A Spitfire Named Connie

Author : 'Black' Robertson
Publisher : Air World
Page : 224 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2022-05-30
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 1399099035

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A Spitfire Named Connie: Letters from a North Africa Ace - A Tale of Triumph and Tragedy by 'Black' Robertson Pdf

A Spitfire Named Connie is an exciting rollercoaster of a story. 'Robbie' Robertson begins his RAF training during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. As he learns his trade, he is soon rubbing shoulders with Fighter Command heroes, amongst them Brian Kingcome, 'Ginger' Lacey and Bob Stanford Tuck.Moving from 111 to 72 Squadron, he opens his account against the Luftwaffe in the spring of 1942. Six months later, as he adds further to his score, the action moves to the skies over North Africa. It is there that tragedy strikes. Wounded and shot down by one of the Luftwaffe's most celebrated Experten, his Spitfire crashes to the ground.Found lying near the wreckage by an Army patrol, Robbie is moved from casualty clearing stations to hospitals across Tunisia and Algeria as doctors try desperately to save his sight. Finally, unable to stand the pain any longer, he reluctantly agrees to the removal of his right eye. A slow recovery and eventual return to the UK is no compensation for the end of his flying career.Desk-bound for the remainder of the war, the second and more poignant period of his RAF life begins. The young schoolgirl, Connie Freeman, with whom he has been in regular correspondence since her evacuation, becomes his wife.It is literally hundreds of Robbie's letters that form the basis of this powerful, moving and emotional story. Together with his own and Connie's diaries, correspondence from RAF colleagues and his flying logbook, they bring a unique authenticity to this highly-charged tale.A Spitfire Named Connie reads like a novel, filled with excitement, pathos and compassion. Yet, incredible as it may seem, every single word is true.

Author : Black' Robertson
Publisher : Air World
Page : 421 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 2022-05-19
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781399099042

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A Spitfire Named Connie by Black' Robertson Pdf

A Spitfire Named Connie is an exciting rollercoaster of a story. ‘Robbie’ Robertson begins his RAF training during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. As he learns his trade, he is soon rubbing shoulders with Fighter Command heroes, amongst them Brian Kingcome, ‘Ginger’ Lacey and Bob Stanford Tuck. Moving from 111 to 72 Squadron, he opens his account against the Luftwaffe in the spring of 1942. Six months later, as he adds further to his score, the action moves to the skies over North Africa. It is there that tragedy strikes. Wounded and shot down by one of the Luftwaffe’s most celebrated Experten, his Spitfire crashes to the ground. Found lying near the wreckage by an Army patrol, Robbie is moved from casualty clearing stations to hospitals across Tunisia and Algeria as doctors try desperately to save his sight. Finally, unable to stand the pain any longer, he reluctantly agrees to the removal of his right eye. A slow recovery and eventual return to the UK is no compensation for the end of his flying career. Desk-bound for the remainder of the war, the second and more poignant period of his RAF life begins. The young schoolgirl, Connie Freeman, with whom he has been in regular correspondence since her evacuation, becomes his wife. It is literally hundreds of Robbie’s letters that form the basis of this powerful, moving and emotional story. Together with his own and Connie’s diaries, correspondence from RAF colleagues and his flying logbook, they bring a unique authenticity to this highly-charged tale. A Spitfire Named Connie reads like a novel, filled with excitement, pathos and compassion. Yet, incredible as it may seem, every single word is true.

Author : Terence Kelly
Publisher : Casemate Publishers
Page : 321 pages
File Size : 52,5 Mb
Release : 2004-11-19
Category : History
ISBN : 9781783400300

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Hurricanes & Spitfire Pilots at War by Terence Kelly Pdf

Most people asked to name one British Second World War airplane would say the Spitfire. Yet the Hawker Hurricane flew in greater numbers, in more variants and in more theaters than the redoubtable Spitfire.Adrian Stewart has researched the evolution of the Hurricane from its 1935 maiden flight through to victory in the Far East in 1945. He brings his story alive by letting those who flew this legendary aircraft tell it as it was.After the faltering first steps in the mid 1930s the Hurricane really 'took off' and became hugely popular in the RAF and allied air forces.They Flew The Hurricane contains numerous first hand accounts from pilots operating in such diverse campaigns as the Battle of Britain, North Africa, Russia, the Far East and North West Europe from 1940 to 1945.These thrilling vignettes combine to bring to life action in the air.

