An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July/August 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie 44 | author: Michéle Callan publisher: Collins Press (March 2017) www.collinspress.ie Isbn: 978-1-848893016 pages: 320 price: €14.99 Every once in a while, a book is written which tells a story that really should be turned into a film. Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin: The Harry Callan Story is one such book. It tells the harrowing true story of a young man, Harry, who joins the British Merchant Navy in October 1939. As the Second World intensifies and Britain depends on its fleet of merchant ships to survive, Harry and his friends find themselves on the frontline of the war at sea. Enemy battleships, U Boats, E boats, mines, aircraft and raiders are just some of the daily hazards merchant crews have to face, as they run the gauntlet of the high seas. In January 1941, Harry along with the crew of his ship are captured by the Germans and imprisoned. In 1943, 32 captured Irish Merchant sailors refused a request by the Gestapo to work for Germany. This is the beginning of a nightmare that sees them transferred to a labour education camp where they were starved, beaten and forced to dig the foundations for a U boat factory, Bunker Valentin. Thousands perished in the Bunkers construction, including five Irishmen but thanks to a number of decent Germans, Harry and the others survived their ordeal until liberated. Though the story of those incarcerated at this camp vanished from the war's history, Harry has always remembered those who were with him during his incarceration. Determined to give his fellow crewmen a place in history, Harry has worked tirelessly to preserve their memory and with the writing of this book, his mission has been accomplished. This is a gripping story of survival and also of remembrance. An excellent read. P o'b FORGOTTEn HERO OF BunkER vAlEnTIn: The hArry CAllAn STory author: Norman Franks publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd (March 2017) www.pen-and-sword.co.uk Isbn: 978-1-473879966 pages: 244 price: €21.42 Ninety three pilots are listed in this new publication and all were decorated for bravery during the First World War. They all survived the great conflict only to die flying in the post war period. The years covered are from 1919 to 1940. This publication is fascinating in as much as it describes the combats of all 93 pilots listed who were involved in and their subsequent fate after the war. It is an often asked question by aviation historians as to the subsequent career of service pilots. Here are some answers. This book includes one particular pilot of interest to Irish Historians. Squadron Leader Oscar A.P.Heron DFC, CdG, born in Co Armagh in 1896. He had been a member of the Inns of Court OTC prior to joining the Connaught Rangers but transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. Following flying training he was sent to France in May 1918 on posting to 70 Squadron flying Sopwith Camels. He was awarded the DFC for what was described as conspicuous skill and daring in aerial combats. He accounted for eight enemy aircraft and was also awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre. On leaving the service he returned to Ireland to join the new Irish Air Service in 1922 in the company of a number of ex RFC/ RAF pilots who had operational experience. His experience was utilised to train the new service. His Air Corps career lasted only 11 years, when in August 1933 he was killed in an accident during the first Irish Air Corps Pageant in the Phoenix Park. He was flying in Vickers Vespa no. V6 with Pte Robert Tobin, when it spun in. This is a very compact well researched publication written by a distinguished UK author, with two to three pages of each chapter devoted to the particular pilot. It is particularly well covered with photographs of the aircraft but especially by the photographs of the pilots involved in the text. Recommended. APK FAllEn EAGlES: AIrmen Who SUrvIved The GreAT WAr only To dIe In PeACeTIme author: Bethany Barnett publisher: The Joy Bee (May 2017) http://bethanybarnett.ie Isbn: 978-1911013839 pages: 148 price: €10.00 "A fascinating series of stories. The honesty and candour shown in these men's accounts is a striking as a slap in the face. The stories are filled with hope and show how anyone can turn their life around." – Declan Power, author of Siege at Jadotville. "Every life has its defining moment, an experience that changes everything. For three Irish military veterans – John Corcoran, Ger Corcoran, and Kevin Burke - that moment appears to be passed. An explosion. A vow. A chance decision. Now each must live with the fallout from his actions - forever. There is no way out, no going back. Or is there?" In About Face, three extraordinary Irish veterans share their experiences and offer us something more: an invitation to take the next step, encouragement to look for the next defining moment. US author Bethany Barnett, the sister of a US soldier delves deep into the soul of these three soldiers, which started out as a quest to understand her brothers mind better, and to let veterans know there is always someone there that will listen. With an insightful foreword by Brig Gen Thomas Solhjem, Deputy Chief of Chaplains, US Army. A very helpful book for many a veteran on the road of life. WF ABOuT FAcE: FIndInG PeACe WIThIn The BATTle

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