THE story of the first Aboriginal fighter pilot, Kamilaroi man Len Waters, has been immortalised in a new book.
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While the accolades poured-in for Mr Waters after his death in the form of honorary parks, streets, estates and postage stamps, as well as talk of naming the Badgerys Creek airport in his honour, his pioneering war-time efforts were mostly overlooked in his lifetime.
The new book by Peter Rees, Missing Man, delves into the racism and inequality faced by the returned Aboriginal soldier.
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The pilot’s nephew and namesake, Len Waters, will help launch the book in Tamworth on Saturday which he said was an important story about his family and society.
Mr Waters said his uncle “flew with distinction” in 95 missions with the RAAF in World War II rising to the rank of warrant officer, but his status in war was not reciprocated when he returned home.
“He was a bit of a hero in the war, but Australia was divided by race,” he sais
“He had to go back to the mission, go back shearing and being a second class citizen.
“It’s about how he dealt with rejection of bureaucracy, it took its toll and cost him a lot personally.”
While the story is focused on his family, Mr Waters said there were many Aboriginal soldiers facing the same treatment.
“You look at people who were classed as flora and fauna under the act and put their lives on the line for a country where they’re not recognised as citizens, that’s gallantry in itself,” he said.
There will be an author talk at the Tamworth Library, with Mr Waters, at 2pm on Saturday.
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