What do you think?
Rate this book
Biggles #20
Biggles in the Baltic
War has just been declared and Biggles is asked to take charge of a secret squadron operating from a cave inside a barren rock in the Baltic Sea. His orders are to cause as much trouble to the enemy as possible, for as long as possible.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1940
82 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
W.E. Johns
613 books113 followersInvariably known as Captain W.E. Johns, William Earl Johns was born in Bengeo, Hertfordshire, England. He was the son of Richard Eastman Johns, a tailor, and Elizabeth Johns (née Earl), the daughter of a master butcher. He had a younger brother, Russell Ernest Johns, who was born on 24 October 1895.
He went to Hertford Grammar School where he was no great scholar but he did develop into a crack shot with a rifle. This fired his early ambition to be a soldier. He also attended evening classes at the local art school.
In the summer of 1907 he was apprenticed to a county municipal surveyor where he remained for four years and then in 1912 he became a sanitary inspector in Swaffham, Norfolk. Soon after taking up this appointment, his father died of tuberculosis at the age of 47.
On 6 October 1914 he married Maude Penelope Hunt (1882–1961), the daughter of the Reverend John Hunt, the vicar at Little Dunham in Norfolk. The couple had one son, William Earl Carmichael Johns, who was born in March 1916.
With war looming he joined the Territorial Army as a Private in the King's Own Royal Regiment (Norfolk Yeomanry), a cavalry regiment. In August 1914 his regiment was mobilised and was in training and on home defence duties until September 1915 when they received embarkation orders for duty overseas.
He fought at Gallipoli and in the Suez Canal area and, after moving to the Machine gun Corps, he took part in the spring offensive in Salonika in April 1917. He contracted malaria and whilst in hospital he put in for a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps and on 26 September 1917, he was given a temporary commission as a Second Lieutenant and posted back to England to learn to fly, which he did at No. 1 School of Aeronautics at Reading, where he was taught by a Captain Ashton.
He was posted to No. 25 Flying Training School at Thetford where he had a charmed existence, once writing off three planes in three days. He moved to Yorkshire and was then posted to France and while on a bombing raid to Mannheim his plane was shot down and he was wounded. Captured by the Germans, he later escaped before being reincarcerated where he remained until the war ended.
He went to Hertford Grammar School where he was no great scholar but he did develop into a crack shot with a rifle. This fired his early ambition to be a soldier. He also attended evening classes at the local art school.
In the summer of 1907 he was apprenticed to a county municipal surveyor where he remained for four years and then in 1912 he became a sanitary inspector in Swaffham, Norfolk. Soon after taking up this appointment, his father died of tuberculosis at the age of 47.
On 6 October 1914 he married Maude Penelope Hunt (1882–1961), the daughter of the Reverend John Hunt, the vicar at Little Dunham in Norfolk. The couple had one son, William Earl Carmichael Johns, who was born in March 1916.
With war looming he joined the Territorial Army as a Private in the King's Own Royal Regiment (Norfolk Yeomanry), a cavalry regiment. In August 1914 his regiment was mobilised and was in training and on home defence duties until September 1915 when they received embarkation orders for duty overseas.
He fought at Gallipoli and in the Suez Canal area and, after moving to the Machine gun Corps, he took part in the spring offensive in Salonika in April 1917. He contracted malaria and whilst in hospital he put in for a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps and on 26 September 1917, he was given a temporary commission as a Second Lieutenant and posted back to England to learn to fly, which he did at No. 1 School of Aeronautics at Reading, where he was taught by a Captain Ashton.
He was posted to No. 25 Flying Training School at Thetford where he had a charmed existence, once writing off three planes in three days. He moved to Yorkshire and was then posted to France and while on a bombing raid to Mannheim his plane was shot down and he was wounded. Captured by the Germans, he later escaped before being reincarcerated where he remained until the war ended.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 2, 2010
The episode I like best in the Norse myths is when Loki, Thialfi and Thor are challenged to a series of contests by the Frost Giants. They do really badly. First Loki has a sprinting contest against the Giants' champion runner, and is hopelessly outdistanced. Then Thialfi contends with the Giants' best eater. He puts away plenty of food, but nothing even approaching what the Giant manages to eat.
So Thor, the strongest of the Æsir, enters the ring. In the wrestling match, he's miserably beaten by an old woman. In the weight-lifting round, he's asked to lift a cat, but all he can manage is to get one of its legs off the ground. Finally, there's the drinking contest. (I kind of like the rules of the Old Norse pentathlon - I'm sure it would make a fantastic TV program). They give Thor the drinking horn, and to his embarrassment he can't even empty it. The level goes down an inch or two, and that's it. The gods are appalled at their failure.
