Grid

The life and times of First World War fighter ace Keith Caldwell

Adam Claasen

$69.95

Hardback

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English

Massey University Press
08 August 2024

Biography: historical, political & military; History; First World War

This gripping biography of Air Commodore Keith 'Grid' Caldwell CBE, MC, DFC & bar, Croix de Guerre, tells the story of his remarkable exploits during the First World War. Flying single-seat fighters against best of the German air force, including the Red Baron's Flying Circus and airmen such as Werner Voss, Caldwell accumulated 26 victories in aerial combat.

Over his illustrious career he flew with numerous 'stars' of the British air service, including Albert Ball, Billy Bishop and Mick Mannock. In the last year of the war, aged only 22, he was given command of the new 74 Squadron. Under his leadership the 'Tigers' become one of the war's most feared and revered units.

Written by a leading military historian, Grid details Caldwell's journey from early flight training in Auckland to his death-defying sorties over enemy lines on the Western Front. It also details his pivotal role in sustaining military aviation in interwar New Zealand, and his role in reinvigorating interest in the airmen of the First World War during the 1960s and 1970s.

Caldwell was a hero, a leader, and a man of great courage by any measure. Richly illustrated, including with images of First World War German and British planes from The Vintage Aviator Limited.

By: Adam Claasen
Imprint: Massey University Press
Country of Publication: New Zealand
Dimensions: Height: 230mm, Width: 170mm, Spine: 44mm
Weight: 500g
ISBN: 9780995102934
ISBN 10: 0995102937
Pages: 440
Publication Date: 08 August 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

Dr Adam Claasen is an historian at Massey University, New Zealand. He is a Smithsonian Institution Fellowship grantee, a Fulbright Scholarship (Georgetown University) awardee and a Massey University research team medallist. Adam teaches on the Second World War and American foreign policy and is a Vice-Chancellor’s award recipient for sustained excellence in teaching. He has presented conference papers and published on military intelligence, air power and geostrategy. His books include Hitler’s Northern War: The Luftwaffe’s ill-fated campaign, 1940–1945; Dogfight: Anzacs in the Battle of Britain; and Fearless: The extraordinary untold story of New Zealand’s Great War airmen.

Reviews for Grid: The life and times of First World War fighter ace Keith Caldwell

‘A flawless piece of scholarship’ — Nevil Gibson, New Zealand Listener ‘An exciting and well overdue addition to military aviation history, and New Zealand history’ — Louisa Hormann, Te Whakairinga Mutu ‘The story of a remarkable New Zealander’ — George Heagney, Manawatū Standard ‘A thoughtful account of the world which produced Caldwell’ — Jenny Nicholls, Waiheke Weekender ‘In times of desperate conflict, men such as Caldwell rise to the occasion — and authors such as Claasen emerge to tell their story’ — Gary Connor, Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation