Spitfire Stories

Author : Jacky Hyams
Publisher : Michael O'Mara Books
Page : 241 pages
File Size : 46,9 Mb
Release : 2017-10-19
Category : History
ISBN : 9781782438175

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Spitfire Stories by Jacky Hyams Pdf

Spitfire Stories, published in association with Imperial War Museums, is a fascinating anthology of first-hand stories from Spitfire heroes and heroines of the Second World War. The Spitfire is the world's most iconic aeroplane. Coming into its own during the Battle of Britain, it became famous during the Second World War as the only plane that could match the enemy fighters in the sky. Yet, even today, the history of the Spitfire contains many hitherto hidden or little-known stories of the men and women behind the plane; not only the gifted creators and inventors who brought the Spitfire to life, or the brave fighter pilots from many countries who triumphed in battle, but also the thousands of other people whose lives were affected by their personal connection to it - engineers, ground crew, factory or office workers, and their families. Spitfire Stories recounts the memories and stories of these people, from the birth of the iconic Spitfire in the 1930s to the present day. Among these accounts is the extraordinary tale of the fighter pilot who only discovered, fifty years on, the tragic truth of his last Spitfire flight, the businessman whose blank cheque changed the course of the war, the ninety-five-year-old Royal Air Force engineer who was determined to be reunited with his beloved Spit before he died, and the little girl who inspired the plane's creation - and went on to marry a movie star. Using documents, letters and photographs from the Imperial War Museums' unparalleled archive, plus exclusive first-hand interviews, these stories of the Spitfire are a revelatory collection of small but significant histories, to be treasured by all who love and admire the iconic plane.

Author : John Nichol
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
Page : 531 pages
File Size : 42,7 Mb
Release : 2018-05-17
Category : History
ISBN : 9781471159220

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Spitfire by John Nichol Pdf

THE SUNDAY TIMES NON FICTION BESTSELLER WHSmith NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2018 'The best book you will ever read about Britain's greatest warplane' Patrick Bishop, bestselling author of Fighter Boys ‘A rich and heartfelt tribute to this most iconic British machine’ Rowland White, bestselling author of Vulcan 607 'As the RAF marks its centenary, Nichol has created a thrilling and often moving tribute to some of its greatest heroes' Mail on Sunday magazine The iconic Spitfire found fame during the darkest early days of World War II. But what happened to the redoubtable fighter and its crews beyond the Battle of Britain, and why is it still so loved today? In late spring 1940, Nazi Germany’s domination of Europe had looked unstoppable. With the British Isles in easy reach since the fall of France, Adolf Hitler was convinced that Great Britain would be defeated in the skies over her southern coast, confident his Messerschmitts and Heinkels would outclass anything the Royal Air Force threw at them. What Hitler hadn’t planned for was the agility and resilience of a marvel of British engineering that would quickly pass into legend – the Spitfire. Bestselling author John Nichol’s passionate portrait of this magnificent fighter aircraft, its many innovations and updates, and the people who flew and loved them, carries the reader beyond the dogfights over Kent and Sussex. Spanning the full global reach of the Spitfire’s deployment during WWII, from Malta to North Africa and the Far East, then over the D-Day beaches, it is always accessible, effortlessly entertaining and full of extraordinary spirit. Here are edge-of-the-seat stories and heart-stopping first-hand accounts of battling pilots forced to bail out over occupied territory; of sacrifice and wartime love; of aristocratic female flyers, and of the mechanics who braved the Nazi onslaught to keep the aircraft in battle-ready condition. Nichol takes the reader on a hair-raising, nail-biting and moving wartime history of the iconic Spitfire populated by a cast of redoubtable, heroic characters that make you want to stand up and cheer.

Author : Dr Alfred Price
Publisher : The History Press
Page : 707 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2012-09-01
Category : Transportation
ISBN : 9780752477091

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Spitfire: Pilots' Stories by Dr Alfred Price Pdf

The narrative description and condensed history of the Spitfire's construction, combat career and post-war service, bought together to tell the complete, concise history of the world's most famous aircraft of all time and undoubtedly the finest fighter of World War II. When Spitfire at War first appeared in 1974, it enjoyed critical acclaim, for the aircraft had never been described in such terms and detail before. It was followed by a second volume in 1985 and a third volume in 1990. All three volumes sold well and are hailed as classic works on the subject. These important works have been out of print for more than a decade, thereby denying them to the current breed of aviation buffs. The time has come to re-issue the three books as a single volume, the author 'cherry-picking' the choice cuts to produce the finest title on the mighty and beloved Spitfire.

