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Odd Jobs RAAF Operations in Japan, the berlin Airlift, korea, malaya and malta 1946-1960
steve eather AT THE CESSATION of hostilities in 194.), the Royal Australian Air Force had become the fourth largest air force in the world. However, a massive demobilisation began in October 1945 reducing the strength of this force from 152,000 personnel to just 12,000 three years later. Many of the RAAF's finest leaders and best tradesmen were lost in this whirlwind downsizing. The consequent loss of manpower and experience should have meant that the RAAF would have been incapable of answering any call for its services in an emergency. Nevertheless, during 1946 over 1700 personnel of a Mustang Fighter Wing began occupation duties in Japan while later that year the aircrew equivalent to an entire transport squadron was committed to the Berlin Airlift. In 1950 the RAAF commenced intensive combat operations over Korea with the commitment of No 77 (Fighter) Squadron. Australia became the first United Nations country outside of the United States to participate in that conflict. Also in 1950, RAAF Dakota transport airlift and Lincoln bombers commenced operations against Communist insurgents in Malaya and finally, in 1952, the RAAF was committed to provide two fighter squadrons for garrison duty at Malta. These "Odd Jobs", geographically far removed from each other, but nonetheless closely interconnected, formed a vital part, of Australia's defence and foreign policy and played a pivotal role in shaping the post World War II RAAF. Above all, this is the story of the RAAF's air and ground crews during a challenging and turbulent time. 194 pp - Paperback - Published 1996
Australia = AUD$23 (including postage, packing and GST) PNG and NZ = AUD$35 (including economy air mail and packing) The World = AUD$39 (including economy air mail and packing) Note: The overseas prices are for individual books, discount available for multiple purchases.
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