ISBN |
9781922387400 |
Author |
Rowland, James Anthony, Sir, 1922-1999 (author.) |
Title |
Pathfinder, 'Kriegie' & gumboot governor : the adventurous life of Sir James Rowland AC, KBE, DFC, AFC : Chief of the Air Staff (1975 - 1980) and Governor of New South Wales (1981 - 1989) / Air Marshal Sir James Rowland and Dr Peter Yule. |
Portion of title |
Adventurous life of Sir James Rowland |
Publisher and/or associated date/s |
Newport, NSW : Big Sky Publishing, 2020. |
©2020. |
Description |
xiv, 512 pages : illustrations, portraits ; 24 cm. |
Note |
Paperback edition published in 2018 by Department of Defence, History and Heritage Branch, Air Force. |
Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index. |
Summary |
A descendant of early pioneers of New South Wales, James Rowland combined a thirst for adventure with a strong sense of duty. Aged just 22, he became a Lancaster pilot in the elite Pathfinder force, flying 34 missions over occupied Europe and being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. In January 1945, he was the only survivor of a collision with a Canadian aircraft over Germany. After narrowly escaping being shot as a spy, he spent the rest of the war as a POW. Returning to the RAAF in 1947, Rowland was a test pilot during the early years of the supersonic era, and played a leading role in the Mirage procurement. His leadership qualities and technical expertise saw him become head of RAAF engineering in 1972, and, in a controversial appointment, Chief of the Air Staff in 1975, the first and still the only engineer to head the RAAF. In 1981, Rowland was appointed Governor of New South Wales, a position he held with distinction for eight years. A brilliant pilot and aeronautical engineer, who combined a strong commitment to duty with a great sense of fun, Rowland has a well-earned place among the great leaders of the RAAF. |
Subjects |
Rowland, James Anthony, -- Sir,1922-1999 |
Australia. -- Royal Australian Air Force |
Air forces -- Australia |
World War, 1939-1945 -- Participation, Australian |
Governors -- New South Wales -- Biography |
Marshals -- Australia -- Biography |
Armed Forces -- Officers |
Other Authors &/or Associated Persons |
Yule, Peter (Peter Lewis) (author) |
Call number |
2020.356 |