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Malta Spitfire

The Diary of a Fighter Pilot

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About this listen

25,000 feet above Malta - that is where the Spitfires intercepted the Messerschmitts, Macchis and Reggianes as they swept eastwards in their droves, screening the big Junkers with their bomb loads as they pummeled the island beneath - the most bombed patch of ground in the world.

One of those Spitfire pilots was George Beurling, nicknamed "Screwball," who in 14 flying days destroyed 27 German and Italian aircraft and damaged many more. Hailing originally from Canada, after hard training and combat across the Channel, Beurling finally made it to Malta in the summer of 1942. Malta Spitfire tells his story and that of the gallant Spitfire squadron, 249, which day after day climbed to the top of the hill to meet the enemy against overwhelming odds.

The listener has almost the sensation of being in the cockpit with him, climbing to meet the planes driving in from Sicily, diving down through the fighter screen at the bombers, dodging the bullets coming out of the sun, or whipping up under the belly of an Me for a deflection shot at the engine. This is war without sentiment or romance, told in terms of human courage, skill and heroism. A classic, first published in 1943.

©2011 Grub Street (P)2017 Grub Street
Air Forces Armed Forces Historical Military Military & War World War II Aviation War Italy
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Great book 5 stars, wow this is a true story Malta was one of the heaviest Hey attacked islands in the med captivated by the true story of a man determined to stop the nazis air, force well read this is a book in my library I will listen to again and again

Great book 5 stars

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Brilliant biography well narrated. Malta often overlooked. a great insight. Burlingham hell of a pilot and what a story.

reccomend.

Simply Superb

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One man can make a difference if given a chance. A truly exceptional story, well told

A genuine hero

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