Product Description

The renowned autobiography of New Zealand's most famous RAF pilot who saw action from the Munich Crisis to the invasion of France in 1944.

Al Deere experienced the drama of the early days of the Battle of Britain while serving with Spitfire squadrons based at Hornchurch and Manston, and his compelling story tells of the successes and frustrations of those critical weeks.

Deere's nine lives are the accounts of his fantastic luck in escaping from seemingly impossible situations. During the Battle of Britain he parachuted from stricken aircraft on three occasions and once was blown up by a bomb whilst taking off from Hornchurch during an attack on the airfield.

In March 1943 Deere was appointed Wing Commander of the famous Biggin Hill Wing and by the end of the war, his distinguished `score' was destroyed twenty-two, probables ten and damaged eighteen.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6416 in Books
• Published on: 1999-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Customer Reviews

An enjoyable read
Nine Lives is a book that once you pick it up you dont want to put it down because you realy get a feel as to what it must of been like during air combat. The excitement,concentration and the fear. I found Alan Deere to be a very likeable character who not only shows immense courage but humility too. If your an aviation buff and want something thats not too detailed then I'm sure you will find this book an enjoyable read.

Solid memoir
Alan Deere has to be one of the most famous Battle of Britain pilots whose escapades and lucky escapes have become legendary. This is a fairly old memoir written in the 50s and one which tells Al's story from his upbringing in NZ to his rise through the RAF. It is an enjoyable read for those with an interest in the airwar of WWII but in my opinion the book's style is not quite as engaging as some other memoirs on the subject. Saying that, Al is such a legend from this period that his recounting, opinions and thoughts are esential reading for those readers with an interest in the great figures of the RAF during WWII. A good, solid pilot's memoir from one of the most famous RAF aces.

Excellent Read
As an Avid reader of all WW11
This is a first class read. How did these people keep going
We certainly do owe them so much