The next day, the Giants reveal that it's all been a trick. Loki was running against Thought, and Thialfi was trying to outeat Fire. The hapless thunder-god had in turn wrestled with Old Age, attempted to lift the Midgård Serpent, and tried to drain the ocean. His partial success on the final task is why we now have tides. In fact, the gods did superlatively well.
Biggles in the Baltic, one of my favourite books when I was eight or nine, is a sort of Boys Own adaptation of the myth. World War II has just broken out, and Biggles and his merry men are sent out on an unusually hazardous mission. Britain has somehow acquired a Baltic island with a huge natural cave. It's been fitted out as an air base, and is ideally placed for sneak attacks against the German mainland. Of course, it's imperative that they keep its location secret.
At first things go well; despite all their precautions, though, after a couple of weeks they're spotted by the enemy. They manage to see off the first wave of German attackers, but they know full well that it's now just a matter of time, and resolve to sell themselves as dearly as they can. They've discovered a huge lake, pent up behind a natural dam deep in the cave. They install explosive charges. When a German cruiser comes in to finish them off, they blow up the dam, unleashing a flood that sinks the ship. Somehow, they manage to escape and get back to England.
They're expecting their superiors to be mad at having lost the base, but to their surprise the guy who planned the operation is very happy. "How long did you think we expected you to last?" asks the Special Ops colonel. Biggles doesn't know. "Well," says the strategist, "we were planning on about forty-eight hours, and all of you being killed. You've done an incredible job."
Perhaps these stories will comfort you next time you're handed an assignment that turns out to be tougher than you first realised.
So Thor, the strongest of the Æsir, enters the ring. In the wrestling match, he's miserably beaten by an old woman. In the weight-lifting round, he's asked to lift a cat, but all he can manage is to get one of its legs off the ground. Finally, there's the drinking contest. (I kind of like the rules of the Old Norse pentathlon - I'm sure it would make a fantastic TV program). They give Thor the drinking horn, and to his embarrassment he can't even empty it. The level goes down an inch or two, and that's it. The gods are appalled at their failure.
The next day, the Giants reveal that it's all been a trick. Loki was running against Thought, and Thialfi was trying to outeat Fire. The hapless thunder-god had in turn wrestled with Old Age, attempted to lift the Midgård Serpent, and tried to drain the ocean. His partial success on the final task is why we now have tides. In fact, the gods did superlatively well.
Biggles in the Baltic, one of my favourite books when I was eight or nine, is a sort of Boys Own adaptation of the myth. World War II has just broken out, and Biggles and his merry men are sent out on an unusually hazardous mission. Britain has somehow acquired a Baltic island with a huge natural cave. It's been fitted out as an air base, and is ideally placed for sneak attacks against the German mainland. Of course, it's imperative that they keep its location secret.
At first things go well; despite all their precautions, though, after a couple of weeks they're spotted by the enemy. They manage to see off the first wave of German attackers, but they know full well that it's now just a matter of time, and resolve to sell themselves as dearly as they can. They've discovered a huge lake, pent up behind a natural dam deep in the cave. They install explosive charges. When a German cruiser comes in to finish them off, they blow up the dam, unleashing a flood that sinks the ship. Somehow, they manage to escape and get back to England.
They're expecting their superiors to be mad at having lost the base, but to their surprise the guy who planned the operation is very happy. "How long did you think we expected you to last?" asks the Special Ops colonel. Biggles doesn't know. "Well," says the strategist, "we were planning on about forty-eight hours, and all of you being killed. You've done an incredible job."
Perhaps these stories will comfort you next time you're handed an assignment that turns out to be tougher than you first realised.
September 14, 2025
World War II has started, and air ace Biggles is given a mission to bomb the Jerries from a secret base. They fly in the face of enemy archie, and complete some missions, but all too soon, their base is discovered.
Very exciting. I can see why the series is so popular.
Very exciting. I can see why the series is so popular.
January 1, 2024
My brother gave this book to me as, I suspect, a joke for Christmas as I used to read Biggles books in my youth. Surprisingly perhaps after all those years I enjoyed it. Very much in the tradition of a "Boys Own" adventure story with honourable Englishmen triumphing, fairly of course, over the dastardly Hun. The book contained no racism though some, but not all of the Germans were portrayed unfavourably, not surprising as it was written in 1940. What I hadn't remembered is how grumpy Biggles is with his companions. The dialogue, particularly the attempts at working class vernacular did raise a smile. I recommend this as an uncomplicated read and, if like me you have read the series earlier in your life, an exercise in nostalgia.
