An update on the forthcoming book being put together by Garry McGravie.
14 August, 2008
I hope this reaches you all in good health.
After over three long years I can safely say that I can see that light at the end of the tunnel.
I have now started in earnest to lock in all the chapters, so if there is anything else you might like to add the later years will take a day or two. Once that is complete it will be taking care of all the other stuff like reviews and ensuring things are all neat and proper. The index is currently 16 pages and I haven't even started to insert page numbers in yet.
I would like to take this opertunity to once again thank you to all that helped me bring this absolute monster together. It is currently sitting at over 700 pages and it covers the early years of airdrop, the fifties, the re-emergence in the sixties, the conflicts that the Australians were involved with such as the Brunei Revolt, the Malaysian Emergency, Vietnam and the ANZUK Forces, the seventies and through to December 2007, along with a chapter on the Air Dispatch Association of Australia. I have also managed to capture a lot of other peoples insight into what makes us tick, and a number of explanations into malfunctions and other incidents that had me puzzled and confused about as a digger. I have tried to answer a lot of questions and add a little background information as best as possible.
I have spoken to printers down here in Wodonga and it looks like I will go with them, and get the book binded in Sydney. At this stage I think I can happily say that it will not be over $75, but hopefully less. Could you please let me know if you would like to purchase a copy. If so can you send me the address you would like it posted to. Email: Garry.Mcgravie@defence.gov.au
I have to say, please put a book launch into the back of your head. At this stage I am hoping to confirm that it can be held at the Myola Club, 176 Air Dispatch Squadron. I can think of nowhere better to hold this as I think this will be one massive get together, but as I said I have to confirm that. I will speak to the CMC of the Sergeants Mess, RAAF Richmond as I am sure that he will be more than happy to host it there, and once again please pass on to anyone if I have forgotten.
I ask you to all pass this on to as many people as possible. I ask the guys that have soldiers under them to pass this on during a number of your orders sessions. For those that are in contact with our American friends please pass on to them also.
Once again, I have to say it has been one hell of a ride in this quest to get all things Air Dispatch recorded, but more importantly recorded correctly.
Have a good day and I hope to hear from you soon.
Garry McGravie
G. McGRAVIE
WO2
TDWO RACT AD
DEV Gp
Latchford Barracks
Bonagilla
Vic 3693
Tel: 02 6055 4363
Fax: 02 6055 4165