Nicky Barr, An Australian Air Ace
A Story of Courage and Adventure
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
Nicky Barr never deliberately sought danger or adventure, but when confronted with it he had the courage to face it and survive.In 1939, at the age of 23, Nicky Barr was chosen to represent Australia in the international rugby world tour. The day after the squad arrived in England, war was declared and the tour was cancelled. Nicky immediately signed-up to become a fighter pilot in the RAAF and while fighting Rommel's famed Afrika Korp in North Africa, quickly rose through the ranks to become a squadron leader.In the space of twelve months, Nicky shot down over twelve enemy planes, and was himself shot down three times. The third time, he was seriously wounded, including a leg injury that was to put an end to his rugby playing days, then captured and sent to Italy as a hospitalised prisoner of war. Nicky escaped four times-including once from a moving train. On the fourth escape he successfully evaded recapture and, together with a group of special operation commandoes, took part in a series of clandestine operations behind enemy lines and helped fellow prisoners of war escape.Nicky Barr earned a reputation amongst allies and enemies alike for his acts of bravery, his selflessness, his dogged determination and his infectious sense of humour. His is a story of adventure, war, courage and mortality, and the love for his wife that sustained him through it all.
Customer Reviews
AAAAA++++
An amazing story, you must read it.
What a man of great character and willpower. Do yourself a favour
Fantastic twists & turns
This is in effect two terrific gripping stories for the price of one. The first part details the incredible true story of one of Australia's top aces flying fighters in the western desert in WW2. Better than any fiction novel, this will satisfy any lover of air action against the odds. It is interspersed with terrific bravery and humour. The second part is even more incredible and a great little known story. Nicky Barr is captured, then escapes not only to live behind enemy lines, but to organize and lead the partisans in part of Italy in many actions against the enemy. As a result, Nicky gets a price on his head and narrowly escapes death. Once again, the true story is more gripping and has more twists and turns than any work of fiction. Highly recommended not just as war history, but for a much wider readership. Simply a great story, and with a happy ending!