Battle of Britain & Air Fighter War:-

Reach for the Sky by Paul Brickhill - the life of Douglas Bader - very close to autobiography as so accurately portrayed... a book that had a definite effect on my life as it influenced me to opt for the R.A.F. as aircrew. One of the great young heroes of the 2nd WW.

The Last Enemy by Richard Hillary (1942 Macmillan). Another great WW2 Battle of Britain hero whose writing inspired many during the war. Likewise, an influence in wan ting to become a pilot.

Enemy Coast Ahead by Guy Gibson (1946) The Bomber Ace of WW11. Raids on the Axis, including the Dambusters.

One of the Few by Johhny Kent. (Guernsey 1959) Autobiog. of the very experienced and successful B. of B. fighter pilot and test pilot. He commanded the famous Polish 303 sqaudron which vistually bore the brunt of the Battle of Britain, His remarkable life in the R.A.F. in all areas is inspiring.

Boy and Going Solo by Roald Dahl - continuous autobiographical accounts of going out into the world and becoming embroiled as a pilot in the 2nd WW under almost the most difficult conditions imaginable. A hero indeed, and brilliant children's author too.

The Big Show by Pierre Clostermann, a Free French pilot in the R-A-F- fought from 1941 throughout the war. - Alongside Nine Lives, this is the most exciting of all accounts, considering his haibreadth escapes and breathtaking exploits. His Flames in the Sky was also excellent.

Nine Lives by Alan Deere - One of the most daring and successful Spitfire pilots in WW2. Nine lives is a very apt title, when his many escapes from death are counted.

Wing Leader by 'Johhny' Johnson - officially the highest scoring fighter pilot in the R.A.F. during WW2. Another remarkable seat-gripping read.

Spitfire into Battle by W.G.G. Duncan Smith. Account by the great fighter pilot of WW11.

Time and Chance by Peter Townsend (London 1973). Air ace in the Battle of Britain. Chosen husband of Princess Margaret (divorced, so denied by the Palace)

War in a Stringbag by Charles Lamb (London 1977) WW11 Swordfish flier at Dunkirk, Tarranto and U-boat hunting.

Going Solo by Roald Dahl (1986) On wartime exploits as fighter pilot in WW11

Pathfinder by D.C.T Bennett (London 1958) R.A.F Bomber Command's leader of the Pathfinder force

Other authentic accounts from World War 2:-

A Real Good War by Sam Halpert (1997) US Air navigator on his B17 crew. Engrossing account.

The Time Has Come (The Memoirs of Dennis Wheatley - 1914-1919) A most outspoken account of his experience of the 1st WW and the officer class, the huge bungling and inefficiency of the top brass. Humourous and engaging altogether.

My Early Life, Winston Spenser Churchill (Brilliantly told brilliant achievements - all long before he became a gigantic figure in the two world wars!)