Wine, Women and Song: A Spitfire Pilot's Story - Hardcover

Brown, Hamish

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1781550352 ISBN 13: 9781781550359

Publisher: Fonthill Media, 2012

Synopsis

This frank account of New Zealand Spitfire pilot Doug Brown traces his training and action experienced in the RAF, and social activities during the war. After 'signing up' with the Air Force, basic training took place at Levin, followed by initial training on Tiger Moths at Whenuapai. On 30 April 1941 over 200 New Zealand and Australian trainee observers, pilots and wireless operators began their great adventure on board the Awatea bound for Vancouver. Training in Canada provided in single engine Harvards enabled these young pilots to graduate with their wings. This group was destined for Bournemouth via Halifax and Iceland to eagerly await their fates. Would they be assigned to bombers or fighters, or elsewhere in the RAF? In these few years many friendships were made and many close friends were lost. Some never got to the front line as they were killed in training accidents, while others suffered from equipment failure, and many more 'bought it' at the hands of the enemy. None would deny the effect the intensive active service would have on the mental and physical state of pilots and all servicemen. Boys quickly became men and survivors would claim they were the best years of their lives. After the war some would find security in the Air Force and make it a profession. The majority continued life post-war in what had been their training pre-war. A few ended the war worn out and exhausted and never settled back into civilian life.

About this title

About the Author:

Hamish Brown was born in Auckland in 1954. He spent 13 years at King's School and King's College and graduated from Auckland University with a Bachelor in Commerce. Following a stint as a structural engineer, Brown joined the family business. Hobbies include family stuff, DIY, small boat close-to-shore fishing and the golf driving range. Wine, Women and Song is about Hamish's father, Doug Brown's war experiences based on his letters and reminiscences, and stories told over the years. Brown is married to Alison and have two children, Sam and Ellie.

About this edition

• Publisher: Fonthill Media
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1781550352
• ISBN 13: 9781781550359
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 368