num_pages: 208
description: Originally published anonymously in 1941 this was the first and finest story of a fighter pilot in World War Two. Based on the authors personal journal it is the classic account of the part played by RAF No.1 Squadron in the air battles that preceded the fall of France in 1940. Beginning on the day the squadron arrived in France the book recounts the unnerving lull of the Sitzkrieg and the sudden crescendo of violence and crushing fatigue of almost non-stop combats during the Blitzkrieg. Imbued with the Great War traditions of chivalry Richey and his comrades accorded the enemy fighter squadron mercy and respect until the disillusion of witnessing the Luftwaffes callous attacks on helpless refugees changed all that. It was then that the skills and elan of the RAFs premier fighter squadron were turned to even greater account and the result was a remarkable combat record. By the time they withdrew from France on 18 June 1940 No.1 Squadron had destroyed a total of 155 enemy aircraft 114 of them in only ten days  for the loss of three pilots killed two wounded and one prisoner of war. As Paul Richey It seems  and I believed it was  a miracle.
language: English
title: Fighter Pilot
publisher: Cassell