Flying Start: A Fighter Pilot's War Years

by Hugh Dundas

Chronicles the wartime experiences of one of the most distinguished fighter pilots of World War II

Genres: Nonfiction, World War II, Autobiography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, History, Military Fiction

180 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1988

Reviews

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute must read for fans of World War 2 aviation enthusiasts. Written by one of the legends of Fighter Command, Hugh Dundas, it follows his operational career from the pre-war Auxiliary Air Force through almost non-stop operational flying till the end of the war where he ended it in Italy. He was one of The Few during the Battle of Britain, was squadron leader of the first operational Hawker Typhoon squadron (the only time he did not fly Spitfires during the war), led Wings in North Africa and Italy, and had a very entertaining social life in between that really gives good background of how it was to live during the war years. He was one of the youngest squadron leaders, wing commanders and group captains in the RAF during the war, and this book just brings to light again how much responsibility these young men (mostly early 20's) they had to take on to during those times, when today people of double that age still does not want to take responsibility for their own actions. Hugh Dundas is one of the brightest stars of the greatest generation and the world was a better place with him in it.

[Phil Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A First Class Life Story

I much admired his honesty and admitting his fears also his modesty about his leadership qualities that were recognized and rewarded by his rising promotion at a very young age. This is the story of an era of dedicated young men and women who helped save us from the possibility of defeat by the Nazis and subduction.

[Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book describing a young man becoming one of 'the few' defending the skies of Britain. Next he tells about his exploits when the RAF started to lean into France and his time in Tunesia and on Sicily. He was also involved in flying the Typhoon.

The author has a very pleasant way of describing his adventures, and misfortunes at time, which makes for a solid read. I am always amazed by the fact that somehow these young men all have a great sense of humor. Obviously this is mixed in with moments of terror and also loss. So many young guys lost their lives or where maimed due to fire.

During his career he went on, rising through the ranks, to become a wing commander. During his wartime experiences he met many of the greats, like Douglas Bader and Johnny Johnson. All of this made me keep on reading all the time.

Great show!

[Michael Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flying Start...Honest and Captivating

This is the autobiography of Group Captain Sir Hugh Dundas CBE, DSO, DFC, who was one of the most distinguished fighter pilots of World War II. It’s a truly honest and captivating account of his experience as a fighter pilot throughout the war.

[Spen Cer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest account. The author is quite forthcoming about the reality in the air at this time. I thought it an intriguing and candid account of not only the battle of Britain but the perspectives of the pilots on the allied side throughout WWII.

[Mark Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book!

A classic of WW2 fighter warfare. I would highly recommend this book...Hugh Dundas was a legend in the RAF and he takes you thru so many aspects of the war in the air.

[Spad53 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly good book. He wrote very well, and had an extremely interesting and intense career. With very little rest during the war. Everybody who's read Jonnie Johnsons Wing leader, will know about Cocky Dundas, and it's interesting to read his point of view. It correlates well with Wing leader, even though it's written 30 years later. It's interesting that his own opinions about the Big wing controversy has changed since then, and that he admits it. Not an easy task to write about things you did 50 years ago, I barely remember what I did. A thing I appreciate in this autobiography is that after his last flight in a Spitfire, the book ends, I looked up what he did after the war , which was a lot, he was a TV pioneer and very successful manager, but nothing I'm interested in, so good not to have to read about it.
Highly recommended.

[Jim Mcclanahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by an iconic pilot and officer of WWII. I have his autograph on a Robert Taylor print of Spitfires over England called "Bader's Bus Company" (referring to legendary wing leader, Douglas Bader). He was responsible for much in the way of tactics used by British pilots. His friend and fellow pilot "johnnie" Johnson indicated that he wasn't a very good shot. But he was a naster at organization, command and control. The book was published in 1989, so it provides a great deal of perspective on the air war.

[James Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Battle of Britain book I've read yet.

I hAve read over 30 B of B era books, all good or even excellent, but this truly was enjoyable to the max. Incredible, the author rose from cadet to full colonel in 5 years. A 24 year old Group Commander over a force with a strength of over 100 aircraft and all the people to fly and fix them.

[bernard j denver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful detailed report on all aspects of the RAF in WWII

It completes the history I have always searched for. A year and illuminating read. An absorbing history well written I loved it.

[Devin]

Paul graham rec

[Harry Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read indeed.

