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The Forgotten Few: 77 RAAF Squadron In Korea

In June 1950, No 77 Squadron RAAF was in Japan, packed up and ready to go home. Instead, they went to Korea, flying Mustang fighters as part of a UN force aiding South Korea fight invading communists from the north. Early flights helped hold the crucial Pusan Perimeter, after which they moved north to fight both the enemy and the deep cold of the Korean winter. When Chinese MiG-15 jet fighters entered the war the squadron re-equipped with twin-jet Meteors. The MiGs were controlled by Russian fighter experts who targeted the Meteors, driving them out of "MiG Alley." Adopting ground attack with rockets as their main role, they still fought MiGs, ending the war with a five-all draw. It was valuable but very dangerous work and squadron pilots faced a one in four chance of death or capture for much of the war. Their deeds warranted lasting fame. Instead, they became the Forgotten Few of a largely forgotten war; those who read this book will find they deserve better than that.

Paperback: 284 pages

Publisher: Allen & Unwin (July 1, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 174175500X

ISBN-13: 978-1741755008

Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches

Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #1,806,818 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #87 in Books > History > Military > Korean War > Aviation #823 in Books > History > Australia & Oceania > Australia & New Zealand #4215 in Books > History > Military > Aviation

The Australian participation in the Korean War has for many years been largely overlooked. Much like the conflict itself, it seemed to be lost between the enormity of World War Two and the controversy of Vietnam. Doug Hurst's newly released "The Forgotten Few" has gone a long way to resolving this oversight for those who served with 77 Squadron RAAF.In a thoroughly researched and well written effort, Hurst has integrated the first hand experience and opinion of those who actually flew in the conflict. The resultant book is a tremendous balance of history and entertainment, which would be of equal interest to a veteran or their grandkids. It traces 77 Squadron's early commitment flying Mustangs from their Japanese bases through their subsequent conversion and operations in the Gloster Meteor F8. From bomber escorts to ground attack and air-to-air engagements, the squadron and its pilots are thrust from role to role and base to base with minimal time to keep pace with an equally dynamic conflict that raged up and down the Korean Peninsula. Further underpinning the text are insights into the strategy, tactics and politics of the war which add yet another dimension of interest and understanding.For much of the war, the pilots of 77 Squadron faced a one-in-four chance of being killed or taken prisoner. For those who met this fate and for those who served and survived, this book is not only an accurate record, but also a fitting tribute to a band of brothers who etched their own very significant mark in the war torn skies of Korea. Deservedly, this record goes a long way towards telling their story and ensuring that they are no longer "The Forgotten Few".Owen Zupp[...][...]

"The Forgotten Few" is very aptly named in at least three ways. This documents the contribution to the Korean War and the sacrifices made by the pilots of RAAF 77 squadron. The squadron was diverted to Korea a few weeks after the start of the war; it was originally on its way home to Australia from Japan. It remained in Korea until a year after the ceasefire. It contains a number of pilot recollections and information not available elsewhere; including the transition from P51 to Meteor.

I haven't finished reading it yet ,(slow reader) but I am enjoying it greatly . I have an interest in this subject that has not been covered much in any type of media . My father served with this squadron (pictuerd in the right of the cover) and I can remember him mentioning many of the names in conversations when he was alive . He talked about his time in Japan but rarely mentioned Korea . I am looking forward to reading the rest of the book and learning more he and his mates activities . I think these guys were heros .Andy Noble

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