Author : Alfred Price
Publisher : Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 1999
Category : Spitfire (Fighter plane)
ISBN : 1854095145

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The Spitfire Story by Alfred Price Pdf

A complete history of the design and production of the Spitfire from its pre-war origins right through to the final variant post-war, some 20,400 aircraft later. Price records each stage of Spitfire development, accompanied by a collection of contemporary photographs.

Author : Don Patterson
Publisher : Rising Star Studios LLC
Page : 97 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 2010
Category : Fighter pilots
ISBN : 9781936770137

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Tales of the RAF - Fighter Escort by Don Patterson Pdf

When the squadron is sent on a mission to provide fighter escort for a formation of American bombers flying into enemy territory, they all wonder what it will take to bring the Americans back.

Author : Peter R. March
Publisher : The History Press
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 54,8 Mb
Release : 2020-07-10
Category : Transportation
ISBN : 9780752485423

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The Spitfire Story by Peter R. March Pdf

Probably the most famous fighter aircraft of all time, the Supermarine Spitfire reigned supreme and unsurpassed from the biplane era to the dawn of the jet age, a period that included the Second World War. Here is the incredible story of this legendary aircraft, from its genesis in the 1930s to its continued presence at airshows and museums today.

Author : Alfred Price
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 1982
Category : History
ISBN : UOM:39015003716597

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The Spitfire Story by Alfred Price Pdf

Author : Andy Brockman,Tracy Spaight
Publisher : The History Press
Page : 450 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 2020-06-01
Category : History
ISBN : 9780750995375

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The Buried Spitfires of Burma by Andy Brockman,Tracy Spaight Pdf

Rumours of buried Spitfires from the Second World War have spread around the world for seventy-five years. In April 2012, the press reported that the UK had negotiated an agreement with Myanmar for the recovery of twenty crated Spitfires, reportedly buried after WW2. Astonishingly the agreement came about through the single-minded determination of a farmer, David Cundall. Armed with a high-tech survey showing mysterious shapes under the surface of Yangon International Airport, David's expedition is equipped with JCB excavators. But instead of Spitfires, the team unearths a tale of fake history. The Buried Spitfires of Burma explores what happened next as David Cundall's dream unravelled over the course of a historical 'whodunnit' that spans seven decades and three continents. It follows one of the most bizarre stories since the sensational Hitler Diaries hoax.

Author : David Crook
Publisher : Greenhill Books
Page : 147 pages
File Size : 51,7 Mb
Release : 2021-07-06
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781784387495

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Spitfire Pilot by David Crook Pdf

Spitfire Pilot is the exhilarating and moving memoir of D. M. Crook, an airman in the legendary 609 Squadron - one of the most successful RAF units in the Battle of Britain. Beginning with his fond recollections of his halcyon days in training - acrobatics, night flying and languorous days spent playing sport and nights off visiting Piccadilly Circus - Crook goes on to recount in thrilling detail the dogfights, remarkable victories and tragic losses which formed the daily routine of Britain's heroic aerial defenders in that long summer of 1940. Often hopelessly outnumbered, the men of 609 Squadron in their state-of-the-art Spitfires committed acts of unimaginable bravery against the Messerschmitts and Junkers of Germany's formidable Luftwaffe. Many of Crook's fellow airmen did not make it back alive, and the absence they leave in the close-knit community of the squadron is described with great poignancy. Spitfire Pilot offers a unique and personal insight into one of the most critical moments of British history, when a handful of men stood up against the might of the German Air Force in defence of their country. This definitive edition, the first for more than sixty years, includes a new foreword by David Crook's daughter and Air Vice Marshal Sandy Hunter, Honorary Air Commodore of the 609 Squadron. The book also has an introduction by Professor Richard Overy.

Author : Black' Robertson
Publisher : Air World
Page : 336 pages
File Size : 44,5 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 : SARAH MILLER
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
Page : 240 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2012-12-11
Category : Juvenile Fiction
ISBN : 9781471103599

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Miss Spitfire by SARAH MILLER Pdf

Annie Sullivan was little more than a half-blind orphan with a fiery tongue when she arrived at Ivy Green in 1887. Desperate for work, she'd taken on a seemingly impossible job-teaching a child who was deaf, blind, and as ferocious as any wild animal. But if anyone was a match for Helen Keller, it was the girl who'd been nicknamed Miss Spitfire. In her efforts to reach Helen's mind, Annie lost teeth to the girl's raging blows, but she never lost faith in her ability to triumph. Told in first person, Annie Sullivan's past, her brazen determination, and her connection to the girl who would call her Teacher are vividly depicted in this powerful novel.

