The Empire Air Training Scheme: Identity, Empire and Memory

AcknowledgementsMy first expression of gratitude must be to the many individuals who sowillingly agreed to be interviewed and answer the questions I directed around theirexperiences in EATS. Their answers were perceptive and articulate and they wereunstinting in the time they contributed. Many offered personal papers that providedinsight into the research. The bibliography has named each contributor but it isimpossible to express the admiration and respect I hold for the modest and unassumingtestimony of each one who was interviewed and whose words appear in this thesis.There are many who have provided, help with extra information and contactsthat were vital in advancing the research and I thank each for their generous assistance.Members of the Catalina Club, Odd Bods Association and the Royal Australian AirForce Association have offered access to materials, introductions and expressedinterest in contributing to this research.Without the dynamic, perceptive and yet gentle guidance of my twosupervisors, Dr Mary Tomsic and Professor Joy Damousi, of the Department ofHistorical Studies, the thesis would not have found its final shape, and I thank both fortheir generous enthusiasm, encouragement and constructive advice. They both havemy enduring admiration.My final thanks must go to my family, Kate, John, Suzie, Joss, William,Alexandra, Georgie, Freddy, and Lily for their endless distractions and help inmaintaining a sense of reality.vii