READING
An account of a high-flying career
Gerry Davis’ recently published autobiography offers the reader a rather unique story: one that traces the adventures, trials and triumphs of one man’s fascinating career in aviation.
Flying on the ground: The ups and downs of a career in the RAF and civil aviation describes the forty four years Davis spent in the aviation industry. After joining the Royal Air Force in the 1950s as a Boy Entrant at RAF Cosford, he spent fifteen exciting years in the RAF – working primarily in Air Movements. Davis’ strong connection to this career did not, however, end when he left the RAF and became a civilian; he spent the rest of his working life in a challenging post at Bristol Airport.
The brilliant contribution made by Davis to the RAF is clearly demonstrated; after his full time days in the military were over, he continued to form a part of the service community through his work as a Training Officer with the RAF Volunteer Reserve. His book, furthermore, will continue to provide education and inspiration to many, as well as valuable insight into the nature of military and civilian aviation careers.
Flying on the ground: The ups and downs of a career in the RAF and civil aviation by Gerry Davis (Mereo Books) is available to purchase from selected online retailers.
WORLD Second
Ordinary people, extraordinary missions and vital accomplishments – the story of the Allies’ success in the Second World War is the sum of numerous parts; of significant roles fulfilled by countless heroes, many of whom were civilians prior to the breakout of war. Most Royal Air Force recruits had never flown a plane – indeed, the concept of becoming a pilot was probably far from the minds of those who were shopkeepers, accountants or students in their pre-war lives. Conscription and the call to serve Britain, however, compelled many to join up, and their paths were dramatically changed.
Colin Pateman’s RAF Special Duties: Unique Sorties of the Second World War
50 Envoy Winter 2015
reveals the stories of some of these everyday citizens, whose lives were altered irrevocably by recruitment into the RAF. Thoroughly researched, it makes use of a wealth of original sources, including personal logbooks and archive photos, to paint a vivid picture of the unique tasks – called sorties – carried out by these individuals. Fighter pilots and navigators, soldiers and cameramen – from raids to supply drops, Pateman’s publication reveals the human experiences behind the major events outlined in history books.
RAF Special Duties: Unique Sorties of the Second World War by Colin Pateman (Fonthill Media) is available to purchase from the Fonthill Media website and selected online retailers.
www.raf-ff.org.uk Stories of the WAR
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56