Author : Owen Hardy
Publisher : Grub Street Publishing
Page : 273 pages
File Size : 51,9 Mb
Release : 2023-07-25
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781911714545

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From Spitfires To Vampires and Beyond by Owen Hardy Pdf

World War Two Spitfire pilot Owen Hardy was probably the last New Zealand ace to tell his story. He left home at 18 bent on joining the RAF and by 1942, aged only 20, he was at Biggin Hill with 72 Squadron under Brian Kingcome. D-Day found him flying over the Normandy beaches with 485 (New Zealand) Squadron. That he survived the war unharmed owed as much to luck as it did to his ability as a fighter pilot. Unable to settle in civilian life afterwards in New Zealand, he returned to the RAF for the second phase of a remarkable career. Converting to jets, Hardy went on to command 71 Squadron, leading a Vampire aerobatic team with considerable success across Europe – dodging MiGs at the same time! But adapting to peacetime service wasn’t easy. Previously stimulated by the wartime environment and still passionate about flying, he was less enamored with staff jobs; and this despite working on the introduction of a new, state-of-the-art missile system, Bloodhound. Then a fateful decision, to turn down command of a Javelin squadron and follow his mentor, led finally to disillusionment. Hardy pulls no punches in this forthright and refreshingly honest autobiography. In retelling his eye-opening story, editor Black Robertson shines a light on what it was like not just to fly in combat, but also on the changing face of a post-war RAF which arguably undervalued some of its heroes. From the heat of North Africa to the uncertainties of the Cold War, it’s a unique and enthralling tale.

Author : Tom Docherty
Publisher : Casemate Publishers
Page : 332 pages
File Size : 50,6 Mb
Release : 2009-07-19
Category : History
ISBN : 9781783409266

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Swift to Battle: No 72 Fighter Squadron RAF in Action, 1937–1942 by Tom Docherty Pdf

This first of three volumes traces the history of 72 Fighter Squadron, one of the premier squadrons in the Royal Air Force. The aircraft flown, operational personnel and missions flown are fully described with firsthand accounts from pilots and both air and ground crew.Having been first established in 1917 the squadron was disbanded in February 1918. It was re-formed in February 1937 from B Flight of 1 Squadron and was equipped with Gloster Gladiators. In 1939 it was re-equipped with Spitfires which were used in air defense and convoy protection sorties following the start of the war. In 1940 the squadron moved to assist in the evacuation of Dunkirk. During The Battle of Britain, 72 spent the early days at RAF Acklington as part of 13 Group before moving south during September to assist the main defense force. The squadron then flew penetration Circus missions over occupied Europe with the intention of causing havoc to the German forces and also to lure German fighters into combat.

Author : Tom Docherty
Publisher : Casemate Publishers
Page : 257 pages
File Size : 50,7 Mb
Release : 2009-01-01
Category : History
ISBN : 9781844158294

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Swift to Battle: 1937-1942 by Tom Docherty Pdf

This first of three volumes traces the history of 72 Fighter Squadron, one of the premier squadrons in the Royal Air Force. The aircraft flown, operational personnel and missions flown are fully described with firsthand accounts from pilots and both air and ground crew.Having been first established in 1917 the squadron was disbanded in February 1918. It was re-formed in February 1937 from 'B' Flight of 1 Squadron and was equipped with Gloster Gladiators. In 1939 it was re-equipped with Spitfires which were used in air defense and convoy protection sorties following the start of the war. In 1940 the squadron moved to assist in the evacuation of Dunkirk. During The Battle of Britain, 72 spent the early days at RAF Acklington as part of 13 Group before moving south during September to assist the main defense force. The squadron then flew penetration 'Circus' missions over occupied Europe with the intention of causing havoc to the German forces and also to lure German fighters into combat.

