NINE LIVES — Air Commodore — Alan C Deere — DSO OBE DFC and Bar —
Prix régulier 25,00 € TTC 6%
Characteristics
| ISBN-13 | 978-0907579823 |
| ISBN-10 | 0907579825 |
| Book cover finish(es) | Paperback |
| Condition | Normal time wear |
| Author(s) | Alan C. Deere |
| Publisher | Crécy Publishing Limited |
| Number of pages | 288 |
| Published date |
First edition 1959 Reprinted 1991 This first paperback edition published in 1999 |
| Language(s) | English |
| Collection / Series | FIGHTER PILOTS |
| Size | 12.7 x 19.7 x 1.8 cm |
| Categorie(s) | • AVIATION MILITAIRE • BIOGRAPHIES • SECONDE GUERRE MONDIALE |
Description
Nine Lives is the renowned autobiography of New Zealand's most famous RAF pilot from the Munich crisis until the invasion of France in 1944. Al Deere experienced the drama of the early days of the Battle of Britain while operating with Spitfire squadrons based at Hornchurch and Manston, and his compelling story tells of the successes and frustrations during those critical weeks.
Deere was in action over Dunkirk for 14 days in May 1940 and staunchly defends the RAF against the charge that it did not fully support the Army there. During this time he shot down six enemy aircraft including an ME 109 in the first recorded combat between a Spitfire and a Messerschmitt fighter. Deere's nine lives are the accounts of his fantastic luck in escaping from seemingly impossible situations. In the Battle of Britain he survived three escapes by parachute and in one memorable incident was blown up by a bomb whilst taking off from Hornchurch during an attack on the airfield. In March 1943 Deere was appointed Wing Commander of the famous Biggin Hill Wing. By the end of the war, his distinguished 'score' was destroyed 22, probables 10, damaged 18.
Al Deere remained in the RAF after the war and retired in 1967 as an Air Commodore. He died in 1995.