Fly Boy

"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.

About the Author

Peter Hodge is an experienced teacher and freelance writer with a passion for exploring global issues. Having taught for three years as an Australian Volunteer Abroad at a rural Zimbabwean mission school, Peter’s diverse travel experiences and broad interests inform much of his work.

The author of Volunteer Work Overseas for Australians and New Zealanders (two editions), Peter has contributed numerous articles to respected publications such as The Age, The Australian, The Guardian, and Eureka Street, often focusing on social justice and international development. More recently, his writing has delved into family history, as seen in the compelling narrative of Fly Boy, which seeks to understand personal legacy while uncovering forgotten aspects of the past.