Author : Ruth Peasland
Publisher : Ambassador International
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 47,8 Mb
Release : 2017-05-17
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781620206607

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Connie's Journey by Ruth Peasland Pdf

Connie, a twelve-year-old living in a comfortable home in Manchester, England, had no real worries. The neighborhood kids were her friends, and her dog, Punch, was her constant companion. The family of three went to church on Sundays where her dad “served God” by doing good deeds. However, suddenly everything changed. World War II began and this led the family to leave the church after disagreements with the sermons on Hitler. After living with an old aunt, and then on a farm, the family then joined a religious German camp called the “Bruderhof.” Connie’s dad, believing this was his place to serve God, sold all their possessions and gave the money to the Bruderhof’s leader. Gone was their pretty house, Dad’s motorbike, the family car, Connie’s piggy bank, and worst of all, Punch! Since England was at war with Germany, German groups were considered enemies of England. This resulted in the Bruderhof community being shipped over the dangerous Atlantic Ocean to the poor country of Paraguay. Many small children died from tropical diseases and lack of clean water. Connie was full of questions: Was God really there? Was this muddy, hot country filled with snakes, flies, and mosquitoes really a better place to find and serve God rather than England? Find the answer to these questions in Connie’s Journey, the true story of Connie Ridley Peasland.

Author : Black' Robertson
Publisher : Air World
Page : 440 pages
File Size : 55,6 Mb
Release : 2020-08-31
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781526784872

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Fighters in the Blood by Black' Robertson Pdf

A retired RAF air marshal looks back on his career and the career of his World War II pilot father in this military memoir. As this fascinating memoir unfolds, moving backwards and forwards through time, two parallel stories emerge: one of a Second World War Spitfire ace whose flying career comes to a premature end when he’s shot down and loses an eye, the other of his progeny, a second-generation fighter pilot who eventually reaches the rank of air marshal. The narrative is unique in its use of two separate and distinct voices. The author’s own reminiscences are interwoven with those his father recorded more than thirty years ago, embellished by extracts from some 300 of his wartime letters. Intensely personal and revealing, controversial too at times, this account is above all about people, not least those with whom the author flew while serving with the USAF—a tour marked by tragedy; that said, they proved altogether more friendly than the P-38 pilots who twice attacked his father in North Africa! A daughter with dual citizenship subsequently helped him sustain his links with the US, both while serving and afterwards in business. The irony is that the son spent a lifetime training for the ultimate examination—one that, despite strictly limited preparation, his father passed with flying colors. To “Black” Robertson’s eternal regret he was never able to put his own training to the test. His father, “Robbie,” was awarded the DFC and retired as a flight lieutenant after five years or so. He himself served for nearly thirty-six years, earned a Queen’s Commendation, an OBE and CBE and served as an ADC to HM The Queen. But after reaching almost the top of the RAF tree, in one important sense he retired unfulfilled; his mettle was never tested under fire. Anyone interested to know more about flying, about the RAF, about leadership, about character even, need look no further than this beautifully crafted, immensely readable account. Praise for Fighters in the Blood “Offers an insightful look into the professional development of an RAF airman from Cranwell cadet to Air Marshal, the evolution of the Royal Air Force itself from the early jet era of Hunters through the demanding days of NATO versus the Warsaw Pack and the defence of British interests (e.g. the Falklands) with the Phantom, and then on into the post-Cold War world where the need to strengthen RAF airpower is challenged by drawdowns, budgetary stringencies, and often misguided Mandarins driving questionable defence policy. I was struck by how beautifully the author integrated his father into the story . . . it is at once very moving and very effective, and, once again, works to integrate the RAF "then" with the RAF of the 1960s-1990s. The photographs are wonderful. This book is a real winner.”” —Dr. Richard P. Hallion, Aerospace Historian

Author : Katie King
Publisher : HarperCollins UK
Page : 320 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2018-06-08
Category : Fiction
ISBN : 9780008257583

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The Evacuee Summer by Katie King Pdf

Far from home, an adventure they’ll never forget... ‘A heart-warming read’ My Weekly ‘A delightful, nostalgic read’ Woman

Author : Connie Brummel Crook
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 42,5 Mb
Release : 2011-04
Category : Juvenile Fiction
ISBN : 1554551900

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Flight by Connie Brummel Crook Pdf

George Waltermyer is left behind to care for the family farm while his mother and six brothers and sisters go to New York to find their father, Hans Waltermyer. He has been leading dangerous missions for the British as the American Revolutionary War heats up. But George decides he just can't let them go alone, and so he heads through the wilderness, crossing enemy lines, in search of his family� Flight is the story of one United Empire Loyalist family's harrowing escape from enemy forces, to a new life in Canada.

