OF INTEREST Book reviews –
win asigned copy of each title in our prize draw Walesand the FirstAir War1914-1918
When the Great Warbegan in 1914, aviation was in its
infancy.Airmen took to the skies in wood and linen aircraft that were ill-equipped for the demands of mechanised warfare, and by 1917 the average lifespan of anewly-posted pilot was just three weeks. Wales contributed pilots, observers and ground crew to the Royal Flying Corps, Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force, and the stories of these men –fighting awar high up in the air where the chances of survival were very slim –are told here for the first time. Their deeds, gallantry and ultimate fates are recounted.
Each Welsh casualty and every award given for bravery to Welshmen on active service is recorded. The book also includes stories of famous Welsh flying aces.
To buy (around £12.99):
ylolfa.com/articles/sacrifice-wales-airmen-women- first-world-war or from most mainstream booksellers.
Fighting Proud
In 1943 the famous Battle of Britain pilot, Flight Lieutenant Ian Gleed was shot down over Tunisia. He died ahero. Twice before he had bailed out of blazing Spitfires. Twice King George VI had congratulated him. What his family probably never knew was that Gleed was homosexual. It was not until the 1990s, when one of his lovers was interviewed for BBC television, that the truth came out.
In this astonishing new history of wartime Britain, author Stephen Bourne unearths the fascinating stories of the gay men to served in the Armed Forces and on the Home Front.
Stephen’s latest book is amonument to the bravery,sacrifice and honour of aminority who contributed so much during Britain’s hour of need.
To buy (around £17):
ibtauris.com or from most mainstream booksellers.
Reader competitions: Who can enter
Competitions are open to all readers of Envoy,except employees of the RAF FF and their families, its publishers, printers and anyone connected with the competitions.
48 Envoy Winter 2017
Only one entry per household. Send in your name and address, clearly stating which prize you would like to be entered for, on apostcard to Envoy Competitions, RAF Families
Federation, 13-15 St George’s Road, Wittering, Peterborough PE8 6DL. Or email caroline.woodward@raf-ff.
org.uk. Closing date for entries: Wednesday 31st January 2018.
raf-ff.org.uk
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