What do you think?
Rate this book
Take Off
The year is 1917.
When the newly qualified pilots Paul Dacre and Freddie Cunningham arrive in Foutriquet-en-Crotte in France in the summer of 1917 to join the fierce allied fight against the Germans, they are fresh out of school and filled with enthusiasm for the task that awaits them.
However, placed under the command of the eccentric Major Simon Beresford, it’s not long before their optimistic attitudes are truly tested by the grim reality of life at the front.
As they settle in and get to know their fellow squadrons, they quickly find themselves coming face to face with a bewildering and terrifying succession of new emotional and physical experiences.
From flying and fighting, to fleeting romances, Dacre and Cunningham soon discover that it is hard to stay positive in the face of adversity.
As they experience a range of firsts, from their first flight to their first kill, and their first real taste of romance, they learn a lot about the differences in human nature, the secret lives of women and, above all, about themselves.
‘Take Off’ is a thrilling World War One novel about the daring escapades of RAF pilots. It was previously published as ‘The Fire’s Breath’.
It is perfect for fans of Alistair MacLean and Jack Higgins.
'A thrilling page turner.' - Tom Kasey, best-selling author of 'Trade Off'.
Richard Townshend Bickers volunteered for the RAF on the outbreak of the second world war and served, with a Permanent Commission, for eighteen years. He wrote a range of military fiction and non-fiction books, including ‘Torpedo Attack’, ‘My Enemy Came Nigh’, ‘Bombing Run’ and ‘Summer of No Surrender’.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
When the newly qualified pilots Paul Dacre and Freddie Cunningham arrive in Foutriquet-en-Crotte in France in the summer of 1917 to join the fierce allied fight against the Germans, they are fresh out of school and filled with enthusiasm for the task that awaits them.
However, placed under the command of the eccentric Major Simon Beresford, it’s not long before their optimistic attitudes are truly tested by the grim reality of life at the front.
As they settle in and get to know their fellow squadrons, they quickly find themselves coming face to face with a bewildering and terrifying succession of new emotional and physical experiences.
From flying and fighting, to fleeting romances, Dacre and Cunningham soon discover that it is hard to stay positive in the face of adversity.
As they experience a range of firsts, from their first flight to their first kill, and their first real taste of romance, they learn a lot about the differences in human nature, the secret lives of women and, above all, about themselves.
‘Take Off’ is a thrilling World War One novel about the daring escapades of RAF pilots. It was previously published as ‘The Fire’s Breath’.
It is perfect for fans of Alistair MacLean and Jack Higgins.
'A thrilling page turner.' - Tom Kasey, best-selling author of 'Trade Off'.
Richard Townshend Bickers volunteered for the RAF on the outbreak of the second world war and served, with a Permanent Commission, for eighteen years. He wrote a range of military fiction and non-fiction books, including ‘Torpedo Attack’, ‘My Enemy Came Nigh’, ‘Bombing Run’ and ‘Summer of No Surrender’.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2015
42 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Richard Townshend Bickers
85 books14 followersRichard Leslie Townshend Bickers has written more books about the RAF and its predecessor, the RFC, than any other author past or present - some under a pseudonym. Being multilingual, he does his own research in foreign archives and by interviews and correspondence. His short stories and newspaper articles were first published and broadcast while he was a serving RAF officer. By the time he left the RAF his first four novels had appeared. His biography of his friend "Ginger" Lacey, the top-scoring pilot in the Battle of Britain, was published to acclaim in 1962.Bickers volunteered for the RAF on the outbreak of war and served, with a Permanent Commission, for eighteen years. In England he operated with Fighter and Coastal Commands; in North Africa and Italy with Desert Air Force and Mediterranean Allied Coastal Air Force. After the war he did a tour in Hong Kong and Malaya.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 16, 2022
Air battle
An intense story of the life at the frontline during WW I. New machines on both sides, competing to control the air.
An intense story of the life at the frontline during WW I. New machines on both sides, competing to control the air.
Displaying 1 of 1 review