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Biggles #10
Biggles and Co.
Biggles & Co.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1936
13 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
W.E. Johns
609 books115 followersInvariably known as Captain W.E. Johns, William Earl Johns was born in Bengeo, Hertfordshire, England. He was the son of Richard Eastman Johns, a tailor, and Elizabeth Johns (née Earl), the daughter of a master butcher. He had a younger brother, Russell Ernest Johns, who was born on 24 October 1895.
He went to Hertford Grammar School where he was no great scholar but he did develop into a crack shot with a rifle. This fired his early ambition to be a soldier. He also attended evening classes at the local art school.
In the summer of 1907 he was apprenticed to a county municipal surveyor where he remained for four years and then in 1912 he became a sanitary inspector in Swaffham, Norfolk. Soon after taking up this appointment, his father died of tuberculosis at the age of 47.
On 6 October 1914 he married Maude Penelope Hunt (1882–1961), the daughter of the Reverend John Hunt, the vicar at Little Dunham in Norfolk. The couple had one son, William Earl Carmichael Johns, who was born in March 1916.
With war looming he joined the Territorial Army as a Private in the King's Own Royal Regiment (Norfolk Yeomanry), a cavalry regiment. In August 1914 his regiment was mobilised and was in training and on home defence duties until September 1915 when they received embarkation orders for duty overseas.
He fought at Gallipoli and in the Suez Canal area and, after moving to the Machine gun Corps, he took part in the spring offensive in Salonika in April 1917. He contracted malaria and whilst in hospital he put in for a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps and on 26 September 1917, he was given a temporary commission as a Second Lieutenant and posted back to England to learn to fly, which he did at No. 1 School of Aeronautics at Reading, where he was taught by a Captain Ashton.
He was posted to No. 25 Flying Training School at Thetford where he had a charmed existence, once writing off three planes in three days. He moved to Yorkshire and was then posted to France and while on a bombing raid to Mannheim his plane was shot down and he was wounded. Captured by the Germans, he later escaped before being reincarcerated where he remained until the war ended.
He went to Hertford Grammar School where he was no great scholar but he did develop into a crack shot with a rifle. This fired his early ambition to be a soldier. He also attended evening classes at the local art school.
In the summer of 1907 he was apprenticed to a county municipal surveyor where he remained for four years and then in 1912 he became a sanitary inspector in Swaffham, Norfolk. Soon after taking up this appointment, his father died of tuberculosis at the age of 47.
On 6 October 1914 he married Maude Penelope Hunt (1882–1961), the daughter of the Reverend John Hunt, the vicar at Little Dunham in Norfolk. The couple had one son, William Earl Carmichael Johns, who was born in March 1916.
With war looming he joined the Territorial Army as a Private in the King's Own Royal Regiment (Norfolk Yeomanry), a cavalry regiment. In August 1914 his regiment was mobilised and was in training and on home defence duties until September 1915 when they received embarkation orders for duty overseas.
He fought at Gallipoli and in the Suez Canal area and, after moving to the Machine gun Corps, he took part in the spring offensive in Salonika in April 1917. He contracted malaria and whilst in hospital he put in for a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps and on 26 September 1917, he was given a temporary commission as a Second Lieutenant and posted back to England to learn to fly, which he did at No. 1 School of Aeronautics at Reading, where he was taught by a Captain Ashton.
He was posted to No. 25 Flying Training School at Thetford where he had a charmed existence, once writing off three planes in three days. He moved to Yorkshire and was then posted to France and while on a bombing raid to Mannheim his plane was shot down and he was wounded. Captured by the Germans, he later escaped before being reincarcerated where he remained until the war ended.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 4, 2022
This was my first time reading a Biggles book, despite owning this copy since I was a kid. I recall seeing plenty of these novels lining my dad's bookshelves during that time, and being intrigued by their covers. It’s easy to see why they were a favourite of his and so many of that generation during their childhoods.
W.E. Johns doesn’t muck around, and from the first chapter, it was action-filled. I was surprised at how dialogue-heavy it was, yet there was always enough mystery and suspicious elements to keep me interested. The plot (while predictable at times) kept moving and held my attention.
The premise involves some bloke (who trades in gold) approaching Biggles (the legendary WWI ace) to establish an airline to specifically ship the jewels. All this because far too many previous shipments have gone missing, been stolen, or ended in the deaths of those transporting them.
Biggles and his mates (Algy and Ginger) get into all sorts of trouble, as might be expected. There’s lots of flying and being shot at, along with plenty of ringing phones, informers, schemes, sabotage, bad guys, hostages – all while maintaining that famous British stiff upper lip. It was easy to see how these books would’ve helped morale in both war and the Depression.
