Sky Tiger

Sky Tiger
Title Sky Tiger PDF eBook
Author Norman L. R. Franks
Publisher
Pages 220
Release 1994
Genre Air pilots, Military
ISBN 9780947554385

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Sailor' Malan—Freedom Fighter

Sailor' Malan—Freedom Fighter
Title Sailor' Malan—Freedom Fighter PDF eBook
Author Dilip Sarkar MBE
Publisher Air World
Pages 362
Release 2021-06-09
Genre Biography & Autobiography
ISBN 1526795272

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Adolph Gysbert Malan was born in Wellington, South Africa. A natural leader and driven individual with a totally positive outlook, aged fourteen Malan became an officer cadet in the South African Merchant Navy, before being commissioned into the Royal Navy Reserve. Well-travelled and worldly-wise, aged twenty-five the intrepid adventurer applied for a Short Service Commission in the RAF. Universally known as ‘Sailor’ in the RAF, Malan became a fighter pilot. Shortly after war was declared, Malan was involved in the infamous ‘Battle of Barking Creek’, in which 74 Squadron mistakenly destroyed friendly Hurricanes. Then, over Dunkirk in May 1940, Malan’s exceptional ability was immediately demonstrated in combat and a string of confirmed aerial victories rapidly accumulated. The following month, Malan scored the Spitfire’s first nocturnal kill. By August 1940 he was commanding 74 Squadron, which he led with great distinction during the Battle of Britain. In March 1941, Malan was promoted and became the first Wing Commander (Flying) at Biggin Hill, leading the three-squadron-strong Spitfire wing during operations over northern France. After a break from operations, Malan went on to command a succession of fighter training units, passing on his tactical genius and experience, and producing his famous ‘Ten Rules of Air Fighting’ which are still cited today. By the war’s end, Group Captain Malan was the RAF’s tenth top-scoring fighter pilot. Leaving the RAF in 1945 and returning to South Africa, he was disgusted by Apartheid and founded the ‘Torch Commando’ of ex-servicemen against this appalling racist policy. This part of Malan’s life is equally as inspirational, in fact, as his wartime service, and actually tells us more about the man than just his RAF record. Tragically, in 1963, he died, prematurely, aged just fifty-three, of Parkinson’s. Written with the support of the Malan family, this biography is the full story of a remarkable airman and politician.

Fighter Aces of the RAF in the Battle of Britain

Fighter Aces of the RAF in the Battle of Britain
Title Fighter Aces of the RAF in the Battle of Britain PDF eBook
Author Philip Kaplan
Publisher Pen and Sword
Pages 399
Release 2008-03-25
Genre History
ISBN 1783409029

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This book examines the reality behind the myths of the legendary RAF fighter aces during the Battle of Britain. The accounts of the experiences of fighter pilots are based on archival research, diaries, letters, published and unpublished memoirs and personal interviews with veterans.

Fighter Pilot

Fighter Pilot
Title Fighter Pilot PDF eBook
Author Helen Doe
Publisher Amberley Publishing Limited
Pages 347
Release 2015-05-15
Genre History
ISBN 1445646129

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A family-authorised biography of one of the top-scoring aces of the Battle of Britain.

First Light

First Light
Title First Light PDF eBook
Author Geoffrey Wellum
Publisher Penguin UK
Pages 352
Release 2018-05-17
Genre History
ISBN 0241984335

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Two months before the outbreak of the Second World War, eighteen-year-old Geoffrey Wellum becomes a fighter pilot with the RAF . . . Desperate to get in the air, he makes it through basic training to become the youngest Spitfire pilot in the prestigious 92 Squadron. Thrust into combat almost immediately, Wellum finds himself flying several sorties a day, caught up in terrifying dogfights with German Me 109s. Over the coming months he and his fellow pilots play a crucial role in the Battle of Britain. But of the friends that take to the air alongside Wellum many never return.

Park

Park
Title Park PDF eBook
Author Vincent Orange
Publisher Grub Street Publishers
Pages 332
Release 2002-08-28
Genre Biography & Autobiography
ISBN 1909166723

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“A fine biography of one of the war’s greatest unsung heroes,” Royal Air Force Commander Keith Park (The Daily Telegraph). “If ever any one man won the Battle of Britain, he did. I don’t believe it is realized how much that one man, with his leadership, his calm judgement and his skill, did to save not only this country, but the world.” So wrote Marshal of the RAF Lord Tedder of Keith Park in 1947. As commander of No. 11 Group, RAF Fighter Command responsible for the air defense of London and southeast England, Park took charge of the day-to-day direction of the battle. In spotlighting his thoughts and actions during the crisis, this biography reveals a man whose unfailing energy, courage, and cool resourcefulness won not only supreme praise from Winston Churchill, but the lasting respect and admiration of all who served under him. Few officers in any of the services packed more action into their lives, and Park covers the whole of his career: youth in New Zealand, success as an ace fighter pilot in World War I, postings to South America and Egypt, the Battle of Britain, command of the RAF in Malta 1942–43, and finally Allied Air Commander-in-Chief of Southeast Asia under Mountbatten in 1945. His contribution to victory and peace was immense and this biography does much to shed light on the Big Wing controversy of 1940 and give insight into the war in Burma, 1945, and how the huge problems remaining after the war’s sudden end were dealt with. Drawn largely from unpublished sources and interviews with people who knew Park, and illustrated with maps and photographs, this is an authoritative biography of one of the world’s greatest unsung heroes.

50 Flippen Brilliant South Africans

50 Flippen Brilliant South Africans
Title 50 Flippen Brilliant South Africans PDF eBook
Author Tim Richman
Publisher
Pages 274
Release 2021-02-15
Genre
ISBN

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50 Flippen Brilliant South Africans, originally published in 2012, is the second in the 50 People series. What does it take to be a flippen brilliant South African? Simple: sheer brilliance and a good story. So, whether naughty or noble, crazy or controversial, here are 50 of the most talented, successful, inspirational, intriguing, fascinating Saffers to have walked the planet... Of course, there are the great statesmen (Mandela, Luthuli, Smuts), the landmark achievers (Charlize Theron, Chris Barnard) and the incredible talents (Miriam Makeba, Irma Stern), but the lesser-knowns will also make a case: such as Ntshingwayo Khoza, the conqueror at Isandlwana; Ampie Roux, the atom-bomb creator; Ryan Sandes, the world's best trail runner... As will the honorary inclusions (Churchill, Rodriguez, Gandhi) and the previously scorned (Mbeki, Shaka). But how exactly does Winnie Madikizela-Mandela qualify? From space adventurers (Mark Shuttleworth) and fighter pilots (Sailor Malan) to entrepreneurs (Elon Musk) and environmentalists (Ian Player), this is a raucous celebration of the country we call home, and the perfect partner to the other 50 People books - proving that you just can't have the bad without the good... 'Clever, informative, witty, well-researched, engrossing.' - Gorry Bowes Taylor, Fine Music Radio 'Hits exactly the right note; entertaining and informative even if you don't agree with every choice. The bonus of this compilation is that even with famous characters you'll learn something new.' - Business Day 'A fantastic book.' - Jenny Crwys-Williams Short-listed for the Nielsen Booksellers' Choice Award 2013 The other books in the 50 People series are: - 50 People Who Stuffed Up South Africa (2010)- 50 People Who Messed Up The World (2017)- 50 Who F***ed Up South Africa: The Lost Decade (2020)