Fly Boy: Ace Pilot - A Life Cut Short

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

"Fly Boy" chronicles the life of Parker 'Joe' Hodge, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilot who tragically lost his life in the Netherlands East Indies during World War II. Born in Beechworth, Joe's journey is marked by unwavering determination, exemplified by his persistence through five applications before realizing his dream of joining Australia's elite air force.

The narrative offers a vivid portrayal of aviation in Australia and the formative years of the RAAF during a pivotal historical period. Confident, ambitious, and adventurous, Joe seizes every opportunity to travel while advancing through his flying training at Point Cook.

Enriched with personal anecdotes and captivating photographsmany captured by Joe himselfthe story illuminates Australia's often overlooked campaign in the Netherlands East Indies. This episode, rich in individual acts of bravery, underscores the early vulnerabilities of the British Empire in the Pacific War.

Author Peter Hodge's quest to uncover Joe's story becomes a profound exploration of lost family connections and self-discovery. A compelling and insightful biography.

Author Bio

Peter Hodge is an experienced teacher and freelance writer with a passion for exploring global issues. Having taught for three years as an Australian Volunteer Abroad at a rural Zimbabwean mission school, Peters diverse travel experiences and broad interests inform much of his work. The author ofVolunteer Work Overseas for Australians and New Zealanders(two editions), Peter has contributed numerous articles to respected publications such asThe Age, The Australian, The Guardian, andEureka Street, often focusing on social justice and international development. More recently, his writing has delved into family history, as seen in the compelling narrative ofFly Boy, which seeks to understand personal legacy while uncovering forgotten aspects of the past.