Author(s): Woody Woodhall

NZ & World War II | Secondhand

Soldier, Sailor and Airman Too is a comprehensive history of the life and career of Group Captain A.B. Woodhall. His story provides a unique slice of British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Airforce history, spanning both World Wars and finishing in New Zealand. Not only can his story be read as a biography of an extremely accomplished and heroic figure, this book also provides an extensive historical insight into the myriad events he was involved in over this period of time. From beginnings that would be enough to deter most - being severely wounded to the point of paralysis as a sniper at Beaumont Hamel 1916 and subsequently evacuated back to England; Soldier, Sailor and Airman Too covers Woody's military career through both wars, touches on his flying with Douglas Bader and volunteering to make an emergency drop of an artificial leg to Bader when he was downed and taken prisoner in Germany. Working as a controller in the Great Battle of Britain, Woody was awarded the OBE and given investiture by the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace as well as being promoted to Group Captain. Woody encountered some strife in the bombings of Duxton and Tangmere, where he was Group Captain, but went on to establish a radio listening service in Malta resulting in foxing the German Controller! Woodhall writes extremely well and gives exceptional attention to detail. The book is filled with anecdotes, humour and is an extremely significant and detailed primary resource, making it ideal for historians, military buffs and people with an interest in flying.