VOICES IN FLIGHT
Pen & Sword Publications
ISBN 1844153991
Hardback 234mm x 156mm
246 pages
The interviews presented here were originally commissioned by RAF Hendon as a series of video portraits of First World War aviators. After nearly three decades, their re-issue in this format is indeed welcome.
Malinovska’s project was dauntless to a fault. Breaching the conservative and reactionary male stronghold of aviation historians, she was more than equal to her commission. Her subtle approach and scholarly method were a heady admixture which few if any of her interviewees could resist; rejuvenated, they related countless graphic and compelling reminiscences.
These men hailed from markedly diverse backgrounds and had many varied rôles in the RFC and the RNAS – fighter pilots and telegraphers; engineers and riggers; observers, bombers and prisoners of war. The book is cogently, seamlessly edited but the interviews are redolent with each man’s particular tone and characteristics of expression. Of especial note are the interviews with the renowned aeroplane designer Sir Thomas Sopwith, Hamilton ‘Tim’ Hervey, who was instrumental in the foundation of MI9 to assist prisoners of war, and Fred Lang, who was mechanic to Albert Ball, VC, Britain’s most illustrious ace. The book is generously illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs.
All serious enthusiasts ought to add this book to their collection. Approaching ninety years after the height of the conflict, its timing of publication is propitious. Given the nature of its material, the volume is unparalleled, and has certainly enriched the literature of the first aerial war.
Robert Robbins
Linear Mode
