{"product_id":"44-days-9780733638817","title":"44 Days","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e''Brilliantly researched and sympathetically told, 44 DAYS is more than just a fitting tribute to brave but overlooked heroes. It''s also a top read.'' DAILY TELEGRAPH\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe epic World War II story of the heroes of Australia''s 75 Squadron - and the 44 days when these brave and barely trained pilots fought alone against the Japanese.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn March and April 1942, RAAF 75 Squadron bravely defended Port Moresby for 44 days when Australia truly stood alone against the Japanese. This group of raw young recruits scrambled ceaselessly in their Kittyhawk fighters to an extraordinary and heroic battle, the story of which has been left largely untold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe recruits had almost nothing going for them against the Japanese war machine, except for one extraordinary leader named John Jackson, a balding, tubby Queenslander - at 35 possibly the oldest fighter pilot in the world - who said little, led from the front, and who had absolutely no sense of physical fear.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTime and time again this brave group were hurled into battle, against all odds and logic, and succeeded in mauling a far superior enemy - whilst also fighting against the air force hierarchy. After relentless attack, the squadron was almost wiped out by the time relief came, having succeeded in their mission - but also paying a terrible price.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMichael Veitch, actor, presenter and critically acclaimed author, brings to life the incredible exploits and tragic sacrifices of this courageous squadron of Australian heroes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn entertaining and comprehensive tour . . . Few readers will remain unmoved. * SYDNEY MORNING HERALD on THE FORGOTTEN ISLANDS *\u003cbr\u003eA rich and enjoyable island-hopping journey. * SUNDAY HERALD SUN on THE FORGOTTEN ISLANDS *\u003cbr\u003ecompelling * SYDNEY MORNING HERALD on HEROES OF THE SKIES *\u003cbr\u003eTells the epic Second World War story of Australia's 75 Squadron. * Sunshine Coast Sunday *\u003cbr\u003eBrilliantly researched and sympathetically told. A fitting tribute to brave but overlooked heroes. A top read. * Adelaide Advertiser, Sunday Territorian, The Daily Telegraph *\u003cbr\u003eIncluded in Going Out v Staying In * Sunday Herald Sun *\u003cbr\u003eVividly describes the extremely brave men, who with little preparation or material support, flew missions in Kittyhawks against the superior Japanese Zero aircraft. * Readplus *\u003cbr\u003eEpic WWII story. * Sunday Herald Sun *\u003cbr\u003eReview * Good Reading *\u003cbr\u003eheroism abounds in [44 Days] * Weekend Gold Coast Bulletin *\u003cbr\u003eprofoundly moving and stunningly written * Sunshine Coast Sunday *\u003cbr\u003ewell crafted, flowing and... an enjoyable read * Flightpath Magazine *\u003cbr\u003eThis is a book for all those whose passion is military aviation * Australian Defence Magazine *\u003cbr\u003ethank you Michael Veitch * Golden Plains Miner *","brand":"Hachette Australia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48865651261783,"sku":"9780733638817","price":13.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1739\/5799\/files\/9780733638817.jpg?v=1722274926","url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/44-days-9780733638817","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}