Biggles Learns to Fly, revisited

 About four years ago, I picked up secondhand a few of the first published Biggles books (by WE Johns), which triggered a serious revival of interest in WWI, then WWII, military aircraft. 

Since then, I have read many scores of memoirs and histories; and watched movies and documentaries by the dozens.

Going back to re-read what began it all, I find that, in particular, Biggles Learns to Fly holds up very well indeed; in terms of being an accurate account of actual experiences of the WWI pilots.

Naturally, since the books were aimed at boys, there is more concentrated adventure and humour. But everything described is based on reality, gathered from numerous sources - personal experience, discussion with colleagues, and published accounts.

The style and stories are also enjoyable, and emotionally powerful - stresses, horrors and deaths are there in proportion - and given proper weight.

Yet the essential heroism and chivalry of the pioneer pilots is dominant - as is right and proper.