Book description
The extraordinary stories of ten fighter pilots, told in their very own
words during the Second World War.
First published by Collins in 1942, this utterly compelling collection
of first-hand accounts of ten fighter pilots' experiences at the helm of
the Spitfires of 66 Squadron paints one of the most realistic depictions
of the battle for the skies over wartime Europe.
Offering incredible personal insights into the wartime experience -
both in the air and on the ground - the stories are told with unaffected
zest, by men who were living in the constant presence of death.
Five of the original contributors were killed before the book was
originally printed, including the books editors, Wing Commander Athol
Forbes and Squadron Leader Hubert Allen. Jimmy Corbin, the last
surviving contributor and author of the foreword, passed away in
December 2012.
Written right in the middle of the war, in the pilots' own words, Ten
Fighter Pilots is a truly original and unique account of a terrifying
time. 'This is the real thing… it rings with unalloyed authenticity'
Patrick Bishop Originally a teacher, Jimmy Corbin joined the Spitfire
Squadron in 1940 and fought as a pilot in the Battle of Britain. Later
he instructed at an Operational Training Unit before being posted to
North Africa as a Spitfire pilot. After the war ended, he resumed his
career in teaching. Now retired, Jimmy lives in Maidstone.
