Spitfire: A Very British Love Story

Product Information

This is an excellent account of many who flew the iconic Spitfire from 1939-45. Many a time when I sat in the garden reading this book, a Spitfire from a nearby airfield would fly over, and even though I was born well after the Second World War, the sound of a Spitfire's engine makes me feel nostalgic for a time I never knew.

The Spitfire Kids: The generation who built, supported and

Nichol, an ex-RAF man himself, interviewed a number of veterans for this book and it is the tale not so much of the aeroplane but of the men and women who flew and worked on it. The pilots’ stories make up the bulk of the book, from ‘The Few’ of the Battle of Britain, to the photo reconnaissance pilots who flew unarmed Spitfires deep into Nazi Germany, and the female ferry pilots who delivered them to squadrons. While not incredibly clear in the beginning of the book, Nichol’s follows several former Spitfire pilots throughout the book using their experiences and stories to bring life and love to the story as well as connect his chapters. Upon introduction to each of these pilots, there is always the line “and that’s when he knew he wanted to fly fighters,” and sadly by the tenth time it gets monotonous and gives a slow, repetitive start to the book. Supermarine Spitfire ML407,affectionately known as'The Grace Spitfire',was originally built at Castle Bromwich in early 1944 as a Mark IX single seat fighter and served in the front line of battle throughout the last twelve months of World War II with six different allied Squadrons of the RAF’s 2nd Tactical Air Force.A superb and compelling book. Brilliantly written with some incredible and astonishing stories; it is gripping, moving, emotional and sometimes humorous – just perfect' Squadron Leader (Ret) Clive Rowley, former Officer Commanding RAF Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight Key Publishing Limited, Units 1-4, Gwash Way Industrial Estate, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1XP, UK A superb journey through the remarkable tale of that British icon, the Spitfire. Brilliantly and engagingly written, this is the most readable story of the aircraft and her pilots that I have ever had the pleasure to read in a period spanning some forty-odd years of personal study and research. Truly stunning.' Andy Saunders, Editor, Britain at War Magazine.

Spitfire Flights | Sywell | Ultimate Warbird Flights Spitfire Flights | Sywell | Ultimate Warbird Flights

While it hasn't convinced me that the Spit was superior to the Hurricane, I have a new regard for the aircraft. It's always nice to be challenged in your prejudices.

This is quite a special book because so many, if not all, of those pilots interviewed for it have all passed away, many of tbem in the time it took to write and edit it.

What is this all about then? – Pianobook What is this all about then? – Pianobook

It helps perhaps that author John Nichol was one of the Tornado pilots shot down over Iraq in the first Gulf War and paraded before the world’s media. He can therefore empathise closely with his fellow pilots, and understand their very mixed emotions. This means the book avoids being gung ho or jingoistic. There is no little Englander nonsense. It is a very quiet tribute to ordinary people forced by circumstances into undertaking extraordinary acts, helped by an extraordinary aircraft. Nichol is also a very skilled writer, giving a real sense of engagement, building tension and excitement when required, but also sensitive where appropriate. The few romantic liaisons really tugged at my heart strings, Joe and Betty more so than they probably should have done. I would have given, wanted to give, 5 stars, however, the inclusion of the sentence regarding the stray dog stopped me. Whilst pertinent to the character of the individual, I felt it could have been omitted hence why not the full 5. From start to finish our focus is on making sure you feel safe, welcome and involved and we encourage our passengers to bring family and friends along to share in your day.

Table of Contents

Boasting fantastic Art Deco styled facilities for you and your guests, Sywell is an excellent venue for your unforgettable Spitfire experience. A rich and heartfelt tribute to this most iconic British machine. By focussing on the men (and women) who flew the Spitfire, John Nichol has brought a fresh and powerful perspective to the story. And by recording their bravery, humility, camaraderie, tragedy and sheer joy in flying their beloved Spits he has done them - and us - a valuable service’ Rowland White, bestselling author of Vulcan 607