Ten Fighter Boys

by Jimmy Corbin (Foreword), Wing Commander Athol Forbes D.F.C. (Editor), Squadron Leader Hubert Allen D.F.C. (Editor)

The extraordinary stories of ten fighter pilots, told in their very own words during the Second World War.


First published by Collins in 1942, this utterly compelling collection of first-hand accounts of ten fighter pilots’ experiences at the helm of the Spitfires of 66 Squadron paints one of the most realistic depictions of the battle for the skies over wartime Europe.


Offering incredible personal insights into the wartime experience – both in the air and on the ground – the stories are told with unaffected zest, by men who were living in the constant presence of death.


Five of the original contributors were killed before the book was originally printed, including the books editors, Wing Commander Athol Forbes and Squadron Leader Hubert Allen. Jimmy Corbin, the last surviving contributor and author of the foreword, passed away in December 2012.


Written right in the middle of the war, in the pilots’ own words, Ten Fighter Pilots is a truly original and unique account of a terrifying time.

Genres: History, War

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1942

Reviews

[Adrian Spalding · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, set during the Battle of Britain is totally different. You read actual words written by the pilots who fought. Uncensored, blunt and touching. It gives an insight as to what it was like to go up in the air everyday not knowing if you would land safely. Published in 1942, sadly not all those who contributed lived to see the publication of their words.

[John Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten accounts of the lives of Spitfire pilots told in their own words.

The stories show how dangerous, thrilling and brave even the most routine flight could have been for a wartime fighter pilot. They are never boring and neither were their lives. The type of book that should be read and treasured as the few gave so much for the many.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A interesting account of whatife was like for pilots during the Battle of Britain, published a few years after the events. The book shows the highs and lows of squadron life, and while some of the attitudes and remarks may seem callous or offensive, I think one has to remember the times in which the book was written.

[Eli Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very interesting and intriguing read. The personal, firsthand accounts of fighter pilot experiences were priceless! I'd recommend it for anyone interested in WW2 memoirs and personal stories.