Resolute

The Australian Air War in Burma, 1942-1945

Andrew Kilsby, Daryl Moran

$34.99

Paperback

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English

BIG SKY PUBLISHING
01 October 2025

History; 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000; Second World War; Air forces & warfare

Collector’s Edition, Limited Release

In this compelling account of a forgotten war, the vital yet largely overlooked contribution of Royal Australian Air Force aircrew during the Burma campaign of 1942–1945 is brought to life in the first detailed history of their service and sacrifice.

More than 1,700 Australian airmen were engaged in the air war across the Southeast Asian theatre. Integrated into Royal Air Force (RAF) squadrons centred on the Burma campaign, they were joined by other Australians serving directly within the RAF. These airmen flew a wide range of aircraft—fighters, bombers, flying boats, dive bombers, medical evacuation planes, and transports—across one of the most challenging and diverse combat environments of the war.

They undertook perilous sorties over ‘the Hump’ into China, dropped agents into Burma, Thailand, Malaya, and Indo-China, and conducted bombing raids and ground attacks on targets throughout Southeast Asia. They delivered vital supplies to forward troops and flew anti-submarine patrols and convoy protection missions across the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. More than 245 Australian airmen lost their lives during these operations.

Operating in extreme conditions—across rugged terrain, through monsoonal weather, and in a relentless tropical climate—these Australians faced a determined Japanese enemy. Their courage and endurance proved significant in the monumental struggle to turn defeat into victory in Burma.

Resolute, researched and written by Andrew Kilsby and Daryl Moran—both sons of World War Two RAAF veterans, and following the success of their edited volume In the Fight: Australians and the War in Burma 1942–1945—reveals the triumphs and tragedies of Australia's forgotten air war in the Burma theatre.

Features the first comprehensive Nominal Roll of RAAF personnel who served in the Burma Campaign, along with a detailed record of deaths, decorations, and awards.

By: Andrew Kilsby, Daryl Moran
Imprint: BIG SKY PUBLISHING
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 5,842mm, Width: 3,886mm,
ISBN: 9781923300903
ISBN 10: 1923300903
Pages: 400
Publication Date: 01 October 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Dr Andrew Kilsby is a historian with a PhD in history from UNSW@ADFA. He specialises in Australian military, business, and biographical history, and is the principal of Connect-History, an organisation dedicated to researching and writing histories, articles, and exhibitions. Dr Kilsby has edited and authored several works, including In the Fight: Australians and the War in Burma 1942–1945, and has contributed to various historical conferences and exhibitions Dr Daryl Moran is a military historian with a PhD from the University of Melbourne. He has had a long career as a professional educator and administrator in various schools, including a two-year posting to an international school in India. His interest in the Burma campaign was sparked during his time in India when he came across the graves of RAAF members killed in the conflict. Dr Moran has published Empire’s Noble Son (2019) and is currently co-authoring Resolute: Australian Aircrew in the Burma Theatre 1942–1945 with Dr Andrew Kilsby