The Aerodrome Forum - View Single Post - J L Birley's work on aero neurosis in WW1

Michael (Australia) · 3 November 2009, 09:30 PM

Hi

A while back, when researching in the Australian War Memorial, I came across a report written by a Major J L Birley on the high mental breakdown rate of Australian airmen in the AFC. I subsequently found a mention of him Louis Strange's biography 'Recollections of an Airman'. According to Strange, Birley was a "brilliant nerve specialist" who studied the effects of active service flying on the men of the RFC/RAF. Strange also mentions a book he wrote, "The Psychology of an Airman".

Firstly, what do we know about J L Birley? Was he in the RAF itself- or was he an independent psychologist?

Secondly- has anyone seen a copy of the book Strange claimed he published? I've checked abebooks and some archival holdings but cant find anything.

Michael

3 November 2009, 09:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
Michael (Australia) Observer Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 33	J L Birley's work on aero neurosis in WW1 Hi A while back, when researching in the Australian War Memorial, I came across a report written by a Major J L Birley on the high mental breakdown rate of Australian airmen in the AFC. I subsequently found a mention of him Louis Strange's biography 'Recollections of an Airman'. According to Strange, Birley was a "brilliant nerve specialist" who studied the effects of active service flying on the men of the RFC/RAF. Strange also mentions a book he wrote, "The Psychology of an Airman". Firstly, what do we know about J L Birley? Was he in the RAF itself- or was he an independent psychologist? Secondly- has anyone seen a copy of the book Strange claimed he published? I've checked abebooks and some archival holdings but cant find anything. Michael