April 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, it was action-packed from the very first page and kept me completely engrossed. This is only my second Biggles book but if they are all like this I can see myself reading many more of them.
August 4, 2024
Our first proper foray into the Second World War, and Johns gives us some ideas of what to expect - dangerous missions over enemy territory, naval escapades, villainy from the Nazis. It's nice that Johns realises that Biggles and his friends' skills are such that they are not going to be ordinary 'foot' soldiers like in the last war, but have a greater and more critical role to play in war intelligence. This has some really nice set pieces and locations. 4 stars.
February 24, 2025
Transported me back to my childhood. Still excellent.
July 22, 2022
Ahhhhh I absolutely LOVED this one. Definitely one of my favourites. Those non-stop edge of your seat adventures and missions ensure that you don't put the book down until you've read the final page! I couldn't stop smiling after I'd finished this one.
February 25, 2017
I do read these books because they are not remotely like real life, but I still demand that they seem plausible. This book just contained too many events that were unlikely to work for me.
The Second World War has just started and Biggles is sent to a tiny stone island in the south east Baltic Sea to use it as a secret air base. W. E. Johns really like his amphibian airplanes by the way. Yes, Biggle is equipped with a super modern amphibian airplane.
There are parts of this book I like. That it's set in a real historical setting for instance. And that there is flying. But all in all it's just ok.
The Second World War has just started and Biggles is sent to a tiny stone island in the south east Baltic Sea to use it as a secret air base. W. E. Johns really like his amphibian airplanes by the way. Yes, Biggle is equipped with a super modern amphibian airplane.
There are parts of this book I like. That it's set in a real historical setting for instance. And that there is flying. But all in all it's just ok.
April 9, 2018
nice moment in time demarcating the start of WW2.
Though several illogical plot holes, (again near the end)
The team 'takes over' a German amphibian airplane, that is later on used to fly home,
But strangely, when Biggles is captured by Erich, HIS plane is demolished, and only the engine is removed.
As it was an experimental airplane to begin with, the Germans would have for certain captured the whole machine...
Also, it was a small rock in the Baltic-sea, but Algy could land on the top of it.
What kind of runway could one find on a tiny rock?
If the island otoh was not so small, the Germans would have made it a base themselves.
Though several illogical plot holes, (again near the end)
The team 'takes over' a German amphibian airplane, that is later on used to fly home,
But strangely, when Biggles is captured by Erich, HIS plane is demolished, and only the engine is removed.
As it was an experimental airplane to begin with, the Germans would have for certain captured the whole machine...
Also, it was a small rock in the Baltic-sea, but Algy could land on the top of it.
What kind of runway could one find on a tiny rock?
If the island otoh was not so small, the Germans would have made it a base themselves.
September 6, 2022
4.2 out of 5. I enjoyed this more than most Biggles novels, probably because it was set during WW2. Written in 1941, in many ways it is pure propaganda. The English have incredible hidden bases just off the German coast. They have super-advanced fighters that can take out factories, cruise liners and submarines. And they have Biggles. I suppose at that point of the war, before the US had joined, the British needed some positive stories to keep their spirits up. Thankfully this book doesn’t contain as much casual racism as stories where he is visiting the colonies. Ridiculous and unbelievable plots as always, but an enjoyable read.
December 26, 2023
I read a lot of Biggles books when I grew up, and I decided to re-read some of them now for nostalgic reasons. First up is Biggles in the Baltic.
It has a lot of what a good Biggles book should have. A lot of things are happening, almost from the get-go. They are flying missions, there's bad weather, they get separated, they discover enemy installations, they get discovered etc. Great action and adventures.
It is set during the beginning of WWII, and so people get killed (although never in a graphic way). But I was surprised at how many people were killed - planes shot down, ships sunk etc. I don't remember reflecting on that when reading the books growing up, but I did notice it now.
It has a lot of what a good Biggles book should have. A lot of things are happening, almost from the get-go. They are flying missions, there's bad weather, they get separated, they discover enemy installations, they get discovered etc. Great action and adventures.
It is set during the beginning of WWII, and so people get killed (although never in a graphic way). But I was surprised at how many people were killed - planes shot down, ships sunk etc. I don't remember reflecting on that when reading the books growing up, but I did notice it now.
September 29, 2022
I haven't read Biggles for more than 50 years. This is what would have been called a rattling good yarn in the past and would now be described as jingoistic. That said the Canelo edition (published in 2022) which I read took me back to a happy, uncomplicated childhood that was all Paddington Bear, Wind in the Willows, Billy Bunter and, Biggles. They are books which, in their own (and different ways) lead me into the joys of literature that have stayed with me, informed, educated and entertained me throughout life.
