Killer Caldwell: Australia's Greatest Fighter Pilot by Jeffrey Watson

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges.

Clive 'Killer' Caldwell was a natural and brilliant pilot, a superb shot, and a born leader. He saw action against the Germans, Italians and Japanese and remains Australia's greatest-ever fighter pilot.

Born and raised in Sydney, it was obvious from an early age that nothing would stand in Caldwell's way. He bluffed his way into the RAAF, then made sure that he was posted to exactly where he thought he should be. His ability was unquestioned by all those around him, and he devised the vital 'shadow shooting' technique, which contributed so much to Allied success in the air in the North African campaign and northern Australia.

But he was never afraid of voicing his opinions to all those above and below him, be it about the training of pilots, or the equipping of Spitfires for use against the Japanese - and for trying to run the show his way.

Caldwell ended his military career in the Morotai Mutiny in 1945, where he and several other Australian pilots tried to resign their commissions in protest at not being allowed by General MacArthur - and the RAAF - to take part in the main action. And then he was embroiled in the Barry inquiry into booze smuggling by him and other pilots.

Killer Caldwell is a colourful portrait of a colourful Australian.(back cover)