimed bestselling author Michael Veitch.
‘fascinating . . . Veitch brings the story vividly to life’ Sydney Morning Herald Pick of the Week
‘Veitch has done a wonderful job . . . a fast-paced and thrilling tale’ Daily Telegraph
A school and university cadet in Sydney, Barney Greatrex signed up for RAF Bomber Command in 1941, eager to get straight into the very centre of the Allied counterattack. Bombing Germany night after night, Barney’s 61 Squadron faced continual enemy fighter attacks and anti-aircraft fire – death or capture by the Nazis loomed large. Very few survived more than 20 missions, and it was on his 20th mission, in 1944, that Barney’s luck finally ran out: he was shot down over occupied France.
But his war was far from over. Rescued by the French Resistance, Barney seized the opportunity to carry on fighting and joined the Maquis in the liberation of France from the occupying German forces, who rarely took prisoners.
Later, Barney was awarded the French Legion of Honour, but for seventy years he said almost nothing of his incredible war service – surviving two of the most dangerous battlefronts. Aged 97, Barney Greatrex revealed his truly great Australian war story to acclaimed bestselling author Michael Veitch.
‘fascinating . . . Veitch brings the story vividly to life’ Sydney Morning Herald Pick of the Week
‘Veitch has done a wonderful job . . . a fast-paced and thrilling tale’ Daily Telegraph
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Reviews
Review TO COME
a gripping story of one man's willingness to fight for what he believed in and keep himself alive.
Veitch brings the story vividly to life.
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Review TO COME
This is a stirring and previously untold story about the transformative effect of luck and courage. It deserves a wide audience.
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Review TO COME
Veitch has done a wonderful job of turning it into a fast-paced and thrilling tale, without any need for embellishment
Veitch takes his story, and skilfully weaves a suspenseful and touching account that would appeal to a wider audience than just war history readers
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Review TO COME
Review
Review TO COME
Michael Veitch's account of Greatrex's war is not only a fascinating, detailed description of the sheer terror of Bomber Command ops over Germany, it's also a case study.
Michael Veitch, as in his brilliant 44 Days, weaves Barney's narrative with adroit segues into the wider war.