February 10, 2023
Another great "Biggles" story that begins at the start of ww2 and as well as including regular "Biggles" characters such as Algy ,Ginger, Smyth , Colonel Raymond Von Stalhein ,and of course Biggles himself, now introduces us to two new characters : Roy and Briny.
Biggles and his team, based in a secret base in the Baltic , are ordered to engage the Germans in a series of clandestine attacks ,with lots of twists and turns as usual and resulting in a conclusion which I certainly didn't see coming .
I absolutely loved this book and could hardly put it down ..
Biggles and his team, based in a secret base in the Baltic , are ordered to engage the Germans in a series of clandestine attacks ,with lots of twists and turns as usual and resulting in a conclusion which I certainly didn't see coming .
I absolutely loved this book and could hardly put it down ..
September 22, 2017
Such a long time since I read Biggles. Still has the classic element that I knew and loved so much...however not quite the excitement of younger years
March 19, 2019
Biggles and company reach WW2 and adventures in the Baltic.
December 31, 2021
Picked this up for my nephew , but couldn't resist reading Biggles again
Only read his WW1 books before , when i was a kid , so weird to read him in WW2 .
Only read his WW1 books before , when i was a kid , so weird to read him in WW2 .
March 5, 2022
Loved this book when young. Great to see it finally available again. A nostalgic read that I loved revisiting.
May 13, 2022
Love Biggles. Stories are really fun with an Innocence to them
August 30, 2022
Another classic and entertaining Biggles story, full of action, close shaves and of course his old enemy von Stalhein.
April 2, 2023
Biggles in the Baltic
This was my second W.E. John’s book. Enjoyed them very much and I am looking forward to the next story.
This was my second W.E. John’s book. Enjoyed them very much and I am looking forward to the next story.
May 7, 2025
it is a wonderful book for all ages and I love it and recommend it for all
January 7, 2022
Biggles, Algy, and Ginger once again cross swords with their old arch-foe Von Stalhein in a top secret war-time mission. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and it came with some very nice curves and twists. At the end, Biggles shows his modesty in a very charming way.
Bravo!!
Bravo!!
December 22, 2025
I am reviewing the series as a whole, rather than the books individually
The Biggles series is great adventure fiction: we get high stakes, aerial action (in most of the books), and a hero who is endlessly loyal, competent, and calm under pressure.
I love the dogfights, recon missions, and wartime scenarios.
Where the series falls short is character depth. Some attitudes and simplifications reflect the period in which the books were written. There are very definitely dated elements, but considering the era the books were written - overall the series performs well. More than a few of the stories defy plausibility, but who doesn't love to curl up with a good adventure book or 10?
“Never say die.”
The Biggles series is great adventure fiction: we get high stakes, aerial action (in most of the books), and a hero who is endlessly loyal, competent, and calm under pressure.
I love the dogfights, recon missions, and wartime scenarios.
Where the series falls short is character depth. Some attitudes and simplifications reflect the period in which the books were written. There are very definitely dated elements, but considering the era the books were written - overall the series performs well. More than a few of the stories defy plausibility, but who doesn't love to curl up with a good adventure book or 10?
“Never say die.”
August 2, 2023
Drie vragen die me steeds bezig houden als ik dit boek lees:
1) Hoe hebben ze die vliegtuigen in de grot gekregen? Niet gevlogen, anders waren ze gezien. In onderdelen?
2) Hoeveel werk moet dat wel geweest zijn om de gestrande didgeree-du te verstoppen onder een laag zand.
en 3) Waarom wordt Ginger niet een keer bij zijn naam genoemd, maar iedere keer 'Rooie'. Dat is net alsof je Arie Roos alleen maar 'Dikke' zou noemen
1) Hoe hebben ze die vliegtuigen in de grot gekregen? Niet gevlogen, anders waren ze gezien. In onderdelen?
2) Hoeveel werk moet dat wel geweest zijn om de gestrande didgeree-du te verstoppen onder een laag zand.
en 3) Waarom wordt Ginger niet een keer bij zijn naam genoemd, maar iedere keer 'Rooie'. Dat is net alsof je Arie Roos alleen maar 'Dikke' zou noemen
August 23, 2007
Actually I liked this alot when I was young, but the action is very fast paced and reads quite differently to me now.
March 9, 2012
Ah, Biggles. Ripping yarns, bags of unfortunate innuendo and lashings of repressed homosexual angst. I love 'em.
January 26, 2014
really enjoyed re reading Biggles in the Baltic,, have other Biggles adventures to read,,, heaven
September 24, 2014
I really liked this one.
Briny is a hobbit.
Briny is a hobbit.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews