Life's Too Short to Cry: The Compelling Story of a Battle of Britain Ace

by Tim Vigors

A newly discovered “exhilarating and moving memoir” of an RAF fighter pilot in World War II (Daily Mail).   It is not often that a long-hidden gem of a manuscript is published, bringing a moment in WWII history to vivid life for today’s readers. Geoffrey Wellum’s First Light was one example. The memoir of Timothy Vigors is another.   Born in Hatfield but raised in Ireland and educated at Eton and Cranwell, Vigors found himself in France in 1940 flying Fairey Battle bombers. After the Fall he joined the fighters of 222 Squadron, with whom he saw frantic and distinguished service over Dunkirk and persevered through the dangerous days of the Battle of Britain, when he became an ace.   Vigors transferred to the Far East in January 1941 as a flight commander with 243, then to 453 Squadron RAAF, and on December 10 of that year he led a flight of Buffaloes to cover the sinking Prince of Wales and Repulse. Dramatically shot down, burnt and attacked on his parachute, he was evacuated to Java, and from there, to India. As he describes these experiences in his handwritten account, the author provides a fascinating and valuable record, a newly discovered personal narrative of air combat destined to be seen as a classic.

Genres: World War II, Nonfiction, War, Military Fiction, History, British Literature, Biography

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[JD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read a few World War 2 fighter pilot books, this is not one of the greats, but still an enjoyable read. The author goes into great detail about his life before joining the RAF, which takes up a lot of the page space in the book, before his actual service during the Battle of Britain and the first days over Malaya in December 1941. As said, not the best fighter pilot read, but still worthwhile to read.

[wo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good insight into the reality of a fighter pilot. It gives a good taste of the thoughts and emotions that the poor buggers went through.

[James Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly one of the luckiest men to have fought in the second world war - some of his near misses don't bear thinking about.

Some of the history of his childhood can be a bit slow in places but well worth the read - a very brave man.

[Kazimiera pendrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great read a real must read book

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an autobiography/memoir of Tim Vigors early life and time in the RAF up until the fall of Singapore.

Wow .. really enjoyed this. The early part of the book reminded me of my flying training and attempting to master the flare while still keeping an eye on airspeed and rate of descent.

The Battle of Britain kind of only hinted at the effect of intense and dangerous ops have on aircrew. The war-weariness and worn out demeanour was not really covered in much detail.

The later part describing the defence of Singapore was fascinating and prompted me to look into the New Zealand involvement surrounding this.

Highly recommend to any WW2 historians or anyone interested in flying.

[KOMET · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tim Vigors was a Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot who saw action during World War II in the Battle of Britain and later in the Far East against Japan. Vigor's story is poignant and gives the reader a vicarious feel for his wartime experiences.

[Allan Jeavons · Rating 5 out of 5]

What am amazing story

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Life’s Too Short to Cry” Tim Vigers. Published posthumously fifty six years after it was written, Viger’s memoir rates as one the most spectacular first hand accounts of the WW II RAF ‘fighter boys’. Makes one wonder what other brilliant unpublished gems are out there, forgotten, hidden away on a dust covered shelf, waiting to be discovered?

[anthony ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

Enjoyed Tim Vigors story about his life as a fighter pilot during the war. I've gained much respect for the British and how they defended their country against all odds during the early stages of the war.

[Ed Savsp · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow