This book tells the story of a Dutch boy who grew up during the 1950s in post-war Borneo; where he had frequent encounters with an airplane; the Douglas DC-3; aka the C-47 Skytrain or Dakota of World War II fame. For a young boy living in a remote jungle community; the aircraft reached the proportions of a romantic icon; as the essential lifeline to a bigger world for him; the beginning of a special bond. In 1957 his family left the island; and all its residual wreckage of World War II; and he attended college in The Hague. After graduation he started a career as a corporate executive; and met the aircraft again during business trips to the Americas. His childhood passion for the Dakota flared up anew; and the fascination pulled like a magnet. As if predestined; or maybe just looking for an alibi to come closer; he began a business to salvage and convert Dakota parts; which meant first of all finding them. As the demand for these war relic parts and cockpits soared; he began to travel the world to track down surplus; crashed or derelict Dakotas. He ventured deeper and deeper into remote mountains; jungles; savannas and the seas where the planes are found; usually as ghostly wrecks but sometimes still in full commercial operation. In hunting the mythical Dakota he often encountered intimidating or dicey situations in countries plagued by wars or revolts; others by arms and narcotics trafficking; warlords and con men. This book describes his multiple expeditions in search of the remains of the Dakota legend. It takes the reader to some of the remotest spots in the world; but once there one is often greeted by the comfort of what was once the West’s apex in transportation―however now haunted by the courageous airmen of the past.
#466066 in Books 2015-04-19 2015-05-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .50 x 5.90l; .70 #File Name: 1611212529192 pages
Review
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Many SurrendersBy Richard T. FreyThis book describes the numerous surrenders of the various Confederate States armies. Appomattox and Bennett Place are well known; but this volume also informs us of the lesser known surrenders at various points across the south over the ensuing months.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Great but needs footnoting.By Frank CrawfordThere was a wealth of information regarding each site; including what is there "to see" today. This was great. A lot of work was done to include all that was there. I do wish a better effort would have been made regarding footnoting and sources for much of the information. I was able to find what I was looking for elsewhere but would have appreciated having it at my fingertips while reading. Still; in all; a good read and well written.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. There is much more to the end of the Civil War then the Appomatix meeting of Grant and Lee.By Debbie MikeOur men's book club read the book and then visited Bennett Place. None of knew more then Appomattox; and assumed the war ended with Lee and Grant. The book describes the difficult decisions generals and politicians had to make to end the Civil War. Armies in each region of the South had to lay down arms. The impact of the war on the citizens became very clear. There is no political statement in the book; just a well researched description of the events.
