FORCES IN THE SKY

It is 1940. The world is at war with Germany and the New Zealand Government is only now calling for volunteer men and women to come forward in aid of the war effort. "You are restless after the tough times of the 1930 depression era. Now is your opportunity to serve your country and possibly have 'adventures' out in the wider world. You have to be prepared to take orders, to deal with hardships in extreme conditions and hope that luck is on your side.... all for a cause to protect the freedom of the life you and others live in New Zealand." If that's not the ultimate description of a selfless act, I don't know what is... This is the story of Flying Office Raymond George Norton, who left the safety of his home country, New Zealand after joining the RNZAF in 1940, and his many comrades who perished along the road whilst training, supporting army and navy and fighting the enemy in the skies. On that journey, he ventures to Canada, Ireland, England, Scotland and finally France and Europe as the war is coming to an end. Along the way he experiences many desperate encounters, life-threatening misadventures and barriers in extreme conditions in the sky and on the ground. The fact that he survived is a miracle in itself! The author wishes to acknowledge the courageous and brave young men who lost their lives for the cause as he recounts his and their experiences in the skies during the war. Lest We Forget.