Ten Fighter Boys

The extraordinary stories of ten fighter pilots, told in their very own words during the Second World War.

First published by Collins in 1942, this utterly compelling collection of first-hand accounts of ten fighter pilots’ experiences at the helm of the Spitfires of 66 Squadron paints one of the most realistic depictions of the battle for the skies over wartime Europe.

Offering incredible personal insights into the wartime experience – both in the air and on the ground – the stories are told with unaffected zest, by men who were living in the constant presence of death.

Five of the original contributors were killed before the book was originally printed, including the books editors, Wing Commander Athol Forbes and Squadron Leader Hubert Allen. Jimmy Corbin, the last surviving contributor and author of the foreword, passed away in December 2012.

Written right in the middle of the war, in the pilots’ own words, Ten Fighter Pilots is a truly original and unique account of a terrifying time.

Originally a teacher, Jimmy Corbin joined the Spitfire Squadron in 1940 and fought as a pilot in the Battle of Britain. Later he instructed at an Operational Training Unit before being posted to North Africa as a Spitfire pilot. After the war ended, he resumed his career in teaching. Now retired, Jimmy lives in Maidstone.