Clive Caldwell, Air Ace'His courage, determination, skill and his undoubtedly outstanding ability as a leader are an inspiration to his Wing and worthy of the highest praise.' Extract from DSO citation Clive Caldwell was officially attributed with 27 victories and became Australia's highest scoring fighter pilot in World War II. In addition, he became an ace in both the Middle East and Pacific theatres - the only Australian pilot to attain this status. Kristen Alexander has had unrivalled access to Caldwell's personal papers as well as official and privately held records. She vividly brings to life Caldwell's aerial exploits and presents a man driven to carry out his duty. Originally considered an individualist, Caldwell became a fine fighter pilot and a dedicated leader, much loved by those he commanded. But he did not wear the restrictions of the RAAF well and, despite his achievements, endured public inquiry over liquor trading and the so-called 'Morotai Mutiny'. Even so, he continued to be well-regarded and respected by the public. This biography is a celebration of Caldwell's military achievements. It details his rise from a green fighter pilot to Wing leader and includes striking details of his air battles. It also includes unprecedented discussion of the Barry Inquiry and Caldwell's court-martial. |
Contents
The Budding Fighter | 1 |
Shooting | 36 |
Operation | 98 |
Shark | 128 |
Interregnum | 156 |
Darwin | 184 |
The Day the Planes All Fell into | 216 |
Australias Highest Scoring Fighter | 247 |
Fighter Pilot | 279 |
The Barry | 338 |
Courtmartial | 371 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
250 Squadron 80 Fighter Wing action Air Board Air Commodore Air Force Air Vice-Marshal alcohol April arrived Arthur attack August Australian Bladin Bobby Gibbes bombers bombs Cald Caldwell flew Caldwell papers Caldwell took Caldwell's Caldwell's flying carried Clive Caldwell Cobby combat report court-martial Daily Telegraph damaged Darwin December defence Desert Air Force Despite diarist dive enemy aircraft escort February feet fighter pilot fire Flight Lieutenant flying log Flying Officer formation German ground Group Captain guns ibid indicated interview January Japanese Jean Jones June Kageneck Killer Kittyhawk landing later Leading Aircraftman liquor March mess Middle East Morotai NAUK AIR OAFH Operational Training Unit Operations Record Book Parker patrol Pilot Officer raid returned score Sergeant shadow shooting shot Squadron diary Squadron Leader Squadron RAAF strafing success tactics Thorold-Smith tion Tobruk told Tomahawk victories Waddy Wing Commander Wing’s Zero