The History and Insignia of Australian Military Parachuting
After many years of exhaustive research, Australian author John O'Connor, has written and published a new and exciting book on the history and insignia of Australian military parachuting.
The book provides the history of Australian military parachuting beginning with its introduction with the fledgling Royal Australian Air Force in 1926 through to the present day.
Included is the story of the creation of an Australian parachute battalion in 1942; the World War II parachute operations of the renowned 'Z' Special Unit; the famous 1943 Nadzab jump in Japanese occupied New Guinea by the 2nd/4th Australian Field Regiment, the first such occasion in the Pacific campaign where artillery was deployed by parachute with the Australian gunners, the gunners were to later be awarded the US Army Parachute badge with Combat Jump Star, the only WWII Australian Army unit to receive such a distinction; the operational jump by 3 Squadron, Special Air Service Regiment on Operation Stirling in 1969, the para activities by members of the most highly decorated Australian Army unit in Vietnam, the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) and many more historical events involving military parachuting with the Australian military forces.
All Special Forces units are represented in this magnificent book as well as special parachute 'lifesaving clubs' and other airborne clubs and associations.
For the first time military competition parachuting has been documented together with the names of most international team members and the medals won by them. The operations of the various parachute training schools, namely the Parachute Training Unit (PTU), the Parachute Training Flight (PTF), the Parachute Training Wing (PTW) and the Parachute Training School (PTS) are explained in comprehensive detail along with a list of all Parachute Jump Instructors.
The airborne activities of the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps Parachute Riggers and the Royal Australian Corps of Transport Air Dispatchers are also included together with a full list of all Australian Army Parachute Riggers. Additionally, the book contains a comprehensive history on Cadet parachuting (all Cadet services) as well as recording the parachute types used by the Australian military since airborne operations began.
This massive book is A4 in size, hard covered and comprises of 440 pages featuring hundreds of colour and B & W photographs of personnel, special events, insignia, badges, certificates, medals, pins and special awards.
The author has spared no detail or expense in bringing to the 'airborne brotherhood' and to those that have always held a fascination for those that 'jump', the story that has been waiting to be told in what I can only describe as a wonderful 'coffee table' book that surpasses all that have come before it.
There are not enough superlatives available to adequately describe this book. It is simply magnificent and a tribute to the author for his dedication, enthusiasm and attention to detail in bringing the Australian airborne story to life. This is the book for all those that are 'wings' qualified but it is also focused on those who have an abiding interest in all things 'airborne' as well as those who have an interest in military history.
This is a book that will be sought after by the airborne and special forces community of Australia and from around the globe, by airborne enthusiasts the world over and is essential reading for military historians, whether of the armchair variety or by profession. And so it should be, it is by far the premier publication that we have seen on the Australian Airborne.
Leonardo da Vinci wrote that "...once you have tasted flight you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward; for there you have been and there you long to return". 'Australian Airborne' provides that lasting record of where you have been and for those that cannot, a longing to return.
As an added bonus and upon your request the book will be personally signed by the author for all orders received via this link. Please inform John that Airborne & Special Forces.Com sent you.
For each book sold via this link a donation will be made to the Red Beret International Australian Paratroop Association Inc. Donations will be used to support the RBIA's program in sponsoring Army Cadets from 136 Company, Moreton Regional Cadet Unit to undertake parachute training and earn the Army Cadet parachute 'wings', as well as assisting in its social welfare program for members.
It is expected that this First Edition will sell out fast, so in order to reserve your copy and get your name onto the 'Order Manifest', email the author John O'Connor to secure your copy.
'Australian Airborne' is officially endorsed by the Historian of the Red Beret International Australian Paratroop Association Incorporated.
Price: For Australian address orders: $84.00 which includes postage.
Overseas Orders: New Zealand $98.00, Asia/Pacific $104.00, United States/Canada $115.00, Rest of the World $122.00. All prices are in Australian dollars and includes economy air mail postage.
Payment is to be made by MasterCard, Visa, Bankcard or money order. Please do not remit by US Postal Money Order because they are not accepted in Australia and no foreign remittances will be accepted.
Book orders can also be requested by mail directly to the author at PO Box 454, Kingsgrove, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA 1480.
Email Inquiries:John O'Connor at joc44@bigpond.net.au
