Writing
Since retiring from the RAF, I've written a Battle of Britain novel, Wings Over Summer, a sequel, Wings Over Malta, and a first volume of memoir, Shropshire Blue: A Shropshire Lad in the RAF, Volume 1, Preparation For Flight. Free sample chapters of these can be read using the links below. I've also written numerous short stories, articles and poems, many published and some prize-winning. Samples of some of these appear on my Short Story page.
Wings Over Summer
Wings Over Summer is a work of historical fiction set at RAF Biggin Hill over 14 days at the height of the Battle of Britain. At its heart, two young Spitfire pilots struggle to survive savage battles in the air, and to find love and fulfilment on the ground. Several times a day, they fly into action against overwhelming odds, witnessing the death and disfigurement of friends and enemies, and wrestling with the knowledge that the same could happen to them at any moment. Brief periods on the ground offer little respite as Biggin Hill is subjected to frequent air raids, during which many more friends are killed. Both find love, but the Battle takes its toll. The first Chapter of Wings Over Summer can be downloaded here.
The cover design is based on Paolo Camera's Spitfire In Cloud.
Reviews: Just a small sample of the overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon.
I've read many books about the Battle of Britain, but this is by far the best.
Quite possibly the best novel of the Battle of Britain.
The best description of aerial combat I have ever read.
I can't remember the last time a book moved me so much.
There were times when I was almost too scared to turn the page - but alas couldn't stop myself.
Kept me engrossed from start to finish.
Brilliant.
The cover design is based on Paolo Camera's Spitfire In Cloud.
Reviews: Just a small sample of the overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon.
I've read many books about the Battle of Britain, but this is by far the best.
Quite possibly the best novel of the Battle of Britain.
The best description of aerial combat I have ever read.
I can't remember the last time a book moved me so much.
There were times when I was almost too scared to turn the page - but alas couldn't stop myself.
Kept me engrossed from start to finish.
Brilliant.
Wings Over Malta
In March 1942, Battle of Britain ace, Jack Williams, is one of 15 pilots flying the first Spitfires to reach the most heavily bombed place on Earth, the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta. Their task is simple: regain control of the air. But when not sheltering from incessant bombing by overwhelming Luftwaffe forces based only minutes to north on Sicily, the Spitfire pilots are hunted from take off to landing by tens of Messerschmitt 109Fs. Can they, and the Island, survive?
The novel is dedicated to the people of Malta and the pilots from all over the world who fought to protect them. The cover by Martin Butler is based on the image, Spitfire Flypast, by Paolo Camera.
Wings Over Malta is available as an ebook or paperback from Amazon.
Reviews:
An excellent story brilliantly interwoven about real events and people.
You can almost feel the g-forces at work as you spin through the pages of this book.
A real insight into the lives of the heroic pilots and their struggle to defend Malta.
Puts you in the seat of a Spitfire in troubled times.
In March 1942, Battle of Britain ace, Jack Williams, is one of 15 pilots flying the first Spitfires to reach the most heavily bombed place on Earth, the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta. Their task is simple: regain control of the air. But when not sheltering from incessant bombing by overwhelming Luftwaffe forces based only minutes to north on Sicily, the Spitfire pilots are hunted from take off to landing by tens of Messerschmitt 109Fs. Can they, and the Island, survive?
The novel is dedicated to the people of Malta and the pilots from all over the world who fought to protect them. The cover by Martin Butler is based on the image, Spitfire Flypast, by Paolo Camera.
Wings Over Malta is available as an ebook or paperback from Amazon.
Reviews:
An excellent story brilliantly interwoven about real events and people.
You can almost feel the g-forces at work as you spin through the pages of this book.
A real insight into the lives of the heroic pilots and their struggle to defend Malta.
Puts you in the seat of a Spitfire in troubled times.
Shropshire Blue
Swinderby
Shropshire Blue: A Shropshire Lad in the RAF, Volume 1, Preparation for Flight is now also available as an e-book or paperback through this link to Amazon. In its entirety, Shropshire Blue will cover all 32 years of my career in the Royal Air Force, but this first volume travels from my birth, the son of a dustman, to my commissioning as a flying officer 24 years later.
My interest in the RAF was sparked by a headstone in a local cemetery and I joined the Service as a Halton apprentice, suffering under a harsh regime preparing me to parade before HM The Queen just five weeks later - a duty I performed 11 times during my apprenticeship. After graduation I worked on a Cold War air base servicing Vulcan nuclear bombers that were poised to fly into the heart of the Soviet Union. Selected as a potential pilot, I entered officer training, suffering under another harsh regime, but ultimately gaining my commission.
The chapter describing my first six weeks in the RAF, including parading before the Queen, can be downloaded here.
Reviews: And here is a small selection of my Amazon reviews.
I loved this book and can't wait for the next instalment.
Oh what a great book of memories.
It kept me amused, entertained and interested right to the end.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Enjoyed it immensely
My interest in the RAF was sparked by a headstone in a local cemetery and I joined the Service as a Halton apprentice, suffering under a harsh regime preparing me to parade before HM The Queen just five weeks later - a duty I performed 11 times during my apprenticeship. After graduation I worked on a Cold War air base servicing Vulcan nuclear bombers that were poised to fly into the heart of the Soviet Union. Selected as a potential pilot, I entered officer training, suffering under another harsh regime, but ultimately gaining my commission.
The chapter describing my first six weeks in the RAF, including parading before the Queen, can be downloaded here.
Reviews: And here is a small selection of my Amazon reviews.
I loved this book and can't wait for the next instalment.
Oh what a great book of memories.
It kept me amused, entertained and interested right to the end.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Enjoyed it immensely
Short Story Page
You can get to my short story page and read some of my prize-winning stories here.
