The Real Top Gun: A Novel Adaptation of the War Years of Spitfire Ace Johnnie Johnson

‘Johnnie’ Johnson was once a heartthrob and household name throughout Britain and North America. News reel films of him were shown in cinemas and he was followed around by teenage fans.

During World War Two he was put in charge of a wild and tough bunch of Canadian pilots and together they became one of the most successful Spitfire wings in history. By day they fought hard alongside the bombers of the mighty American Eighth Air Force and by night they played like there was no tomorrow . . .

“... little did that interviewing officer know that he had just rejected the man who, in the Second World War, would shoot down more of the enemy than any other pilot in the RAF...”

The Guardian

“ ... his [Johnson’s] dash, courage and flying skills were outstanding...”

Daily Telegraph

“Air Vice Marshal Johnson completed more than 1,000 missions ...”

New York Times

“The contest of guile and airmanship between dog fighting pilots kept nerves and reflexes on the edge. It was not about the man inside the other aeroplane and the victor felt neither pride nor pity. But the heightened euphoria of staying alive was a sensation like no other.”

The REAL top gun