Episode Details

Guests: Max Speedy, Marty Irons, and the late Geoffrey Fisken

Host: Dave Homewood

Recorded: 22nd of Nov 2021 (Max Speedy, and Marty Irons) and 16th of Sept 2009 (Geoff Fisken)

Released: 7th of December 2021

Duration: 2 hours 51 minutes 47 seconds

This special episode is a three-part special commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Pacific War. On the 7th of December, NZ time, Japan forces started it attack into the Pacific by striking Malaya, and on the 8th of December (or 7th, local time) they attacked the US Navy and Army bases at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. With the entry of Japan into the Second World War, this also brought the USA into the fight. The latter became major Allies of New Zealand, who had already been fighting the German Navy in the Pacific, and would now join the Allied forces in defeating the Japanese expansion into the Pacific.

The Pacific War and Ian Speedy’s part in it
In this episode Dave Homewood presents three separate interviews. The first is with former Royal Australian Navy Commander Max Speedy, a New Zealand born naval aviator, who gives an overview of the Pacific conflict, and tells the story of his father’s war. Max’s Dad was Ian Speedy, an RNZAF fighter pilot who served with No. 17 (F) Squadron on Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks and Warhawks, including three tours in the Pacific. He then served a further tour in the Pacific with No. 22 (F) Squadron, flying Chance Vought Corsairs.

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