Author: McDONALD, KENNETH NEAL.
Title: Coomalie Charlie's Commandos. 31 Squadon RAAF Beaufighters At Darwin 1942-43.
Description: 4to; pp. x, 140; illustrated endpapers, numerous b/w photograph and sketch illustrations throughout, appendices, bibliography, index; signed by author on title page, original boards, dustjacket; a fine copy. (Maryborough), Banner Books, (1996). The 31 Squadron was formed at Wagga in August under Wing Commander Sir Charles Read. On completion of training in November the squadron was sent to Coomalie Creek airstrip in Northern Territory. The author recalls the day to day life, highs and lows, tragedy and humour, frustrations and successes; the isolation food, tropical illnesses and mental strains. The pilots and navigators who shared these primitive conditions, carried out numerous destructive strikes against the enemy in Timor and occupied island groups, each flight involving a return trip of a thousand nautical miles or more in all weather condiitons, entirely over the Arafura Sea. Some did not return. This is their story.

Keywords: Military aviation Royal Australian Air Force Charles Read Coomalie Creek airstrip Northern Territory history RAAF Australia