From Spitfires to Vampires and Beyond: A Kiwi Ace's RAF Journey

Owen Hardy was a New Zealand ace who served in World War Two. He joined the RAF at 18 and was sent to Biggin Hill with 72 Squadron. On D-Day, he flew over the Normandy beaches with 485 (New Zealand) Squadron. He survived the war unharmed due to luck and his ability as a fighter pilot. After the war, he returned to the RAF for the second phase of his career, converting to jets and commanding 71 Squadron. He led a successful Vampire aerobatic team across Europe but struggled to adapt to peacetime service. He eventually disillusioned with the RAF and decided to follow his mentor. His autobiography provides a unique and enthralling tale of flying in combat and the changing face of the post-war RAF.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing

Owen Hardy, a Spitfire pilot during World War Two, was likely the final New Zealand ace to share his narrative. At the age of 18, he set out to join the RAF, and by 1942, he was stationed at Biggin Hill with 72 Squadron under Brian Kingcome. On D-Day, he flew over the Normandy beaches with 485 (New Zealand) Squadron. His survival during the war was a combination of luck and skill as a fighter pilot.

After the war, Hardy struggled to adjust to civilian life in New Zealand and returned to the RAF for the second phase of his remarkable career. He transitioned to jets and commanded 71 Squadron, leading a successful Vampire aerobatic team across Europe. However, adapting to peacetime service proved challenging. He found staff jobs less appealing, despite working on the introduction of a new missile system, Bloodhound.

A pivotal decision to decline command of a Javelin squadron and follow his mentor led to disillusionment. In his autobiography, Hardy candidly shares his experiences, providing a firsthand account of flying in combat and the changing nature of the post-war RAF. From the heat of North Africa to the uncertainties of the Cold War, his story is unique and captivating, offering a glimpse into the lives of these heroes and the challenges they faced.

Editor Black Robertson has done an excellent job in bringing Hardy's story to life, shedding light on the experiences of combat pilots and the undervaluation of some of their contributions. This autobiography is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, aviation, or the human cost of war.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 240 x 167 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911667490