Product Description

Arguably the highest scoring RAF fighter pilot of the First World War, Edward 'Mick' Mannock's life, and most particularly his death, are still shrouded in mystery. Did he achieve as many victories as are sometimes ascribed to him? How did he die? Where did he die, and more pertinently, where do his remains now lie? Respected investigative historians Norman Franks and Andy Saunders have assessed all the evidence and cut through the speculation to build up a complete picture of the man and his achievements as a fighter pilot. Having unearthed much new and enlightening information, they present herein, perhaps the first truly balanced overview of his life. Vitally, they now also reveal exactly where Mannock VC fell in battle ninety years ago, and have now begun a quest to persuade the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to accept their findings, published here for the first time, along with numerous original photographs.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #114556 in Books
• Published on: 2008-07-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

Review
Norman Franks and Andy Saunders have produced what is probably the most complete and well-balanced study to date ... A fascinating read! --Britain at War magazine --Magazine

The authors provide a detailed analysis of Mannock's combat record, including a victory list with 66 entries.

Moreover, the text addresses lingering aspects of Mannock's legend: his birthplace; his alleged blindness in one eye; his bloodthirsty attitude toward "the Hun"; his superb reputation as a flight leader. In fact, the authors seem to describe every pilot affiliated with him in Numbers 40, 74, and 85 Squadrons.

Illustrated with nearly 70 photos and maps, Franks and Saunders' study is bound to stand as the definitive reference for years to come. --Magazine

The meticulous research and its presentation in a logical and easily followed text, backed up with numberous photographs, cannot fail to impress ... this is a book that can be unhesitatingly recommended, bringing, as it does, something new to a well covered subject --

The authors post a number of questions in this very handsome book ... the story is told with great skill and thoroughness, and makes a most exciting read - the ultimate Mannock --Stand To!

Review
The authors provide a detailed analysis of Mannock's combat record, including a victory list with 66 entries.

Moreover, the text addresses lingering aspects of Mannock's legend: his birthplace; his alleged blindness in one eye; his bloodthirsty attitude toward "the Hun"; his superb reputation as a flight leader. In fact, the authors seem to describe every pilot affiliated with him in Numbers 40, 74, and 85 Squadrons.

Illustrated with nearly 70 photos and maps, Franks and Saunders' study is bound to stand as the definitive reference for years to come.

Review
The meticulous research and its presentation in a logical and easily followed text, backed up with numberous photographs, cannot fail to impress ... this is a book that can be unhesitatingly recommended, bringing, as it does, something new to a well covered subject.

Customer Reviews

Mick Mannock Still Veiled
There have been a number of books on the subject of 'Mick' Mannock and. Like most personalities, there is always room for another after a few years; therefore, this book fits in. It gives reasonable coverage to the subject and gives him a further airing.

The book sets out to reveal where he was born: it fails. Saying that he must be born in one place because his birth is found nowhere else is not convincing. Likewise his eye trouble again, not convincing. Like one other review states, the book covers the biographies of almost all the other squadron pilots and this gives the book a 'padded' feel which the authors could have done without.

Where the book does come to life is with the hunt for Mannocks last resting place. Maybe not convincingly found but it engages the reader and that's what its all about. The book is above average but could have been even better

mannock : another biography
In as much as any further coverage of maj. Edard mannock v.c is to be welcomed,this volume adds little of new interest however,the section regarding the grave site of maj. mannock seems unnecessary and morbid.surely what is important and should be emphasised is his record as one britain's best ww1 fighter pilots and perhaps the best patrol leader of the war.

Stick to research, chaps.
Franks/Saunders may know everything about WWI aviation but they have a communication problem. They can't write English. They should reread Cole's biography of McCudden. They would then have an idea how to write a proper biography and would remind themselves that McCudden was not killed by a beginner's error but by a carburretor failure during an 'aces' takeoff.
This book has no discernible justification. The author's certainly don't provide one. There is nothing new here. They also don't mention an editor. Probably Grub Street is too mean to employ one but they could have checked their stuff before sending it off. Any other biography of Mannock is preferable to this.