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved this book. Want to know what it was like to fly Spitfires with Douglas Bader and Johnnie Johnson in the Battle Of Britain? Want to know what it was like to be in on the Invention of the "Finger Four" formation for the RAF? Want to know what it was like to lose your older Brother to an ME 109 ? Want to know what it was like to develop the Typhoon from a "widow-maker" to a weapon of War? Want to know what it was like to be a fighter pilot in the Desert Air Force after Alamein? Want to know about how the DAF developed its excellent Ground attack protocols and flying doctrines? Want to find out what it was like to Command a Wing in the DAF in Sicily, Salerno and then the rest of the Italian Campaign? Want to find out what it was like to Master the Casual but performance based command structure of the WWII RAF? And lastly, want fo find out how to live the Alcohol and fun soaked life of a dazzlingly urbane and witty fighter jockey? Well then this memoir from the Thames Television Chairman and one time Group Captain Hugh "Cocky" Dundas is the book for you. Death and Fear stalk him too.... but the story is totally compelling and just so well and humorously written that you can't put it down.

Part of the Auxiliary RAF, a reserve officer at the start of the war, Dundas longs to join his Brother in Spitfires. He flew at Dunkirk, and then got his first hun and first shooting down within a few days early in the Battle of Britain. His brother's death is a grisly reminder that this is for real now. Then comes service with Bader and the "Big Wing" and the beginning of real "Wing" warfare taking over from Squadron tactics. Dundas takes to command and assignments begin to come along thick and fast.. There's never a dull moment, and the "household name" officers literally fly in and out of the narrative, always preceded or followed by copious adult beverages and raucous "parties". Dundas seems to have led a charmed and pickled life at the worst of times. It's a blast from start of finish, sometime almost literally as when they find a entire shipment of bombs they need - MAY have faulty fuses.

There are a few passages where Dundas gets quite adult, but its handled with such a stiff upper lip that modern kids may not whereof he speaks, otherwise its perfect for a mature junior reader. For the Gamer/Modeller/Aircraft and Military Enthusiasts will Love this book. There's more than enough ideas for improvements to both Dioramas and Scenarios to make reading this worthwhile, and the description of how the "Cab Rank" Ground Support system worked is very helpful to understanding those mechanics. Read this book. You will not regret it.

[Wayne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

“As I followed, I heard a confusion of excited voices on the radio. Then I saw another Messerschmitt, curving round. It had a bright yellow nose. Again, I saw the ripples of grey smoke breaking away from it and the lights were winking and flashing from the propeller hub engine cowling. Red blobs arched lazily through the air between us accelerating dramatically as they approached and streaked close by, across my wing. With sudden, sickening, stupid fear I realised I was being fired on and I pulled my Spitfire around hard so the blood was forced down from my head. The thick curtain of blackout blinded me for a moment and I felt the aircraft juddering on the brink of a stall. Straightening out, the curtain lifted and I saw a confusion of planes , diving and twisting.”

This is an exert from the first page of Hugh Dundas autobiography, which puts you straight in the cockpit of a spitfire under fire from a ME109.

The book chronicles his experiences from the beginning of his service through the end of the war, offering a candid and vivid first-hand account of the life of an RAF fighter pilot.

Hugh who lost his brother John during the Battle of Britain quickly rose through the ranks and was the youngest Group Captain. He was awarded CBE, DSO & DFC.

Highly recommended 4.5 stars.

[K T · Rating 5 out of 5]

quote from 100 ONE NIGHT READS:among the raft of war memoirs, this one is special because of its remarkable combination of immediacy and perspective.... It is clearly written, fast-paced and highly informative, and reminds us that if there is something truly special in our own lives, each of us should consider writing it down for our own and other's benefit." I purchased a hard-cover edition on-line. In reading of the Battle of Britain, I needed to re-watch some of the movies of WWII. My husband was a great source of information on the planes and battles.

[Robert Hepple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 1988, Flying Start charts the wartime career of Hugh Dundas, a pilot with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. His impressive exploits are described as he passed through several units flying Hurricanes, Spitfires and Typhoons, progressing up the promotion ladder on the way. His grasp of the technical details of the aircraft that he flew in or against is often quite poor, but this is less important than the historical descriptions of key events. Enjoyable.

[Dave]

good narrative

[Dan A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this