Fly Boy chronicles the life of Parker ‘Joe’ Hodge, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilot who tragically lost his life in the Netherlands East Indies during World War II. Born in Beechworth, Joe’s journey is marked by unwavering determination, exemplified by his persistence through five applications before realizing his dream of joining Australia’s elite air force.
The narrative offers a vivid portrayal of aviation in Australia and the formative years of the RAAF during a pivotal historical period. Confident, ambitious, and adventurous, Joe seizes every opportunity to travel while advancing through his flying training at Point Cook.
Enriched with personal anecdotes and captivating photographs—many captured by Joe himself—the story illuminates Australia’s often overlooked campaign in the Netherlands East Indies. This episode, rich in individual acts of bravery, underscores the early vulnerabilities of the British Empire in the Pacific War.
Author Peter Hodge’s quest to uncover Joe’s story becomes a profound exploration of lost family connections and self-discovery. A compelling and insightful biography.
Diana –
Fly Boy is a good book which I enjoyed immensely. I was emotional from time to time, although I haven’t learnt Australian history very well, being a migrant.
I was especially moved when reading Chapter 2 as the writer described what was like to be a child in Melbourne of the 1920s and 30s. For example, Joe and his brothers would walk miles and miles to play sport. The story and many other episodes in the book made me think of my own experiences growing up and finding my way in the world.
The book not only describes Joe’s journey from working hard in the railways to turning his dream of becoming an air force pilot into reality. The tragic loss of life made me reflect on the madness of war. While reading this book, I suddenly purchased an Ancestry Kit because I wanted to explore my ancestors. This is the strength that the book has brought to me.
Australian Defence Magazine –
Peter Hodge has done a fine job of piecing together his great uncle’s life and untimely death.
Good Reading, Anthony Llewellyn-Evans –
What the book does well is examine the RAAF’s establishment post-World War I, the creation of its flying schools, and in this case how underprepared and poorly armed it was against the Japanese. … Fly Boy is a well-written, heartfelt biography that offers both a tribute to an individual life and a broader window into lesser-known aspects of Australia’s World War II aviation history. It succeeds best when focusing on Joe’s personal journey – his aspirations, setbacks, courage. The book is more impactful in human, emotional storytelling than in strategic or operational insights. But that is certainly not a flaw.
The Age, SMH –
A keyhole onto the Australian experience of the first half of the 20th century … an inevitable sad, yet timely tale.
David Fredericks, RAAF –
Peter. Reading your book at the moment and loving it. … I am going to recommend your book … as a great family history story.
Sarah –
An amazing journey. What a wonderful read! Highly recommend.