“Killer Caldwell”

Australia’s Greatest Fighter Pilot

Published 2005 – Author Jeffrey Watson

Written after Clive’s death in August 1994, Jeffrey Watson had the benefit of interviews with a number of people in the book, including Clive Caldwell. He also had access to his personal papers, thanks to the generosity of Mrs Jean Caldwell. Clive Caldwell, himself, would not have approved of any book or biography so many conversations and events have been reconstructed.

Clive ‘Killer’ Caldwell was a natural and brilliant pilot, a superb shot, and a born leader. He saw action against the Germans, Italians and Japanese, and remains Australia’s greatest ever fighter pilot.

Born and brought up in Sydney, it was obvious from an early age that nothing would stand in Caldwell’s way. He bluffed his way into the RAAF, then made sure that he was posted to exactly where he thought he should be.

His ability was unquestioned by all those around him, and he devised the vital ‘shadow shooting’ technique which contributed so much to Allied success in the air in the north African campaign, and in northern Australia. But he was never afraid of voicing his opinions to all those above and below him, be it about the training of pilots, or the equipping of Spitfires for use against the Japanese – and for trying to run the show his way…

Caldwell ended his military career in the Morotai Mutiny in 1945, where he and a number of other Australian pilots tried to resign their commisions in protest at not being allowed by General MacArthur – and the RAAF – to take part in the main action. And then he was embroiled in the Barry inquiry into booze smuggling by him and other pilots…

Killer Caldwell is a colourful portrait of a colourful Australian.

No 1 Fighter Wing, RAAF (also known as the Churchill Wing) moved to the Darwin area, from Richmond NSW, with three Spitfire Squadrons, No 54 RAF at Darwin, No 452 RAAF at Strauss and No 457 RAAF at Livingstone, during January 1943. There were 95 pilots in the Wing of whom only 6 had any experience, 37 had some combat background and the rest were new to operations. They had 70 Spitfires and 700 ground staff. Its initial commander was Group Captain Allan Walters and the wing leader was Wing Commander Clive “Killer” Caldwell. The Spitfires had their first major clashes with the Japanese in March 1943. (A total of 245 Mk V Spitfires came to Australia and 117 were lost in Darwin with more than half due to accidents.)

As Flying Officer Bill Hinds was not posted to 54 Squadron until the 17th February, 1943, he was not at Richmond but came direct to Darwin, arriving on 27th April 1943.