Grid is the first biography of New Zealand’s highest scoring pilot of the First World War – both a gripping tale and important study of his pivotal leadership across two world wars.
‘Grid is more than a biography … using first-hand accounts of early aerial combat, letters home to loved ones and a vast array of photographs matched by vivid descriptions, demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail – a worthy tribute to one of our finest, if somewhat lesser known, war heroes.’ – Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb, Chief of Air Force
Grid is the first ever biography of Air Commodore Keith ‘Grid’ Caldwell CBE, MC & bar, Croix de guerre, arguably one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s greatest unsung heroes. Published by Massey University Press, it is the product of five years of detailed research by military historian and university senior lecturer, Dr Adam Claasen. The book charts the life and times of Keith Caldwell, from his early flying training in Auckland to his wartime exploits on the Western Front and beyond – including also his crucial roles in the interwar period and in World War Two at Wigram and overseas, as well as his family life and part in founding the New Zealand 1914-18 Airmen’s Association. Supplementary materials include a foreword by Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb, illustrations, a list of victories, map, and an index.
Much of the book focuses on Caldwell’s First World War service – and for good reason. His sheer survival throughout 27 months of service at a time when so many lives were counted in just days is incredible. As Claasen writes, Grid ‘was widely acknowledged to have survived more aerial battles than any other Empire airman’, including six crash-landings. Furthermore, as a pilot from 1916-1918, he ‘was one of the few airmen to witness first hand the rapid development of the war’s single-seat fighters and aerial fighting tactics’, while serving in No. 8 Squadron Royal Flying Corps (RFC), No. 60 Squadron RFC, and No. 74 Squadron Royal Air Force (RAF).
To put into perspective his age and level of experience, Caldwell was only 22 years old when he was made commander of the newly formed fighter squadron, No. 74 ‘Tiger’ Squadron. This became under his leadership, the most successful British squadron of the Great War – the photograph below from Caldwell’s personal collection, shows Caldwell in a line-up of No. 74 Squadron aircraft in late 1918.
Line up of Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a aircraft of B Flight, No. 74 Squadron, Royal Air Force, at Clairmarais South airfield, France. Image: MUS010036
Sources for Claasen’s research include the archival collections held here at the museum, as well as Whanganui Collegiate School’s archive, Archives New Zealand, and MOTAT, and overseas collections at the UK National Archives, Imperial War Museum, and the RAF Museum at Hendon. During his research, Claasen was genuinely surprised by the information he found regarding Caldwell’s responsibilities and achievements in the Second World War, including his command of RNZAF Station Wigram, his service in India, and his management of the post-war repatriation of New Zealand service personnel; this was indeed the largest repatriation of New Zealanders from service in foreign forces in the nation’s history.
Grid is an exciting and well overdue addition to military aviation history, and New Zealand history. It is an example of what a great biography should be – a highly readable, well-written and true account which, though the storyline may perhaps be familiar to its reader, offers new insights into that historical time. In a recent Q&A, Claasen noted his hope for the book was that it would ‘bring back to life the story of a remarkable New Zealander for a twenty-first century audience.’ This book certainly achieves this goal.
Finally, aiding the author’s intent is the epic and very striking image chosen for the cover and the book’s modern design – with a surprise for all the military aviation enthusiasts hiding under the dust jacket! But you’ll have to find a copy yourself to find out more…
Grid is in stock at our museum store.
The biography is also part of our research collection, and may be viewed by appointment in our Reading Room.
