THAT NIGHT, ALL THE Australian pilots were back at Base. They were asked to report for duty at 22:00 hours at the camp’s briefing room. Two high-ranking officers gave a summary of the rescue plan, which could be summed up in one sentence: ‘It’s a dangerous mission, so we’re asking for volunteers.’
All hands went up. The officers looked at each other. One of them said, ‘Give us a minute.’
They huddled and whispered among themselves in the far corner. ‘Banjo Cameron is one of the best, I’m inclined to pick him.’
‘I do too, but it involves his brothers.’
‘Does he know it involves his brothers?’
‘I shouldn’t think so, they’re all professionals. I don’t think either Wolf or Merlin would have told him anything.’
‘If he doesn’t know, there shouldn’t be any reason we can’t pick him. Emotiona