Curiously, there was more than one usage of “in fiction he could” in attempt to add realism. I enjoyed the humorous banter between the likes of Biggles and Ginger. I also didn’t expect to get random life advice from Biggles.
“Never retire when you are getting hard knocks. The thing is to go on, and do a bit of hard knocking yourself - at least, that’s my way.”
The language felt endearingly outdated at times, which resulted in my learning numerous new words. I’m totally going to drop the likes of ‘what the dickens!?’ into my vocabulary.
Biggles and Co. was book 10 in the series and featured numerous references to a previous book, though this didn’t detract from my ability to understand things. The book had the quality of a comfort read, despite me having never read them before. I was reminded by the likes of Enid Blyton, and the worlds where the good guys always prevailed.
The ending was okay, but not the strongest part of the book. It actually reminded me of the monologue conclusion to the film Psycho, where all that has come before is quickly summed up, as if the reader had only just woken after not paying attention. But for a book published in 1936 and aimed at younger readers, this is to be forgiven.
I'll happily read more in the series, especially when wanting a change of pace from my usual books.
W.E. Johns doesn’t muck around, and from the first chapter, it was action-filled. I was surprised at how dialogue-heavy it was, yet there was always enough mystery and suspicious elements to keep me interested. The plot (while predictable at times) kept moving and held my attention.
The premise involves some bloke (who trades in gold) approaching Biggles (the legendary WWI ace) to establish an airline to specifically ship the jewels. All this because far too many previous shipments have gone missing, been stolen, or ended in the deaths of those transporting them.
Biggles and his mates (Algy and Ginger) get into all sorts of trouble, as might be expected. There’s lots of flying and being shot at, along with plenty of ringing phones, informers, schemes, sabotage, bad guys, hostages – all while maintaining that famous British stiff upper lip. It was easy to see how these books would’ve helped morale in both war and the Depression.
Curiously, there was more than one usage of “in fiction he could” in attempt to add realism. I enjoyed the humorous banter between the likes of Biggles and Ginger. I also didn’t expect to get random life advice from Biggles.
“Never retire when you are getting hard knocks. The thing is to go on, and do a bit of hard knocking yourself - at least, that’s my way.”
The language felt endearingly outdated at times, which resulted in my learning numerous new words. I’m totally going to drop the likes of ‘what the dickens!?’ into my vocabulary.
Biggles and Co. was book 10 in the series and featured numerous references to a previous book, though this didn’t detract from my ability to understand things. The book had the quality of a comfort read, despite me having never read them before. I was reminded by the likes of Enid Blyton, and the worlds where the good guys always prevailed.
The ending was okay, but not the strongest part of the book. It actually reminded me of the monologue conclusion to the film Psycho, where all that has come before is quickly summed up, as if the reader had only just woken after not paying attention. But for a book published in 1936 and aimed at younger readers, this is to be forgiven.
I'll happily read more in the series, especially when wanting a change of pace from my usual books.
June 29, 2022
Another all-action adventure for Major James Bigglesworth and his trusty sidekicks Algy Lacey and 'Ginger' Hebblethwaite.
The threesome are relaxing at the aerodrome when Biggles is approached about undertaking a seemingly dangerous job. He is asked to deliver valuable cargoes to the continent by Paul Cronfelt of Cronfelt & Carstairs, bullion brokers and dealers in precious stones.
Biggles somewhat reluctantly agrees to consider the position. His immediate reaction is to decline the job and he decides on telling the client his decision the following day. But then after a mysterious telephone call tries to put him off undertaking the job, he decides that, despite the potential danger, he will do it for he is intrigued and feels that he recognised the threatening voice of his caller.
He devises various ways of delivering the valuables despite the intervention of what turn out to be the pesky Boche. And then he discovers that the mastermind behind the attempted thefts is none other than an old adversary Erich von Stalhein.
There follows a series of rip-roaring adventures as the two parties play cat and mouse and the threesome escape near death on more than one occasion. They are also entrapped in the German's castle headquarters but after further hair-raising happenings Biggles not only manages to preserve all the valuables but also unmasks the inside man behind the thefts - and it is quite a surprise!
Johns and Biggles (and Co) at their best all through.
The threesome are relaxing at the aerodrome when Biggles is approached about undertaking a seemingly dangerous job. He is asked to deliver valuable cargoes to the continent by Paul Cronfelt of Cronfelt & Carstairs, bullion brokers and dealers in precious stones.
