Australian Eagle Down
A Dramatic Journey Across Afghanistan to Seek Help
Published on 1. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
282 pages
978-1-7644737-5-0 (ISBN)
Description
Australian Eagle Down is an intriguing and exciting tale of terrorism versus valour. Stoic bravery under cruel captors and epic undertakings of determination. A journey on foot of hundreds of kilometres across barren and desolate lands inhabited by fierce tribesmen. And of the loyal friendships that emerge through the hardships of toil and struggle.
Our story starts in Bosnia amongst death and destruction. There is a survivor: intelligent, beautiful, and deadly. We then move to the North of England where a Gypsy woman is single-handedly raising her son, Lee. We follow him to Australia and, after a devastating incident, on into the harsh landscapes of Iran and Afghanistan. Here he must undertake a dangerous and difficult journey, surviving on the skills he learned as a Gypsy child. Then, he stumbles into the ultimate crisis ...
As we follow Lee on his perilous journey, we are also immersed in the military bases and aid hospitals in Afghanistan. Fast-paced military action and a harrowing survival story combine to create a story of triumph and determination, where good in several forms triumphs over the many facets of evil.
Based on the author's own career experience with the military, and the experiences of his family, Australian Eagle Down is set during the War in Afghanistan and told with great insight. It is a reminder that even in the bleakest of landscapes, humanity prevails.
More details
Person
Peter was born and grew up in Lancashire. He joined the UK Meteorological Office from school and worked for them for fifteen years. His postings were from small outstations to small and large civil and military airfields, plus a three-year posting to RAF (G) HQ/NATO in Germany. The Cold War was still active during this time.On returning to the UK, he trained in Radiosonde and radar tracking. After two years, Peter and his family emigrated to Australia where Peter started work in a testing laboratory at a cement factory. Here he studied for a BSc, majoring in Pure and Applied Chemistry with a sub-major in Biology. He became the Works Chemist and then Quality Manager. He and his wife travelled extensively throughout Australia and later throughout Europe, from France south and east. Sometimes camping, sometimes in gîtes, and also hotels. He claims to speak French more clearly than his English.Australian Eagle Down is Peter's first novel and was written from his experiences working with the military and also after discussions with his son-in-law, who still has a senior position in the Australian Army.