I’ll be back for breakfast

I'll be back for breakfast: The life of war hero Edgar Pickles DFC and Bar

AU$28.95 - worldwide shipping is available
Thank you for showing interest in “I’ll be back for breakfast: the life of war hero Edgar Pickles DFC and Bar”. On this website you can order a copy of this book. Worldwide shipping is available.

About the book

In the darkest days of World War II, RAAF man Edgar Pickles was sent to Britain where he flew almost fifty missions with RAF Bomber Command. “I’ll be back for breakfast: The life of war hero Edgar Pickles DFC and Bar” is Edgar’s wartime story – one constructed of pursuits by enemy fighters; of a squadron’s mounting losses; of nursing a crippled plane home with two friends dead in the back and another haemorrhaging from critical injuries; of heroism; of parties and sightseeing; of promotion and decoration. Losses were overwhelming; the RAAF’s Bomber Squadron pilots died in the tens of thousands. Breakfast was the most important meal of the day because if you were at breakfast, your plane hadn't gone down the night before. Edgar's reflections on the war, its aftermath, the humanity of the enemy and his ability to foresee a post-war future, show that under his outward bravado lay a man of depth and perception. He arrived home a hero, flying a crew of drinking buddies and a cargo of contraband. That set the scene for the rest of his life.
Whatever memories he had of the war, he lived the remainder of his life as an adored, if eccentric, man who “bombed” loved ones with Christmas presents dropped from the plane he parked outside his backdoor. Spontaneous and outlandish parties abounded. He was involved in stealing back a plane that had been repossessed; part owned El Questro in the Kimberly; prepared his land for irrigation using a series of different-coloured beer cans and was a popular guest speaker at Anzac Day events. In “I’ll be back for breakfast: the life of war hero Edgar Pickles DFC and Bar”, Di Websdale-Morrissey tells a rollicking tale of one of the last of a generation – a generation that knew the privations of war but made the best life they could once it was over.

About the project

After Edgar’s passing in October 2019, his family began the process of tidying up his beloved home at “Cadell”, near Barham, in the NSW Riverina. Having lived at the same farm for over 70 years, this was no small feat. As the family gathered boxes upon boxes of postcards, letters, photos, diaries, and war time memorabilia, the family decided the material was special and should be used to write a book to tell the story about Edgar’s incredible life. Two years have passed since Edgar’s death, and the family is thrilled to now be able to share “I’ll be back for breakfast: the life of war hero Edgar Pickles DFC and Bar”. Through this book, Edgar’s spirit lives on. Kate, Amelia and Alice Houghton would like to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to “I’ll be back for breakfast: the life of war hero Edgar Pickles DFC and Bar”. We hope that reading this book brings you as much enjoyment as this project has for his nieces and great nieces.

About the author

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life" - Charles Dederich
“I’ll be back for breakfast: the life of war hero Edgar Pickles DFC and Bar” would not be possible without Di Websdale - Morrissey. Di is a Melbourne-based non-fiction author, teacher and mentor. Her dedication to this project went above and beyond expectations. She has written five books including Blind Optimist, From One Pebble and her most recent book On a Wing and a Prayer.

Contact

If you have any questions about this project, don't hesitate to reach out.
Kate: +61 419 395 757 kateh767@gmail.com