Flying, Fighting and Reflection

The Life of Battle of Britain Fighter Ace, Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC* AFC AE

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Technology, Biography & Memoir, History
Cover of the book Flying, Fighting and Reflection by Peter Jacobs, Pen and Sword
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Peter Jacobs ISBN: 9781784383916
Publisher: Pen and Sword Publication: September 30, 2018
Imprint: Greenhill Books Language: English
Author: Peter Jacobs
ISBN: 9781784383916
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication: September 30, 2018
Imprint: Greenhill Books
Language: English

This is the thrilling account of the last remaining Battle of Britain ace fighter pilot, Tom “Ginger” Neil. Neil was one of an elite band, nicknamed “The Few” by Winston Churchill, he flew Hurricanes during 141 combat missions in that battle and went on to command the first Spitfire XII squadron during 1942/43 as the RAF went on the offensive in north-west Europe. In this, the only full account of Neil's life to be published in collaboration with his family, we learn how he became a poster boy for the war effort and how he credits his “sixth sense” for keeping him alive during the Second World War. There was, however, one terrifyingly close brush with death, when in 1940 he had a mid-air collision with another Hurricane. With the rear section of his aircraft gone, the plane was out of control and hurtling to the ground, yet somehow he managed to bail out and miraculously survived with only a minor leg injury. As well as RAF service during the Siege of Malta, Wing Commander Neil, who is now in his late nineties, also served with the Americans during the D-Day landings. During his career, Neil was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses for the destruction of at least fourteen enemy aircraft, and was a successful test pilot after the war before commanding a jet fighter-reconnaissance squadron in Egypt's troubled Canal Zone during the 1950s for which he was awarded the Air Force Cross. With contributions from the man himself, this book also looks at his life after the RAF and his career as a successful author. For military buffs and novices alike, it is a must-read account of a true war hero.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This is the thrilling account of the last remaining Battle of Britain ace fighter pilot, Tom “Ginger” Neil. Neil was one of an elite band, nicknamed “The Few” by Winston Churchill, he flew Hurricanes during 141 combat missions in that battle and went on to command the first Spitfire XII squadron during 1942/43 as the RAF went on the offensive in north-west Europe. In this, the only full account of Neil's life to be published in collaboration with his family, we learn how he became a poster boy for the war effort and how he credits his “sixth sense” for keeping him alive during the Second World War. There was, however, one terrifyingly close brush with death, when in 1940 he had a mid-air collision with another Hurricane. With the rear section of his aircraft gone, the plane was out of control and hurtling to the ground, yet somehow he managed to bail out and miraculously survived with only a minor leg injury. As well as RAF service during the Siege of Malta, Wing Commander Neil, who is now in his late nineties, also served with the Americans during the D-Day landings. During his career, Neil was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses for the destruction of at least fourteen enemy aircraft, and was a successful test pilot after the war before commanding a jet fighter-reconnaissance squadron in Egypt's troubled Canal Zone during the 1950s for which he was awarded the Air Force Cross. With contributions from the man himself, this book also looks at his life after the RAF and his career as a successful author. For military buffs and novices alike, it is a must-read account of a true war hero.

More books from Pen and Sword

Cover of the book Red Sky in the Morning by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book Guns of the Northeast by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book The Privatisation Classes by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book Blitzkrieg in the West by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book British Battles of the Napoleonic Wars 1807-1815 by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book The Marine From Mandalay by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book The Manchester Bantams by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book From the Marne to Verdun by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book Martin-Leake by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book Operations in North Africa and the Middle East 1942-1944 by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book Rails Across Europe by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book No Ordinary War by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book Stilicho by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book The Killing Ground by Peter Jacobs
Cover of the book Southern Railway Gallery by Peter Jacobs
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy