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Flying Start

A Fighter Pilot's War Years

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About this listen

"A personal and vivid view of the Royal Air Force's (RAF) engagement of the Luftwaffe in World War II . . . Exciting, valuable, and good reading." -Library Journal

This is the autobiography of Group Captain Sir Hugh Dundas CBE, DSO, DFC, who was one of the most distinguished fighter pilots of World War II. He writes of his wartime experiences, and particularly of his period as Squadron Leader and Wing Commander and his involvement in the Battle of Britain.

"It stands out from many other accounts of war-time air operations because of its very clear coverage of events both at the fighting and at the operational levels . . . It is a gripping tale well told, and one that easily holds the reader's attention throughout." -the Bulletin (Military Historical Society)

"This is an important book for historians and enthusiasts, but it is also an important social history of a period that is rapidly passing into history as those who were there and survived now approach the end of their life." -Firetrench

©1988, 1990, 2011 Hugh Dundas (P)2023 Tantor Air Forces Armed Forces Military Military & War World War II War
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sadly I could not get into this having tried several times. just didn't work for me. a great brave man bit not a great book.

high hopes

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A realy good book about the life of a fighter pilot.

As oher reviews have said, this is a light hearted reflection on life in the 1930's/40's RAF rather than a technical or excessively historical book. And in some ways this makes it better as you get a feel for how it really was rather than the typical dull historical facts.

Unfortuately the narrator seems to think that using an exaggerated upper class accent adds to the story. I have no problem with the use of such an accent, except that it sounds forced, trails off strangly at the end of sentences and there are several mis-pronouciations.

All in all a good listen if you bear with it long enough to ignore the daft accent.

Excellent Book Spoilt A LIttle By The Narrator

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An average story with more emphasis on partying, drinking and being promoted due to old boy networking, than historical information of the conflict in detail. There are better and more detailed books on the R.A.F during the 2nd WW by pilots for instance The Big Show. Interesting take on the big wing from Duxford saying that the luftwaffe ran when the wing was in the air and they hardly came across any opponents. Others historically have commented that it took so long to get the wing organised the raids were over.

Average story,

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Posh wanker, getting away with it!!!! He done eff all. Prove me wrong, he probably got tin legs shot down,

Ducker and diver.

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