SOLDIER, SAILOR & AIRMAN TOO
The Fighting Life of Group Captain A.B. ‘Woody’ Woodhall

By A.B. 'Woody' Woodhall

Published by WILLSONSCOTT PUBLISHING
284 pages including illustrations, index, notes, bibliography and supplementary story
RRP NZ$49.99

Reviewed by Lieutenant Commander Gerry Wright RNZN (Rtd)

A book filled with anecdotes and humour

This is written in the first person from notes and records left by Woody Woodhall. Presented as an auto-biography of an extremely accomplished and heroic figure, it also gives a broader historical insight into numerous significant events of the period.

From beginnings that would be enough to deter most - being severely wounded as a sniper at Beaumont Hamel in 1916 - Woody really came into his own as a controller in the Battle of Britain. Awarded the OBE and promoted to Group Captain, he went on to become a pivotal figure in the defence of Malta. Woody writes extremely well and gives exceptional attention to detail. His book is filled with anecdotes from all three services and lots of humour, and is an ideal illuminating and significant primary source for historians, military buffs and anyone with an interest in flying.

As a non-aviator I was very taken by this coverage of two world wars and the period in between. I wish that I had been able to meet him.

I would not discourage a reader from looking at the Postscript (page 245) first to appreciate the work that went into developing this book.

Well worth having on a coffee table or being sought at your local library.