Help with Denis Winter's Book

stephen · 8 January 2007, 11:56 AM

Please help me on this if you can...

I don't recall the name of the book - possibly "First of the Few" - but years ago I read one of his books that identified the stages of a fighter pilot's career.

There was a phase where the pilot was a novice and still learning, then there was a stage where he was effective in the air, then there was a stage where he was overconfident, fatigued and not only deadly in the air but a danger to himself as well. I don't remember what Winter called that stage... was it Stage Three or something?

If anyone has that book and can help me identify Winter's stages of combat growth it would be very helpful. Thank you.

Frank_Olynyk · 8 January 2007, 06:41 PM

Stephen,
The book is most likely First of the Few: Fighter Pilots of the First World War. Published in England by Allen Lane in 1982; and in the US by the University of Georgia in 1983.

Frank.

8 January 2007, 06:53 PM

I don't have the book, but there are many copies on AddALL:

http://used.addall.com/SuperRare/Ref...irst+World+War

Just in case nobody here has a copy.....

regards,

Darren

alex_revell · 9 January 2007, 01:07 AM

Why would anyone want this book. It's so full of inaccurate statements and errors. Typical of a book written by a journalist on commission to write a book on which he has little or no knowledge. Publisher: 'why don't you write a book for us, something colourful. What about fighter pilots in the first world war.' Answer 'OK. How much is the advance?

'.

cameldriver · 9 January 2007, 05:20 PM

Stephen
I've quickly looked through my copy of "The First of the Few". Can't quite put my finger on what you're looking for. There are a number of chapters called The Dark Side" detailing problems faced by the pilots. They include physical strain,dying and killing. There is also a chapter called "Enduring". When I have a chance to go through it in greater detail, I'll let you know if I find anything more in line with what you've referred to.

stephen · 9 January 2007, 06:11 PM

Thank you... there was something in there referring to the stages of a pilot's development and I can't remember what it was. It was not so important as to justify buying the book for that reason alone, but useful enough to help if you have an opportunity to scan through it. Many thanks.

sijko · 10 January 2007, 01:12 AM

follows the development of British Pilots from training till death or end of the war, but I do not recall the author naming or numbering any of the stages per se. The chapters indicate the various elements though: Learning to Fly; Learning to Shoot; Finishing School; Over to France; Routine work; and indeed three chapter on "the dark side": Physical Strain; Dying and Killing

cameldriver · 12 January 2007, 06:29 AM

Stephen
I skimmed through the Winter book more carefully last evening, but could not find any reference to the material you mention. Could you be thinking of some other book?
Sorry

Bob

rainbase · 12 January 2007, 07:00 AM

I'll take a stab at this..... could the book in question be "The Airman's War"? I haven't gotten a copy of this yet, but it seems to me that a description I read somewhere of it kinda-sorta-almost sounded like what you're asking about, Stephen.

stephen · 12 January 2007, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rainbase

I'll take a stab at this..... could the book in question be "The Airman's War"? I haven't gotten a copy of this yet, but it seems to me that a description I read somewhere of it kinda-sorta-almost sounded like what you're asking about, Stephen.

Mightta been. I thot sure it was Winter's book, but I could be remembering wrong. If you get Airman's War please nose through it for me.

Bob, many thanks for checking FofF last night, I appreciate it. Now its going to drive me nuts until I find it.