Clear the Runway A History of the Air Ambulance in New South Wales
Sydney: George Allen & Unwin, 1984. Octavo, blue hardcover, xiii, 178 pp., illustrated with black-and-white photographs, some maps and two appendices included. Spine ends slightly bumped and rubbed, corners and lower edges of covers slightly rubbed, light spotting on top and fore-edge of text block, top edges of dust-jacket slightly worn and torn without loss of text: otherwise a very good copy. First edition, signed and inscribed by Australian aviator Nancy Bird.
Edward Wybergh Docker recounts the stories of the people behind Australia's air ambulance, with a focus on the history of services to the New South Wales outback. Among others, he introduces us to Reverend Stanley Drummond, who founded the Far West Children's Health Scheme; Sid Coleman, who in Burke in the 1930s flew the local doctor to his more distant calls; and Nancy-Bird who set up an air ambulance in 1935. Item #4913
The first leaf is signed and inscribed by Nancy Bird and reads: "To Stephen Craggs, Best wishes, Nancy Bird, 1984"
Price (AUD): $65.00