Books

GIRL WITH A SNIPER RIFLE An Eastern Front Memoir

Author: Yulia Zhukova Big Sky Publishing Pages: 240, in paperback RRP: $29.99 ISBN: 9781922387424

Throughout World War II, the Soviet Union was unique in mobilizing women, enabling them to participate in various supporting roles. Approximately 800,000 Soviet women were involved in the war effort, including a small number in combat positions. Girl with a

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN PILOTS Amazing True Stories of Women in the Air

Author: Kathy Mexted NewSouth Publishing Pages: 272, in paperback RRP: $27.75 ISBN: 9781742236971

Women have always played a significant part in the history of Australian aviation, but at times have not been acknowledged or well known. Australian Women Pilots is a salute to those women who reached for the sky. From pioneering and outback flights Sniper Rifle is the enthralling and vivid first-hand account of Yulia Zhukova’s experiences as a sniper in Stalin’s Russia between November 1944 until the War ended. Persevering through eight months of rigorous training, Yulia would depart for the Belorussian Front on active duty a few days after qualifying. Her battalion would endure life threatening encounters with German forces and witness the brutal actions of the Nazis. She regularly suffered ill health and was wounded in battle, taking a shrapnel injury to her knee and had to be operated on without anaesthetic. Yulia was transferred to another unit where she was the only woman and would eventually see the end of the war. The memoir reflects on her youth, people she has met, her family, addressing post war demons and how these experiences have shaped her life. Girl with a Sniper Rifle provides a unique account from a women’s perspective during this part of World War II.

to delivering Spitfires or tackling the jungles of New Guinea. Paying tribute to the feats of ten remarkable trailblazers including Nancy Bird Walton, Gaby Kennard, the first Australian women to fly solo around the world, and Deborah Wardley, told by Ansett women couldn’t be pilots. Others may be less known, but as pilots with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Britain’s Air Transport Auxiliary, RAAF, aerial agriculture or long-range ferrying, their stories are all extraordinary. These amazing women had a dream and pursued it, despite hurdles and battling against the odds including discrimination and being a minority. These stories, including the authors reflections - learning to fly with her father in regional Australia and gaining her licence - are inspiring and highlight the growing number of women pilots within our country. Australian Women Pilots is a fascinating part of our proud aviation history of which women have and continue to play a key part.

PATHFINDER, ‘KRIEGIE’ AND GUMBOOT GOVERNOR The Adventurous Life of Sir James Rowland AC, KBE, DFC, AFC

Authors: Peter Yule, Sir James Rowland | RRP: $34.99 Big Sky Publishing Pages: 512, in paperback ISBN: 9781922387400

Sir James Rowland led a remarkable and adventurous life. This semi-autobiography details his early years in regional NSW, distinguished career in the RAAF between 1942-1979, serving as Governor of NSW between 19811989, appointed Chancellor of the University of Sydney from 1990-1991 and holding other key public service positions until his death in May 1999. Sir James flew with Bomber Command as a Pathfinder in World War II, was taken prisoner by the Germans until the end of the war, later receiving a Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. He led trial programs for many of the Air Force’s early aircraft including the Meteor, Vampire, Canberra and Sabre. As a test pilot during the early years of supersonic flight, he saw introduction of the Mirage fighter. He rose to the rank of Air Marshal, leading the RAAF as Chief of Air Staff from 1975 until his retirement – the first engineering officer to do so. Awarded Companion of the Order of Australia, Knighted, Order of the British Empire and National Medal for long and diligent service to the community. An in-depth and inspirational account of a distinguished leader and prominent figure in Australian history. Highly recommended read.

ARMAGEDDON AND OKRA Australia’s air operations in the Middle East a Century Apart

Author: Lewis Frederickson Big Sky Publishing Pages: 224, in paperback RRP: $19.99 ISBN: 9781922387554

Conflict in the Middle East and involvement by Australian led forces have a long and enduring history. Armageddon and Okra is the first in an air campaign series, analysing and contrasting the effects and evolution of air power during two key phases in military history – Australian Flying Corps operations during the Battle of Armageddon in 1918 and the RAAF’s role in Operation OKRA from 2014 onwards. Of great interest are the photos and diagrams, regional maps, aircraft specifications, statistics and personalised accounts from these two periods. This volume is well laid out, with considerable exploration, attention to detail and discussion around the facts and figures, making it a valued resource for air power enthusiasts, students and researchers. As the RAAF moves toward celebrating 100 years in 2021, Armageddon and OKRA is a must have for any military history collection. I look forward to the next volume.

THIS IS IPSWICH GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Ipswich Grammar School is the oldest grammar school in Queensland and a Prep to Year 12 independent day and boarding school. Our distinctive culture, borne out of our 158-year heritage and traditions, sets us apart from other boys’ schools.

Our boys live and breathe our motto – Labore Et Honore – to work hard with honour. We challenge our staff and our boys to be exceptional performers every day and we invite you to be part of our community.

With over 150 years of experience in teaching boys, we understand what makes them tick.

Over this time we have developed and implemented innovative approaches to address the specific learning needs of boys with focused curriculum, specialist teachers and a unique approach to teaching called ‘Explicit Teaching’.

Every day for our boys is stimulating, unique and exciting. We tap into their sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. By tailoring programs and activities to meet our students’ specific needs, we ensure every boy has the opportunity to reach his full academic, cultural and social potential.

Today’s world is ever-changing. We embrace innovation and the challenges it brings. We encourage our boys to explore exciting new possibilities, exposing them to different opportunities and experiences that will set them on the path to being confident, connected lifelong learners who also possess strong moral values.

We foster an encouraging environment that delivers more than exceptional academic results. Our GPS status sees boys from Years 5 to 12 take part in various activities between member schools. Whether it is sport, debating, the arts, literacy, or the sciences, our boys are given the opportunity to excel and network in any field. They are supported by staff from various backgrounds that bring world-class knowledge and experience to the classroom, playing field, and laboratories.