Biography of RAAF Hudson Pilot Fl/Lt. Parker H. R. “Joe” Hodge

[Edward]

Fly Boy: Ace Pilot - A Life Cut Short
(Big Sky Publishing - 11 Augsut 2025)
by Peter Hodge
320 pages w/ b&w photos - paperback
$34.99 AUD

"Fly Boy chronicles the life of Parker ‘Joe’ Hodge, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilot [No. 2 Squadron] who tragically lost his life in the Netherlands East Indies during World War II. Born in Beechworth, Joe’s journey is marked by unwavering determination, exemplified by his persistence through five applications before realizing his dream of joining Australia’s elite air force.

The narrative offers a vivid portrayal of aviation in Australia and the formative years of the RAAF during a pivotal historical period. Confident, ambitious, and adventurous, Joe seizes every opportunity to travel while advancing through his flying training at Point Cook.

Enriched with personal anecdotes and captivating photographs—many captured by Joe himself—the story illuminates Australia’s often overlooked campaign in the Netherlands East Indies. This episode, rich in individual acts of bravery, underscores the early vulnerabilities of the British Empire in the Pacific War.

Author Peter Hodge’s quest to uncover Joe’s story becomes a profound exploration of lost family connections and self-discovery. A compelling and insightful biography."

The Author
"Peter Hodge is an experienced teacher and freelance writer with a passion for exploring global issues. Having taught for three years as an Australian Volunteer Abroad at a rural Zimbabwean mission school, Peter’s diverse travel experiences and broad interests inform much of his work.

The author of Volunteer Work Overseas for Australians and New Zealanders (two editions), Peter has contributed numerous articles to respected publications such as The Age, The Australian, The Guardian, and Eureka Street, often focusing on social justice and international development. More recently, his writing has delved into family history, as seen in the compelling narrative of Fly Boy, which seeks to understand personal legacy while uncovering forgotten aspects of the past."

https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/books/fly-boy/

"Fl/Lt. Parker Henry Russell (Joe) Hodge was born on 5 June 1913 at Beechworth, Victoria, Australia the youngest of 14 children of of John Hodge and Ellen Jane Francis Hodge née Cornelius. . . . He enlisted in the RAAF for 6 years on 29 April 1935 and was re-engaged for a further 6 years on 17 February 1938. Initially engaged as a Fitter he applied and was accepted for flight training commencing 17 January 1938 and on successful completion of pilot training was presented with his "wings" at No. 1 Flying Training School Point Cook on Friday 16 December 1938. Granted a Short Service Commission as a Pilot Officer on 1 October 1939 (Gazetted 16 November 1939) the appointment was confirmed and he was promoted to Flying Officer on 1 June 1940 (Gazetted 4 July 1940). Granted acting rank of Flight Lieutenant 1 April 1941 (Gazetted 15 May 1941) and promoted to Temporary Flight Lieutenant 1 October 1941 (Gazetted 30 October 1941)."

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/..._russell-hodge

Fl/Lt. Hodge was killed in action and two members of his crew on 12 January 1942 after their Hudson was shot down by Japanese Zero fighters. The co-pilot, P/O E.D.G. Howard, survived and was captured. He returned to Australia at the end of the war - the sole survivor of four no. 2 & 13 Squadron Squadron Hudsons lost that day.

http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a16.htm

https://aircrewremembered.com/hodge-parker.html

[Jim Oxley]

This'll definitely be a keeper.