The RAF and Commonwealth air crews were bound by regulations and
discipline during WWII. Survival was by no means a certainty, with casualties
becoming a part of everyday life. The evolution of non-established clubs was
recognised and regarded as an important area within RAF history that boosted
moral. The regulations flexed to allow membership pins and badges to be
worn on RAF and Commonwealth flying uniforms. This book allows the
reader to experience a number of individual stories and understand the
relevance of being a:
‘Goldfish’ (Lives saved by the use of personal life preservers and dinghies),
‘Caterpillar’ (Lives saved by parachutes) or:
‘Guinea Pig’ (Lives saved by pioneering surgery conducted by Archibald
McIndoe at the Queen Victoria Hospital Sussex)
In many instances the accounts are recalled in great detail from the official
records of medals and awards. True heroism and gallant deeds supported by
original photographs create an easy to read book, revealing areas of interest
not previously visited in this format.
234 x 156 mm • hardback • 256pages • 110 illustrations
Colin Pateman served for 32 years in
Sussex Police, a qualified Home
Office Instructor in all Police Dog
roles. In addition, the specific search
dog requirements with the armed
services saw him trained by the Royal
Engineers, and deployed as a search
advisor in both his home county and
Nationally.
He is an avid collector of military
medals and memorabilia, with a
particular interest in the Royal Air
Force. The author of Airborne
Animals and Cockpit Companions
and the Co-author of Unwanted Hero.
This feature is currently in development.