Biggles somewhat reluctantly agrees to consider the position. His immediate reaction is to decline the job and he decides on telling the client his decision the following day. But then after a mysterious telephone call tries to put him off undertaking the job, he decides that, despite the potential danger, he will do it for he is intrigued and feels that he recognised the threatening voice of his caller.
He devises various ways of delivering the valuables despite the intervention of what turn out to be the pesky Boche. And then he discovers that the mastermind behind the attempted thefts is none other than an old adversary Erich von Stalhein.
There follows a series of rip-roaring adventures as the two parties play cat and mouse and the threesome escape near death on more than one occasion. They are also entrapped in the German's castle headquarters but after further hair-raising happenings Biggles not only manages to preserve all the valuables but also unmasks the inside man behind the thefts - and it is quite a surprise!
Johns and Biggles (and Co) at their best all through.
August 5, 2017
In all fairness, I can not write an honest review about this book.
I'm prejudiced beyond belief when it comes to the adventures of Biggles.
When I read these books, my heart always soars, and I regress into my 7-year-old self and live through these adventures like only a kid can...
These books are no literary masterpieces, but they mean the world to me.
I'm prejudiced beyond belief when it comes to the adventures of Biggles.
When I read these books, my heart always soars, and I regress into my 7-year-old self and live through these adventures like only a kid can...
These books are no literary masterpieces, but they mean the world to me.
February 5, 2017
You can never get to old for Biggles books, they are fun rip roaring adventures. This one is really great as all the best characters are in there, even the best enemy. The book is full of mystery and suspense and highly tense and also amusing scenes. Biggles, Algy, Ginger and even Biggle's arch enemy are all back together here, oh and Raymond too.
These book have a touch of Sherlock Holmes in them and a lot of cool aeroplane flights and ingenious plans that Biggles only decides to tell us about later, so it is up to you to figure out how everything works.
These book have a touch of Sherlock Holmes in them and a lot of cool aeroplane flights and ingenious plans that Biggles only decides to tell us about later, so it is up to you to figure out how everything works.
March 5, 2024
I really enjoy seeing the new and interesting ways Johns comes up with to utilise the Biggles characters. This gold transit-scenario is different to anything we've read before as is a brilliant entry in keeping the series feeling fresh. I liked how most of the novel felt smaller scale than the previous books' depiction of war and global conspiracy... right up until this descended into war and global conspiracy territory. Not that I'm complaining, any chance to be terrified by the menacing von Stalhein is welcomed by me, this guy really is the perfect foil for Biggles and I feel like his story is just getting started. 4 stars.
June 19, 2022
I'm no longer the target market for Biggles books but a great trip down memory lane when sick in bed and not able to read heavier stuff!
Johns is truly a great writer for boys - there is great story, educational setting, vocabulary extension, exciting adventure with many twists; and all with a great sense of plausibility. The Amada series of Biggles were always the best! Even so there is usually a bit of a formula in how Biggles, Algy and Ginger separated get into scrapes and improbably interact back together again. However it is all set within the plot far more naturally than some writer's patterns.
In this book it is difficult in isolation to exactly date the story (surely in the 20's before Britain left the gold standard) and the Cormorant aircraft apparently also can't be pinned down. Biggles' cigarette use of course is the one area that jarrs today and the leftist teachers who hate Biggles so, sit nicely in von Stalhein's camp!
Johns is truly a great writer for boys - there is great story, educational setting, vocabulary extension, exciting adventure with many twists; and all with a great sense of plausibility. The Amada series of Biggles were always the best! Even so there is usually a bit of a formula in how Biggles, Algy and Ginger separated get into scrapes and improbably interact back together again. However it is all set within the plot far more naturally than some writer's patterns.
In this book it is difficult in isolation to exactly date the story (surely in the 20's before Britain left the gold standard) and the Cormorant aircraft apparently also can't be pinned down. Biggles' cigarette use of course is the one area that jarrs today and the leftist teachers who hate Biggles so, sit nicely in von Stalhein's camp!
January 8, 2016
As a young teenager I must have read dozens of the adventures stories of Biggles written by Captain W. E. Johns. So picking up ‘Biggles and Co’ quite by chance was a trip down memory lane. All my favorite characters were there in a hair rising story. Even Biggles lifetime enemy proofs to have risen from the death, breathtaking. Also surprising to read how the smart Biggles, like a real amateur alchemist changes gold into led. A big surprise, especially for the robbers involved.
