Book launch of WWII RAAF pilot story set for take off in Beechworth

A journey of family reconnection has marked an incredible story about a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilot in World War II with connections to Beechworth. The book ‘Fly Boy, Ace pilot – a life cut short’ is being launched at the Beechworth RSL sub branch premises by its Melbourne-based author Peter Hodge next Saturday, 30 August at 1pm. Flight lieutenant Parker ‘Joe’ Hodge tragically lost his life in the Netherlands East Indies during World War II with the book giving insights into Australia’s campaign there, as well as early vulnerabilities of the British Empire in the Pacific War. Joe had also been injured in the conflict between Australia and Japan in World War II. The story is a portrayal of Australian aviation history on the formative years of the RAAF with a confident Joe grabbing every opportunity to travel while advancing his flying training at Point Cook. “His uncle’s father John Henry Hodge had been a stonemason and a longstanding councillor of around 12 years in Beechworth as well as a mayor at the time WWI ended in 1918,” Mr Hodge said. “John Henry’s work is all around town with memorial plaques particularly in the cemetery.” Mr Hodge said John Henry was married to a Cornelius family member – pioneers of Beechworth and stonemasons from Cornwall in England who had built cottages at the former Mayday Hills Mental Asylum. John Henry’s older brothers, Jack and Will, both served in the Great War, and the family had lived in Beechworth. Mr Hodge said a fascinating part of the story is everything has swung full circle from writing the book, as he reconnected with families through ancestory.com – bringing family together after decades. “Beechworth is close to the heart of family members and around four or five family members are travelling to the book launch,” he said. Mr Hodge said when he and his family head north they always drop into Beechworth with its echoes of the past. The author researched information for his book on Trove discovering the Ovens and Murray Advertiser. The Advertiser connected him to former Beechworthian Richard Patterson and author of ‘Beechworth at War'. “Richard wrote about all the Hodge boys in the book,” Mr Hodge said. “My great uncle’s story is important for the family and it’s natural to bring the story back to where it all began.” Mr Hodge said the book took three and a half years in the making with one year of research, another 12 months for writing, a further year for editing and finding a publisher with then sixth months to market the publication. Beechworth sub branch president John Eldrid said the RSL is a great place to launch the book as the RAAF pilot was born in Beechworth. In reading the book – one of courage, ambition and sacrifice – Mr Eldrid said Joe spent his early years growing up in the town before a move with his family to the Melbourne suburb of Essendon. Mr Eldrid said he was enjoying reading the book and following Joe’s story. Beechworth RSL premises are located at 99 Ford Street.

Book launch of WWII RAAF pilot story set for take off in Beechworth

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