Author : Jeffrey Quill
Publisher : Crecy Publishing Ltd
Page : 337 pages
File Size : 42,8 Mb
Release : 2022-01-04
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781800351622

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Spitfire by Jeffrey Quill Pdf

This is the personal account of an exceptional Spitfire test pilot and RAF and Fleet Air Arm fighter pilot. Starting with lively descriptions of the pre-war Airforce in the mid-1930s, Jeffrey Quill moves on to cover his fascination test flying experiences. He took charge of some of the most important military aircraft of the time and, in particular, the immortal Spitfire, from its experimental, prototype stage in 1936 when he worked with its chief designer, R.J. Mitchell, to the end of its production in 1948.

Author : Tor Idar Larsen
Publisher : Fonthill Media
Page : 251 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2017-04-20
Category : History
ISBN : 8210379456XXX

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Spitfire Glory by Tor Idar Larsen Pdf

Major Leif Lundsten flew hundreds of Spitfires during the Second World War. As a fighter pilot with 331 Squadron and test pilot with Vickers-Armstrong, he strapped on as many as seven different marks of Spitfires. All the way from the early mark II up to the rare, brutal XII version. Following Lundsten s career as a fighter pilot through the War, all the Spitfires he flew are covered in this book along with descriptions of his sorties. Behind every Spitfire there is a story to be told. Stories of brave heroism, tragic deaths or determined resilience. Many of the Spitfires disappeared quickly, shot down by Luftwaffe fighters. Others lived longer than our hero did, and still exist today, becoming legendary Spitfires on their own. The author pays tribute to a forgotten Spitfire hero, a gallant and brave man that did his country proud. Time and time again Leif Lundsten took a Spitfire to the air, whether it was an air-test or to meet the Luftwaffe in a dogfight over the channel. He never lived to tell his story, but the stories of the Spitfires he flew remains. This is Leif Lundsten s legacy.

Author : Norman Currey
Publisher : Xlibris Corporation
Page : 135 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2017-03-24
Category : History
ISBN : 9781524573706

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Airplane Stories and Histories by Norman Currey Pdf

Airplane Stories and Histories chronicles two hundred years of aviation highlights including the exploits of pioneers such as Sir George Cayley, the Wright brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Wiley Post, Amelia Earheart, R. J. Mitchell, Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, Alland Loughead, Frank Whittle, and Kelly Johnson. Notable events and developments are discussed, such as the first flight, first transatlantic flight, first around-the-world flight, the jet engine, Spitfire, Mustang, Mosquito, Comet, Concorde, Boeing 747, C-5 Galaxy, Avro Arrow, C-130 Hercules, and the advent of unmanned vehicles (drones). An extensive bibliography is provided for those who wish to explore subjects at greater depth.

Author : George Beurling,Leslie Roberts
Publisher : Grub Street Publishers
Page : 147 pages
File Size : 43,5 Mb
Release : 2011-07-14
Category : History
ISBN : 9781909166295

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Malta Spitfire by George Beurling,Leslie Roberts Pdf

An aviator’s true story of WWII air combat, including two dramatic weeks in the skies above the besieged island of Malta. Twenty-five thousand feet above Malta—that is where the Spitfires intercepted the Messerschmitts, Macchis, and Reggianes as they swept eastward in their droves, screening the big Junkers with their bomb loads as they pummeled the island beneath: the most bombed patch of ground in the world. One of those Spitfire pilots was George Beurling, nicknamed “Screwball,” who in fourteen flying days destroyed twenty-seven German and Italian aircraft and damaged many more. Hailing from Canada, Beurling finally made it to Malta in the summer of 1942 after hard training and combat across the Channel. Malta Spitfire tells his story and that of the gallant Spitfire squadron, 249, which day after day ascended to the “top of the hill” to meet the enemy against overwhelming odds. With this memoir, readers experience the sensation of being in the cockpit with him, climbing to meet the planes driving in from Sicily, diving down through the fighter screen at the bombers, dodging the bullets coming out of the sun, or whipping up under the belly of an Me for a deflection shot at the engine. This is war without sentiment or romance, told in terms of human courage, skill, and heroism—a classic of WWII military aviation.