READING MATERIAL
This segment of the website is intended to provide a listing of interesting reading material for awareness of site visitors and Association Members. Topics are unlimited, although website Administrators have the prerogative to decline inclusion of any offering if publicizing existence of particular reading matter might reflect adversely on No. 9 Squadron Association Inc.
You may contribute to this listing by clicking here.
Uncertain Fate
- Author:
- Graham J. Brammer
- Author Profile:
- Graham J. Brammer served two operational tours of duty with the 2nd SAS Squadron in Vietnam. He now lives north of Brisbane Queensland.
- Source Detail:
- ISBN 978-1-86448-793-0, published by Allen and Unwin.First published in 1997.
- Publication Type:
- Book
- Reviews:
- This is a gripping story of an SAS Patrol in Vietnam. 9 Squadron RAAF veterans will get a very familiar taste of what the SAS did and the close association the SAS holds with No 9 Squadron RAAF. This is a great fictional read of just over 280 pages and many will remember working with the author in Vietnam.
Sandakan: A Conspiracy of Silence
- Author:
- Lynette Ramsay Silver
- Author Profile:
- Lynette Ramsay Silver is a well known Sydney writer and former school teacher. She is the Official Historian to the 8th Division Association and the author of a number of investigative histories.
- Source Detail:
- ISBN 1-86351-245-4. Sally Milner Publishing.
- Publication Type:
- Book
- Reviews:
- This book is quite a difficult read as the subject matter can be upsetting if not a source of tears. On the back cover is written 'The story of the greatest tragedy in Australian military history'. This is a totally gripping and horrifying tale, not only of the prisoners, but the reasons why they, and their story, became World War 2's most deadly secret. After reading this true story, you will fully understand why some WW2 veterans will never forgive the Japanese. This reader has added Sandakan to his 'Bucket List' for a visit.
Chickenhawk
- Author:
- Robert Mason
- Author Profile:
- Always wanted to fly and after gaining a pilot licence wanted to fly helicopters for the USARMY.
- Source Detail:
- Corgi by Guernsey Press, ISBN 0-552-12419-2
- Publication Type:
- Book
- Reviews:
- from the back cover of the book, 'Robert Mason gives a devastating bird's eye view of Viet Nam and all its horror, as he experiences the accelerating terror, the increasingly desperate courage of a man "acting out the role of a hero long after he realises that the conduct of the war is insane," says the New York Times.'
This book is a good read from the start and is just as good on the fourth or even the fifth read. Many of our own helicopter aviators will be able to relate to what the author has written of his experiences through training and flying in Viet Nam. It is not new and was written in 1983.
Descent Into Hell
- Author:
- Peter Brune
- Author Profile:
Author of bestselling 'A Bastard Of A Place'.
- Source Detail:
- A&U, ISBN 978 1 74114 534 2
- Publication Type:
- Book
- Reviews:
Over 700 pages detailing the incompetence of the allied (lack of) leadership in the run up to the fall of Singapore. A tough read by having to constantly refer to maps to determine what happened and where. Also details the 'runner' by Austraklian Gen Bennett as Singapore fell. Former chief Air Chief Marshall Brooke-Popham also got out at the end of December 1941. The events of cruelty and brutality by the Japanese at the bridge at Parit Sulong are also detailed.
INSIDE AL QAEDA
- Author:
- Rohan Gunaratna
- Author Profile:
- Rohan Gunaratna, the author of six books on armed conflict, was called to address the United Nations, the US Congress, and the Australian Parliament in the wake of 11 September 2001. He is Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence, St. Andrews University, Scotland. Previously, Gunaratna was Principal Investigator of the United Nations' Terrorism Prevention Branch, and he has served as a consultant on terrorism to several governments and corporations. He has lectured widely in Europe, Lating America, North America, the Middle East and Asia on terrorism. He lives in St. Andrews.
- Source Detail:
- Scribe Publications, Melbourne
ISBN 0-9080-1195-4
- Publication Type:
- Book
- Reviews:
- 'The definitive work on Al Qaeda, this book is based on five years research, including extensive interviews with its members, field research in Al Qaeda-supported conflict zones around the globe, and monitoring of Al Qaeda's infiltration of diaspora and migrant communities in North America and in Europe.
This book sheds light on Al Qaeda's financial infrastructure and how the organisation trains combat soldiers and vanguard fighters for multiple guerrilla, terrorist and semi-conventional campaigns in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, the Caucasus and the Balkans. In addition, the author investigates the clandestine Al Qaeda operational network in the West.
Gunaratna reveals how the recently proscribed Jemaah Islamiyah organisation has infiltrated the whole of South-East Asia, and has sent operatives to Australia....that one fifth of international Islamic charities and NGOs are infiltrated by Al Qaeda.' - SCRIBE PUBLICATIONS
SLEEPING WITH YOUR EARS OPEN
- Author:
- Gary McKay
- Author Profile:
- Gary McKay served as as a rifle platoon commander in Vietnam and was awarded a Military Cross for Gallantry. Has written several best sellers based around Australian activities in Vietnam.
- Source Detail:
- Allen and Unwin. First published in 1999.
ISBN: 1 86448 978 2
- Publication Type:
- Book
- Reviews:
- Takes you on patrol with the Australian SAS as they conduct their operations in Borneo and South Vietnam. Also reflects quite deeply on the relationship with No 9 Squadron. Has many photographs and former 9SQN members will recognise many familiar faces. Is a great read of 307 pages and will take you back in time.
CHICKENHAWK
- Author:
- Robert Mason
- Author Profile:
- Personal narative of the Author and what he saw in Vietnam and how it affected him
- Source Detail:
- A Corgi Book 0 552 12419 2
- Publication Type:
- Book
- Reviews:
- "Contains the most vivid, astoundinglydetailed descriptions of flying.Itis a devastating account of men at war,of courage and cowardice, boredom and exhilaration, lasting friendship and sudden death. Sends a powerful message, which will stay in the memory long after the last page is turned."