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New Zealand's Great War aviation pioneers

The fascinating and little known story of NZ's daring military aviation pioneers is told in Adam Claasen's book "Fearless". 

Alfred de Bathe Brandon. On two occasions in 1916 he assisted in bringing down "baby killer" Zeppelins.

Harriet Simeon was NZ's highest ranking woman in the Women's Royal Air Force.

Clive Collett was one of NZ's most accomplished airmen. His letters from the front paint a vivid picture of the fighting in 1916 and feature in the book "Fearless".

Samuel Dawson was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his role in bombing the Tondern Zeppelin sheds in northern Germany, one of the Great War's most daring operations.

Adam Claasen, author of Fearless: The Extraordinary Untold Story of New Zealand's Great War airmen.

The book is published by Massey University Press.

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.