In this collection of published and unpublished articles, Kristen Alexander tells the stories of five Australian pilots and one ‘adopted’ Australian who fought the Luftwaffe in the world’s greatest aerial battle of all time—the Battle of Britain. Australian Eagles Jack Kennedy, Dick Glyde, Stuart Walch, Des Sheen, John Crossman and James Coward were six of ‘The Few.’

Flightpath Magazine -- Wings Magazine, the official publication of the RAAF Association. -- Reviewed by Owen Zupp --  They were known simply as ‘The Few’; the 3,000 RAF fighter pilots that defended the UK through the Battle of Britain. These were essentially young men tasked with the greatest of responsibilities and the mannner in which they rose to the occasion has become history. These men came from across the Commonwealth, inluding a small band of brothers from far-flung Australia. It is the story of six of these men - Jack Kennedy (from Sydney), Stuart Walch (Hobart), Dick Glyde (Perth), John Crossman (Newcastle), Des Sheen (Canberra) and James Coward, an 'adopted' Australian - that Kristen Alexander has captured in her new book. The history of 'The Few' has been well documented in word and film a number of times, but what Kristen‘s book highlights is the human face. For ‘Australian Eagles‘ steps back from the skies over Kent and traces these young pilots back to the school-yards and sporting fields of their homes. Their deeds in the air made history, but it was their upbringing that made them the selfless men they grew into. Through family interviews and archives, the Australian ‘Few’ come alive. And yet in seeking out the personalities behind the service numbers, Kristen has also thoroughly researched the operational truths. From personnel files to squadron records and log books, the timeline of the battle is clearly established. There are dogfights and close calls. But there is also time for humour and reflection. These are young men caught in between their vitality and mortality. ‘Australian Eagles‘ offers a wonderful blend of history and humanity In times of upheaval, the individuals are often lost in the enormity of the undertaking. So dedicated to the greater good that their own stories can slip between the cracks of time. Thankfully, Kristen Alexander has taken the time to catch these six young lives and share them with us. To the boyish faces staring out from the photographs upon the page, Kristen's words have breathed new life.

Kristen Alexander, author of Clive Caldwell Air Ace and Jack Davenport Beaufighter Leader, tells the inspiring stories of six of ‘The Few’.