Nine years of research and over 200 interviews with Canadian Spitfire pilots reveal personal wartime stories. From the Battle of Britain to combat over Europe, pilots share candid memories of their experiences with this legendary aircraft. Characteristics ISBN-10 1-55046-148-6 Book cover finish(es) Hardcover ( square back binding ) Dust jacket Condition Used - like NEW Author(s) Robert Bracken Publisher Boston Mills Press Number of pages 158 Published date 1995 Language(s) English Size 23.5 x 31 x 2 cm Description “It seemed like all the world was shooting at us, trying to kill us, and at a young age…” The result of nine years of research and over two hundred interviews with former Supermarine Spitfire pilots and ground crew from across Canada, Spitfire: The Canadians is a major collection of personal memories and wartime aviation history. Whether it was engaging enemy bombers over London during the Battle of Britain or crossing the Channel to confront the Luftwaffe over occupied Europe, Canadian airmen were present throughout the conflict. Flying the Supermarine Spitfire, they operated what many considered the most effective fighter aircraft of the war, one that matched their confidence and aggressive spirit in combat. The stories in this book are told with complete candour, in the veterans’ own words. For fighter pilots, wartime life alternated between long periods of anticipation on the ground and brief moments of intense combat in the air. Decades after the war, some recall the loss of comrades in seconds of violent action, others reflect on difficult decisions and missed opportunities, while many recount hard-fought victories and survival against the odds. All express deep admiration for the Supermarine Spitfire. Most of the photographs in this volume were taken from veterans’ personal albums and are published here for the first time. Detailed aircraft profiles are also included, contributed by aviation artist Ron Lowry. Richly illustrated with rare photographs and first-hand accounts, Spitfire: The Canadians stands as a significant record of wartime aviation history and the men who flew.
