Magpies in Vietnam

COMING SOON

In 1967 Canberra bombers from 2 Squadron RAAF were sent to Phan Rang air base in South Vietnam as part of the Australian contribution to the Vietnam War. Using the Magpie call sign, they first operated at height but soon switched to concentrate on low-level bombing. Many low-level aircraft were hit by ground fire but the tough Canberras took the punishment without losses. Then, on 3 November 1970, Magpie 91 disappeared without trace—ironically from a high-altitude mission well above the ground fire.

No distress calls or signals were received and despite an intense three day search nothing was found. The fate of Magpie 91 and its crew—pilot Mike Herbert and navigator Bob Carver—remained a mystery for almost four decades. Then, in 2009, an extraordinary search effort led to the discovery of the downed aircraft and the recovery and repatriation of the remains of both men, bringing to an end a long period of uncertainty and anxiety for their families and friends.

Magpies in Vietnam describes Canberra operations in Vietnam up to and including the disappearance of Magpie 91 and then explains how a group of very determined veterans undertook a remarkable search and recovery effort.

An experienced writer of RAAF history,  former RAAF navigator Doug Hurst tells the story of 2 Squadron RAAF Canberra bomber operations operations in Vietnam with skill and compassion. His story is supported by outstanding photographs of the Canberra bomber and the operation to recover the remains of the downed Australian airmen.

Barrallier Books will publish Magpies in Vietnam in 2012 on behalf of the RAAF Association National Council.

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