Aldo Biggles is considered to be asexual or even a repressed homosexual, in this adventure Stella Carstairs turns up, who is very concerned about Biggles safety. Well saidly enough this is how far Captain W.E. Johns allows romance to go for our hero, good old major James Bigglesworth.
So nothing wrong with this novel all save and sound as the world should be.
February 19, 2017
Between the wars Biggles find himself with nothing special to do when he's approached by a bank asking if he can start a transportation company for vulnerable goods. Not being one to back down from a challenge, he and his friends accept, starts Biggles & Company and the action begins.
As most Biggles books it's about the action and the events. Not about the characters and emotions. That said, there is actually a female character in the book and she is not portrayed all wrong. That makes this book a bit unique.
Short, easy to read.
As most Biggles books it's about the action and the events. Not about the characters and emotions. That said, there is actually a female character in the book and she is not portrayed all wrong. That makes this book a bit unique.
Short, easy to read.
August 12, 2014
I shall probably dream about Algy rising up from the fireplace :) Adventurous story with lots of "old friends" from the first war.
July 26, 2017
The Biggles & Co.'s escape from the castle in this one is just legendary :D It's one of the best Biggles yarns there is.
Also, I hope von Stalhein liked the books Biggles had 'sent' him...
Also, I hope von Stalhein liked the books Biggles had 'sent' him...
June 30, 2025
Just as good as when I first read this when I was 11! Great adventure story and very nostalgic.
January 29, 2023
The very first Biggles I ever read, and it is interesting to see backed up in my hands one of those millions of paperbacks printed during the seventies on sub standard paper that now disintegrates at the slightest touch. Also, how the theme of this book, that in the post 1945 era his deadliest enemy, Von Stalhein is now a fellow traveller in NATO's struggle against the Soviets. Plus ca change... I looked hard but I could not find my favourite line "Biggles drew thoughtfully on his cigarette. Perhaps just as well, because Johns was famously testy with upstart young reporters wanting to question his traditionalist stance. Another Craven A, anyone?
March 16, 2018
That much gold, in those planes ?????
March 22, 2021
A tale of cunning and wits, a real mystery.
July 8, 2021
Another classic Biggles adventure. Fast paced, lots of action and clever. Great use of the known character Von Stalhein as well.
March 4, 2022
Yet another cracking read, great fun.
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May 7, 2023i <3 men who are soooo normal about one another
October 24, 2025
Good boys own adventure.
March 15, 2017
Spannen avontuur met een fikse dosis humor. Vlot leesbaar, netjes chronologisch opgebouwd, een flink aantal mini-hoogtepunten en een grote (en langere) climax. Hoewel het best mogelijk is om het boek na een van de hoogtepunten neer te leggen en later verder te lezen, vermoed ik dat de meesten - zoals ik - het boek meteen uitlezen. Het sleept je gewoon mee en leest zo makkelijk weg dat je helemaal niet merkt hoe de tijd voorbijgaat. De plot zelf bevat niet echt verrassingen al was dat misschien oorspronkelijk wel het geveal. Maar ondertussen is het scenario van de slechterik die een bekende blijkt te zijn al zo vaak gebruikt dat niemand er nog van opkijkt. Wat niets afdoet van het leesplezier voor wie zich gewoon eens wil ontspannen.
December 22, 2025
I am reviewing the series as a whole, rather than the books individually
The Biggles series is great adventure fiction: we get high stakes, aerial action (in most of the books), and a hero who is endlessly loyal, competent, and calm under pressure.
I love the dogfights, recon missions, and wartime scenarios.
Where the series falls short is character depth. Some attitudes and simplifications reflect the period in which the books were written. There are very definitely dated elements, but considering the era the books were written - overall the series performs well. More than a few of the stories defy plausibility, but who doesn't love to curl up with a good adventure book or 10?
“Never say die.”
The Biggles series is great adventure fiction: we get high stakes, aerial action (in most of the books), and a hero who is endlessly loyal, competent, and calm under pressure.
I love the dogfights, recon missions, and wartime scenarios.
Where the series falls short is character depth. Some attitudes and simplifications reflect the period in which the books were written. There are very definitely dated elements, but considering the era the books were written - overall the series performs well. More than a few of the stories defy plausibility, but who doesn't love to curl up with a good adventure book or 10?
“Never say die.”
March 20, 2020
Easy to read adventures of the famous pilot.
June 28, 2016
Ah. Een verhaal met Erich von Stalhein. Altijd goed voor een paar fijne uren.
October 26, 2014
RAF meets the Hardy Boys. Delightful!
January 27, 2016
Incredilble book of my youth.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews