A Grave Too Far Away A Tribute to Australians in Bomber Command Europe

A Grave Too Far Away illuminates the story of the men of (RAF) Royal Air Force Bomber Command Europe 1939-1945 who answered the call of their nation to defend the Mother Country in World War II. A Grave Too Far Away describes the highs and lows of their training and military service through letters, interviews, and remembered stories. The demands of the bombing campaign on men and aircraft were enormous and the horrors of war deeply felt by the youthful Australians ordered to carry out operations. After WWII these young men would face derision and would fight their own demons but their service and sacrifice would continue to reverberate for generations around the globe. Their loss and legacy will endure for generations.

Dr. Kathryn Spurling served with the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS). Her late father FO Maxwell Norris (RAAF) served with RAF Bomber Command during WWII. After securing her PhD in military history, Dr. Spurling tutored history and strategic studies and guest lectured in history at the University of New South Wales, Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra. In 2012 she was appointed a Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University, Canberra and in 2014 became an Adjunct Visiting Research Associate with Flinders University. She has lectured extensively overseas on military  issues.

Foreword 10 Abbreviations 11 Introduction 13 One “ I knew that the young men… in their shining machines were the chivalrous warriors of the 20th century.” 20 Two “ God alone knows when I will see you again.” 49 Three “ When it was dark I made my way to this lone aircraft.” 76 Four “ I had a little difficulty crossing the canal” 106 Five “ They were your boys, now they are ours and we shall take care of them.” 137 Six Although my son is believed killed… I still hope that he is coming back. 169 Seven “ All being well! We may be all home for next Xmas – Wishful thinking!!! I really can’ t see this mess being cleared up in one year.” 199 Eight “ Our planes become our shrouds.” 234 Nine “ Where was the justice of it all, and where was God in this mad slaughter?” 271 Ten “ Rest peacefully, youngster, rest peacefully.” 309 Eleven “ Five aircraft were a heavier loss we were reminded, than the five crews.” 343 Twelve “ No one has asked me before how much I have missed my brother all these years” 379 Thirteen “ You know our mother never recovered from losing Michael. Michael was the very best of us.” 415 Endnotes 436 Bibliography 447