Pathfinder, 'Kriegie' and Gumboot Governor: The Adventurous Life of Sir James Rowland AC, KBE, DFC, AFC
Peter Yule, James Rowland, "Pathfinder, 'Kriegie' and Gumboot Governor: The Adventurous Life of Sir James Rowland AC, KBE, DFC, AFC"
English | ISBN: 1922387401 | 2020 | EPUB | 401 pages | 22 MB
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.