First published in 1944 this very welcome reprint is an astonishing story of indomitable spirit overcoming adversity. A pre-war pilot on the outbreak of WW2 William Simpson was serving with the Fairey Battle-equipped 12 Squadron and flew to France as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force. When the German assault against France and the Low Countries opened with unparallelled ferocity on 10 May 1940 Simpson led four Battles of B Flight to attack a column in Luxembourg. They successfully bombed in the face of heavy fire and only one aircraft returned. Simpson had to crash land his aircraft that burst into flames being dragged clear by his gallant crew but was desperately burned. Treated for his injuries in several French hospitals, he was repatriated in 1941 and came under the care of the remarkable Archibald McIndoe who slowly rebuilt his destroyed face and hands. The story of this courageous member if the Guinea Pig Club is movingly told with humour, humility and great humanity. An aviation.. Read more
Andrew Thomas - Author and Historian

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars I grew up watching The Dambusters and hearing about Guy Gibson. However this book reveals more insights about his life and the manner of his death. The book has been well researched and for me raised more questions about the man than answers- it's a very interesting read.
NetGalley, Rachael R

[link=https://newbooksnetwork.com/histories-of-war]Podcast interview with author[/link]
New Books Network Podcast

As an aircraft enthusiast and a modeller, this gives an ideal mix of history with modelling references and inspiration. [b] Read the Full Review [link=https://www.militarymodelscenenew.com/book-reviews-1/FlightCraft-27-Boeing-B-17] Here [/link] [/b]
Military Model Scene

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars For discerning fans of WW2 movies, this book is a must read! Such people appreciate when extreme efforts are made to make such films technically correct and historically accurate, such as were evident in the making of the 1969 classic film The Battle of Britain. A film whose flight sequences using mostly real aircraft, remain to this day unparalleled. The book describes the huge effort made to assemble a fleet of Spitfires, Hurricanes, Messerschmidts, Heinkel bombers, etc to enable scenes showing the scale of bombing raids with fighter support, and the ensuing chaos in the skies when RAF Fighter Command engage them. The book is packed full of details and not just the technical stuff around the aircraft. A lot of the broader film process is covered as well as the star studded cast and the story they are telling. One of the more interesting stories is the musical score and the fact the film has two distinguished conductors whose music is still greatly admired.. Read more
NetGalley, Michael Neill