Product Description

Over the past 15 years Edward Bishop has written the obituaries of countless men and women who have figured in the story of civil and military aviation - numbers of whom he has known personally and 100 of the most interesting of which appear here. Ranging from R.E. Bishop, designer of the de Havilland Mosquito, to Leonard Cheshire VC who flew the "wooden wonder", to Tom Sopwith, the plane-making pioneer, to Sir Frank Whittle, the jet engine pioneer, Bishop's obituaries reflect the glories and setbacks of aviation in peace and war. Amid a host of pilots are Jeffrey Quill, Bob Stanford Tuck, Ginger Lacey, Adolf Galland, Johnnie Johnson, Babe Learoyd (a bomber VC), Freddie West (a 1914-18 VC) and Peter Townsend. Here, too, are Monique Agazarian, an Air Transport Auxiliary pilot who on VE Day flew the length of Piccadilly at low level in a Spitfire, and Constance Babington-Smith whose brilliant interpretation of photo-recce results was a byword. Also featured are lesser-known heroes such as Jimmy Wright, the combat aerial cameraman blinded on active service who was to become a famed "guinea pig" and film producer.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #115262 in Books
• Published on: 2002-06-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 512 pages

Customer Reviews

A delightful read.
With the immediate sadness of their loss being long passed, this book allows the reader to rejoice at the lives of 100 outstanding "Airmen" who made their names in the world of aviation in one way or another.

Naturally, there are the famous names - such as; Cheshire VC, Tom Sopwith and Frank Whittle. Those who achieved high office - Elworthy and Spotswood. Then there are the heroes from two world wars in addition to those whose contribution was just as important but for whom combat would never come their way.

Altogether, this is a book about past "Airmen" (and women) who made a significant contribution either in time of peace or war. It includes civilians in addition to serving personnel dawn from the across the rank structure. Written with a professional charm which incorporates all the wit, insight compassion and humour that each of the colourful personalities would wish to see included, this book is not only a delightful read, it is a true testament to each of those who are portrayed here.

NM