The lightning boys 2
Subtitle: true tales from pilots and engineers of the RAF's iconic supersonic fighter
By: Richard Pike
Publisher: Grub Street; Grub Street Publishing
Published: 2013
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 186
ISBN-13: 9781909808669; 9781909166134
Subjects: Lightning (Fighter plane); Anecdotes; Military Air pilots; TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING; Military Science
Other titles: Lightning boys two
Description: AIR FORCES & WARFARE. The sequel to the best-selling The Lightning Boys, Lightning Boys 2 continues the theme of tales from pilots and other crew connected with this iconic aircraft, giving a rare insight into postwar fighter operations. In 20 separate stories to intrigue, amaze and amuse, the book has been compiled and written by Richard Pike, himself a former Lightning pilot. The reader is taken to situations as diverse as intercepting 60 plus enemy aircraft, a desperate struggle in a cockpit flooded by tropical downpours, the difficulties of being affected by sudden and painful toothache at high altitude, and the curious encounter with an unidentified flying object. Yet another chapter paints a dramatic reconstruction of a scene in Germany when a Lightning, having entered an inadvertent, out-of-control spin, began an earthwards plunge towards a town centre.
Notes: Includes index.
Table of contents: title: Cover; Title Page; Copyright; Dedication; Contents; Introduction; Chapter 1: Red Alert; How Steve Gyles saved the world; Chapter 2: Stormy Struggle; Raindrops kept falling on Roger Colebrook's head; Chapter 3: Magical Mystery Tours; Don Brown remembers a seminal year; Chapter 4: A Day's Difference; Alan Winkles on a day trip to Dieppe; Chapter 5: Prodigious Plans; Terry Adcock recollects a tense inspection; Chapter 6: I Say, I Say!; Terry Davies admits to not-so-petty larceny; Chapter 7: Can-Do Legacy; Roger Beazley in Germany; Chapter 8: Quiet Please!; title: Bob Turbin liked to make his presence knownChapter 9: Chasing the Unknown; Alan Winkles' mysterious scramble; Chapter 10: Mad Moments; Simon Morris pushing the boundaries; Chapter 11: A Career Inspiration; Dr Richard Marsh lauds the P1's legacy; Chapter 12: In Ffolio-Ffoster's-F-Footsteps; Michael Bettell in a quandary; Chapter 13: Bear Reaction; Alan Winkles on the brink; Chapter 14: Eyes Tight Shut; Simon Morris in sore need; Chapter 15: Good Shooting?; Marcus Wills at missile practice camp; Chapter 16: Kept Waiting; Cliff Robinson's late arrival; Chapter 17: Difficult Decisions.; title: Sir Joseph (Joe) Gilbert is required to signChapter 18: Topsy-Turvy; Roger Colebrook's flight instrument problems; Chapter 19: A Night to Remember; Ali McKay's North Sea dip; Chapter 20: It's Over; Richard Pike recalls a turbulent time; Technical Annex; A tribute to Robbie; title: Squadron Leader J C 'Robbie' Cameron; Appendix A: Select Biographies.