High in the Empty Blue: The History of 56 Squadron, RFC/RAF 1916-1920 by Alex Revell

by Alex Revell

Excellent Book

Hardcover

First published April 1, 1995

Reviews

[Paul Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Revell is World renowned as an historian and author of very fine books, particularly about WWI and WWII Aircrew. This book is the benchmark work regarding the service of the most famous RFC/RAF fighter squadron of World War One and describes in great detail, in a readable format with many photographs, the combats and lives of the fighter pilots of 56 squadron. He covered 56 Squadron in WW1 and WW2 in another book-about the Constable Maxwell brothers, originally published as: The Vivid Air. In High in the Empty Blue, Alex covers the history of the unit, it`s combats- day by day and tells of the brilliant lives of the famous pilots such as Albert Ball VC, James McCudden VC, Barlow, Muspratt, Hoidge, Mayberry, Cecil Lewis, Rhys-Davids, Gerald Constable-Maxwell, Cyril Crowe and many others. Nothing is left uncovered as biographies of each fighter pilot, their deeds, their losses and victories are all here. Many named have had books written about them or include their stories. A huge book and once in the out of print, very expensive, hard to get category, it was worth every pound for my copy. The book is a tribute to this long forgotten period of war when these air fighter pioneers were learning as they fought, setting many standards and fighter tactics that are valued to this day by the modern RAF. The book is a good read and will take around a week to fully assimilate the information. Can be used as a reference work by serious students of history or read as a delightful book, by modellers for the wealth of detail or treasured by those who know it`s value. Well Done Alex. I was once honoured to share a BBC interview we took part in: The Mysterious Death of the English Aces (Online) covering Ball VC, McCudden VC and Mannock VC. This book will deserve a place in school libraries and your bookshelf! Paul Davies. Aviation Historian.