For those who, like me, have only a tacit level of understanding of a test pilot’s role, this book will be quite illuminating. Ron Burrows did not set out to become a test pilot and even through his career tried to get back to operational flying but clearly his mix of pilot skills, understanding of technology and analytical thinking are not common and as such the Military Establishment were determined to get the most out of their investment. Burrows documents the flight characteristics of the many aircraft he flew which, on its own, could be tedious but he manages to weave it into anecdotes of his life at different times so the stories are both entertaining and informative. Many of these death defying tales are told in such a “matter of fact” way it makes it almost sound like a job with slight risk but all within a relatively safe envelope. The truth, as we learn, is that the Test Pilot’s role is to define the edges of this envelope so that others can more safely operate. For the.. Read more
NetGalley, Michael Neill

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars This is a very enjoyable read for anyone interested in the UK military or specifically the Royal Air Force. Christopher Coville is a highly driven individual who achieved great success in his distinguished career despite his humble origins and what seems an insatiable appetite for risk. Of course, being a fighter pilot, risk is a constant companion but Colville’s repeated attempts to scupper his own career through high spirited antics, even despite his growing seniority, beggar belief! The recounting of such adventures make for a highly amusing read and demonstrate that the Authors skill at writing clearly match those he has in the cockpit. RAF buffs will appreciate the detailed accounts of flying some of the classic fighter aircraft of the past 40 - 50 years as well as the insight into how the organisation does, or sometimes, does not work. The general reader will enjoy a very humorous journey of an individual striving to excel in an exacting and very.. Read more
NetGalley, Michael Neill

Featured in
RAF Memorial Flight Official Club newsletter - October 2021

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars A truly fantastic book covering one of Britain’s most-decorated and successful fighter pilots during world war two. Written in a relaxed style that compels readers to not to put the book down, it delights the reader in detailing operations flying various aircraft documenting the combat experienced by the author. It is refreshing to read about air combat operations in other aircraft of the RAF such as the Beaufighter and Mosquito than the usual Spitfire or Hurricane. If you have an interest in air combat, aviation in general or love a good war story then this book is a must! A compelling read, highly recommended as one of the best biographies of a World War Two fighter pilot! This one needs to be on your bookshelf!
NetGalley, Kevin Stabler

The description covers a great deal of what is stated in the book, but there is so much more. There is so much more detailed analysis and planning into the intelligence gathering service that the book explains in great depth. The author has managed to combine a whole host of amazing facts, figures and relevant articles to produce the fascinating work. There are detailed charts and tables of how things developed and were used as well as photographs throughout the publication. There is a list of sources, notes and a full index at the back of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and it deserves a place on any historical reference shelf.
NetGalley, John Derek