Edited by Mark Lax ISBN 1875593160

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In 1916, Airman Joe Bull was posted from Australia to 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, in the Mediterranean campaign. Joe Bull maintained an accurate diary of events until his return to Australia in 1919. He also bought a camera when on leave in Cairo, and with it recorded the people, places and events in the life of 1 Squadron AFC. Joe returned to Australia in 1919, with diaries and photographs intact.

Mark Lax has edited the diaries and woven into the pages confirmatory detail from Australian, British and German records, combined with a selected number of Joe Bull's previously unpublished photos, to present a unique account of 1 Squadron AFC at war. Joe was even able to take his camera into the air and photograph the camp. Other photos include the squadron aircraft, in good condition and after crashes, and captured German aircraft before and after their markings were changed. Joe's diary-keeping was, in some details, better than the official squadron records.

At one time, Joe Bull was a member of the groundcrew for "Captain Smith", later to be one of the Smith brothers, Ross and Keith, who achieved fame by making the first flight to Australia. Photos of squadron personnel include that of Hudson Fysh, later co-founder of Qantas.

This is an excellent and informative account of Australia's first air unit at war, illustrated with many personal photos.

The appendices by Mark Lax include:

• Details of all squadron aircraft;
• Squadron locations;
• Successful squadron combats;
• Personnel losses; and
• Personnel taken prisoner of war.

Hardcover, Dustjacket, large format 191 pages, 100 photos.