Product Description

It is not often that a remarkable gem of a manuscript is uncovered and published. Geoffrey Wellum's "First Light" was one example. The memoir of Timothy Ashmead Vigors is another. Born in Hatfield but raised in Eire and educated at Eton and Cranwell, early 1940 found Tim Vigors in France flying Fairey Battle bombers. After the Fall he converted to fighters joining 222 Squadron with whom he saw frantic and distinguished service over Dunkirk and then during the dangerous days of The Battle of Britain, when he became an ace. Transferred to the Far East in January 1941 as a flight commander with 243, thence to 453 Squadron RAAF, on 10th December he led a flight of Buffaloes to cover the sinking Prince of Wales and Repulse. Dramatically shot down, burnt and attacked on his parachute, he was evacuated to Java, and from there to India. And this is where his hand-written account ends. Throughout, the author describes his experiences in an honest, refreshing way. It is a fascinating and valuable record, one destined to be seen as a classic. Postwar, Tim was no less active primarily in the horse world, in Ireland and England, selling, breeding and consulting; but also in aviation, with his own company Vigors Aviation.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #131085 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

The Times, November 2006
"...a trove of war stories."

The Newmarket Journal
"Truly a larger-than-life character Tim ...was prepared to risk
his life for his country whatever the cost."

The Daily Telegraph, December 2006.
"Truly fascinating reading."

Customer Reviews

Life's Too Short to Cry
This book had me hooked from the first page and never lost pace. A gripping read, a real adventure story and all the more impressive because it's true. Tim Vigors was a real character and his story will appeal to all readers. Highly recommended.

battle of britain
Book only started (for me ) on about page 110 , the beginning is taken up with the authors' Irish parentage and education at Eton and lots of fox hunting .

From page 110 when he was a B of B pilot in south east england at only 19 and his pals were dying around him , is captivating .

Lifes too short to cry
I asked for this book to give me some form of education on what what it was really like to be an RAF pilot in the Battle of Britain. It is possibly the most honest and compelling book I have ever read. I will be forcing my children to read this one day.