A recent worthwhile addition to our Odd Bods Book List concerns the often forgotten contribution by over 1700 RAAF Aircrew in the Burma Campaign during WW2.
One of the authors of Resolute, The Australian Air War in Burma is Historian Dr. Andrew Kilsby who tells us he is a distant relative of Odd Bod Wing Commander, "Bill" Kilsby.
From the internet: "Resolute, The Australian Air War in Burma" is a book by Andrew Kilsby and Daryl Moran that details the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) role in the Burma Campaign of World War II. The book covers the contributions of over 1,700 RAAF airmen who flew a variety of missions in challenging conditions, including flying agents, bombing raids, and reconnaissance.
Subject matter: The book is the first detailed history of the Australian air war in Burma and focuses on the sacrifices and achievements of RAAF personnel.
Historical context: It covers the period of 1942–1945, when Australian airmen served in integrated RAF squadrons alongside other Commonwealth forces.
Key roles: RAAF aircrews performed a wide range of duties, such as flying agents into Southeast Asia, carrying out bombing raids, conducting anti-submarine patrols, and making supply runs over "the Hump" into China.
Conditions and challenges: The airmen operated in difficult conditions, including rugged terrain, monsoonal weather, and a tropical climate, facing a determined Japanese enemy.
Author background: Both authors are sons of RAAF veterans from the Burma campaign and have drawn on extensive research for the book.
Publication: The book was released in October 2025.
Interestingly, Wing Commander "Bill" Kilsby's own memoirs of WW2 can be found on this website and is one of our most read articles - see left hand margin.
The book "Resolute, The Australian Air War in Burma" was published this month and is available from the usual outlets.
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