Leon-Kane Maguire - RIP

It began as one of my usual spur of the moment internet searches. Having not visited the RAAF's Air Power Development Centre online book shop for some time I sauntered over electronically for a quick browse. Sitting in the new publications list was a book cover that immediately attracted attention. Yes, the photo on the cover indicated it was a book very relevant to ABR, but it was the name of the author that ensured my interest was piqued to epic levels.

Leon Kane-Maguire. Besides Owen Zupp and Mark Lax LKM was the only author I've met and reviewed. Indeed I met him with Mark Lax when the pair were leaving Melbourne on their way home to Canberra. It was a fleeting visit in the street to exchange pleasantries and pick up a couple of copies of their latest joint project - the No. 466 Squadron RAAF history To See The Dawn Again. The second book about an RAAF squadron (the first was the well-known The Gestapo Hunters) written by the pair TSTDA followed solo projects by both authors - Alamein To The Alps for Lax and The Desert Scorpions for LKM - and is a worthy addition to their combined catalogue of work.

LKM left a lasting impression despite the very brief time we shared each other's company in late 2008. A couple of amusing comments and a genuine friendliness towards my wife and me, despite being on a bit of a mission to get home, provided a quick window into the character of the man. That, coupled with his obviously vast knowledge and ability to communicate effectively, flashed into my head as I left the APDC site and googled his name. Those memories were about to take on a particular poignancy.

The first result when you google "Leon Kane-Maguire" is sobering - Leon Kane Maguire 1942-2011. "No, not possible", I thought. "Surely I would have heard about his passing". Sadly, it proved all too true. One of Australia's most respected scientists (he was a leading light in chemistry and its application in industry and medicine in particular), researchers and teachers had died in early 2011.

Gone before his time most certainly, and with a few projects in mind no doubt, he has left a lasting legacy. His final completed work was the story of his father's life for his family. Indeed it was his father's loss during the war while flying with No. 464 Squadron that inspired him to research Australia's Article XV squadrons and become a master of extreme footnoting (very valuable). His final published work is the book found on the APDC site - Lost Without Trace. The story of Beaufighter pilot Squadron Leader Wilbur Wackett (the son of legendary aircraft 'all-rounder' Sir Lawrence Wackett) won the 2010 RAAF Heritage Award and was published in November of the following year - almost a year after the death of its author. That his latest book has been officially recognised so highly is testament to a man who appears to have excelled at everything he turned his hand to.

For us mere readers and collectors the memory of Leon Kane-Maguire, like the men he wrote about, will remain alive every time we dip into one of the books (or read it front to back or even just see it on the shelf) bearing his name. He set a standard of research that all who follow should aspire to and a catalogue of work that RAAF historians and aficionados alike will be grateful for in the decades to come.

Owen Zupp online

Author and pilot Owen Zupp has launched a new website to showcase his aviation, writing and guest speaking expertise.

Since the publication of his highly-regarded Down To Earth (the first book featured on ABR) Owen's writing portfolio has gone from strength to strength. He is a regular contributor to antipodean stalwarts such as Australian Aviation and his work can also be found in industry heavyweights like FlyPast magazine. A former Tiger Moth owner and the brains (and 'muscle'!) behind There And Back - the Royal Flying Doctor Service around Australia charity flight - Owen is the consummate aviation professional who knows his stuff and can get it down on paper in an entertaining and informative manner.

While the website offers but a window into the life and writings of Owen Zupp it also allows us to pick up on hints about his latest book projects. Now that is something to get excited about!

Owen Zupp - author, pilot, speaker

Down to Earth - S/L Kenneth McGlashan AFC with Owen Zupp

As you'll discover, I can go on a bit about a book I've really enjoyed because, to me, they are such a privilege to read. However, Down To Earth is more than that. Sure, it's great that Owen Zupp has shaped and shared this story with us but, at the end, you come away feeling like you know Kenneth McGlashan and wishing you could shake his hand. That's how much his character comes alive in this book.

'Mac' flew over the Dunkirk beaches during the evacuation in 1940 and, through self-admitted inexperience, walked those beaches after his Hurricane was shot down. He is young, 19, but mature. Further trips over Dunkirk follow and he evolves into an effective single-engined fighter pilot. The Battle of Britain follows during which Mac's squadron is posted for an intriguing interlude in Ireland chasing German Condors as they in turn hunt out the ships steaming across the Atlantic. Here, his desire to pass on his knowledge surfaces and his commitment and drive to better himself as a leader and pilot is evident. He returns to England and flies cats-eye night fighter ops where he has to rely on his skill, eyesight and a lot of luck. Over time, Mac finds himself working with searchlight-equipped Boston/Havocs - the infamous Turbinlites - the latest great idea in night fighting to prove unsuccessful but nevertheless exciting when flying close formation with a bomber at night. Finally, though, he finds himself posted to a Mosquito night fighter unit and, at last, an effective way to hunt at night. What follows is a love affair with the Mossie, a harsh lesson on single-engined flying that sees him in hospital and determined to learn and teach what he can about "assymetric" flight, continuing anecdotes of the great men he flew with, an amazing sojourn with BOAC in the Middle East, flying during the invasion of Europe, training, raising a family, the end of the war, successful command of a Mossie squadron, award of the AFC, transfers, time in Cyprus and living around the world. What a life!

The writing is relaxed and so easy to follow. It is casual but evocative, regularly amusing but equally poignant. Mac certainly made the most of his scrapes over Dunkirk, his lucky escape over Dieppe and his serious crash in the Mossie. He learns from his mistakes and adventures as indicated by the fact he flew operationally for more than four years, more or less. His eventual return to the scene of his Dunkirk incident brought a lump to my throat as he relived the events of that day surprised he could remember such minute details. Mac's stories are supported by excellent memories from his wife, Doreen, adding a very personal aspect to the reading. Owen comments that the current restoration of Mac's Hurri, recovered from Dunkirk, is a fitting tribute to the man. I think it is fair to say, so is this book.

I read this book in 2007 after ordering it direct from Owen - a good friend of mine and all round nice bloke. The review has appeared on Amazon and, in parts, on Owen's website - www.owenzupp.com. You can order the book through Owen's website from the front page of his website (scroll to the bottom).  The Australian book site Booktopia is also worth a visit if you're looking for a copy of DTE.

Published by Grub Street, it may appear as a paperback in the future. The hardback is very well put together and the photo reproduction is superb.