Author : James Haun,Col. James R. Haun
Publisher : Col. James R. Haun
Page : 627 pages
File Size : 50,8 Mb
Release : 2011-03-16
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9780979000249

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Spitfire Wingman from Tennessee by James Haun,Col. James R. Haun Pdf

E-Book Edition of SPITFIRE WINGMAN FROM TENNESSEE, which is the autobiography of a self-taught aviator who flew virtually every military aircraft (except jets) during the years 1939 to 1960. Col. Jim Haun, 1911-2001, with unusual honesty and wit, allows a "back door glimpse" into the USAF at the highest levels of command, including the Presidential Air Fleet in Washington, D.C. He flew fighters in WWII, transports in India, the Berlin Airlift, Japan and the Far East - eventually becoming Chief Pilot of the Military Air Transport Service. After retirement he built a stunt biplance in his garage and wowed audiences with "death-defying" performances. Col. Haun concurrently taught hundreds to fly, many later becoming airline captains and one, even became an instructor in the supersonic Blackbird.

Author : Robert A. Nowlan,Gwendolyn Wright Nowlan
Publisher : Neal-Schuman Publishers
Page : 1044 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 1993
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : UOM:39015029852699

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The Name is Familiar-- by Robert A. Nowlan,Gwendolyn Wright Nowlan Pdf

Which actor played Will Rogers on film? What was the name of Marilyn Monroe's character in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"? The Name Is Familiar documents over 9,000 films whose titles refer to particular characters. Part One lists film titles alphabetically with the name of the title character and the release, studio/production company, director, and leading performers. Performers who have played title role characters are listed in Part Two with the title roles in which they have appeared. Part Three is an alphabetical directory of characters with the performers who played the role; a capsule description of the role is also included.

Author : Black' Robertson
Publisher : Air World
Page : 336 pages
File Size : 42,8 Mb
Release : 2020-08-31
Category : History
ISBN : 9781526784896

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Fighters in the Blood by Black' Robertson Pdf

As this fascinating memoir unfolds, moving backwards and forwards through time, two parallel stories emerge: one of a Second World War Spitfire ace whose flying career comes to a premature end when he’s shot down and loses an eye, the other of his progeny, a second generation fighter pilot who eventually reaches the rank of air marshal. The narrative is unique in its use of two separate and distinct voices. The author’s own reminiscences are interwoven with those his father recorded more than thirty years ago, embellished by extracts from some 300 of his wartime letters. Intensely personal and revealing, controversial too at times, this account is above all about people, not least those with whom the author flew while serving with the USAF – a tour marked by tragedy; that said, they proved altogether more friendly than the P-38 pilots who twice attacked his father in North Africa! A daughter with dual citizenship subsequently helped him sustain his links with the US, both while serving and afterwards in business. The irony is that the son spent a lifetime training for the ultimate examination – one that despite strictly limited preparation his father passed with flying colors. To ‘Black’ Robertson’s eternal regret he was never able to put his own training to the test. His father, ‘Robbie’, was awarded the DFC and retired as a flight lieutenant after five years or so. He himself served for nearly thirty-six years, earned a Queen’s Commendation, an OBE and CBE and served as an ADC to HM The Queen. But after reaching almost the top of the RAF tree, in one important sense he retired unfulfilled; his mettle was never tested under fire. Anyone interested to know more about flying, about the RAF, about leadership, about character even, need look no further than this beautifully crafted, immensely readable account.

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 988 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2007
Category : Africa
ISBN : STANFORD:36105123021185

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Drum by Anonim Pdf

Author : Carol Finch
Publisher : Zebra Books
Page : 452 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 1989-05
Category : Fiction
ISBN : 0821726471

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Stormfire by Carol Finch Pdf

Rugged horse trader Cale Brolin knew what a cyclone could do to a rider on the open prairie. But when he grabbed the curvaceous beauty from her plunging stallion and pinned her to the ground for her protection, Cale realized that the cyclone was not just in the sky; it was also in his heart!