'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

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.

Starting with Miles; Spitfire lesson; first bandits; to France for "Rhubarbs"; Broady shows the way; fighting mad; wrong formation; nine on the loose; Dorniers over Dieppe; into the drink; rethink on tactics; south to Malta; a rude visit; death of a walrus; foothold in Italy; Anzio patrol; no audience with Il Papa; marquis party; "cab-rank" war; Bravo Tommy!