Spitfire into Battle

Spitfire into Battle

by W.G.G. Duncan Smith (Author)

Synopsis

Group Captain Duncan Smith flew and fought in front-line operations continuously from the Battle of Britain through the struggle for Malta, the invasion of Italy and the liberation of France. This account presents his dramatic story of the air war from the cockpit of the now legendary spitfire. As a pre-war RAFVR pilot Duncan Smith completed his training during the first year of war. From contact with pilots seasoned over France and in the Battle of Britain, 'Smithy', as he was popularly known, became convinced that effective air fighting required a combination of strong leadership and teamwork. This is the thrilling account if his experiences, flying in formation and solo, written with an immediacy that places the reader in the cockpit along with him.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 256
Publisher: John Murray
Published: 05 Jul 2004

ISBN 10: 0719554845
ISBN 13: 9780719554841

Media Reviews
'Group Captain Duncan Smith emerges as a complex character whose extraordinary stiff-upper-lipped sang froid was combined with an acute sensitivity to the deaths of his fellow pilots' -- The Times 'Everyone, young or old, who wishes to gain a clearer understanding of British fighter operations and fighter pilots of the Second World War should read it' -- Jeffrey Quill
Author Bio
The author, who is now deceased, was born in India, brought up in Scotland and educated at Morrison's Academy in Crieff. He returned to India in 1933 to start a career as a tea-planter. Due to the Depression he returned to England in 1939. After the war his tours of duty included India, Malaya, the USA and West Germany. He retired from the RAF in 1960 to become a senior executive in the aircraft division of a major manufacturer.