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Tally-Ho!: Yankee in a Spitfire
In 1940, an ordinary American from a Midwest farm came to a country at war, joined its fighting forces, mingled with its fighting men, and fought and fell and fought again.
Donahue felt it his duty as a believer in a civilised way of life to throw his lot in with Britain, and felt it a privilege to be able to serve alongside her forces.
A civilian pilot, upon hearing that the R.A.F. was hiring Americans for non-combatant jobs Donahue made his way to Canada, where he was promptly hired.
Shipped to Britain, Donahue was commissioned as a Pilot Officer and began the transition to a war-time fighter pilot as the skies above Britain transformed into a battlefield.
Filled with technical insights and descriptions of what his senses experienced, Donahue transports the reader into his heavy fur-lined flying boots.
As an American abroad Donahue’s memoir also acts as window to a bygone age, shining a light onto life in England during the Blitz from a visitor’s point of view.
Tally-Ho! Yankee in a Spitfire is Donahue’s vivid account of the first part of his service with the R.A.F., chronicling the years 1940-1.
Arthur Gerald Donahue (1913-42) was an American fighter pilot who volunteered to fly for the R.A.F in 1940, fighting in the Battle of Britain. In March 1942 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, before becoming the first American to command an all-English Squadron later in the year. Reaching the rank of Flight Lieutenant, he was killed in action in September 1942, aged twenty-nine.
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Donahue felt it his duty as a believer in a civilised way of life to throw his lot in with Britain, and felt it a privilege to be able to serve alongside her forces.
A civilian pilot, upon hearing that the R.A.F. was hiring Americans for non-combatant jobs Donahue made his way to Canada, where he was promptly hired.
Shipped to Britain, Donahue was commissioned as a Pilot Officer and began the transition to a war-time fighter pilot as the skies above Britain transformed into a battlefield.
Filled with technical insights and descriptions of what his senses experienced, Donahue transports the reader into his heavy fur-lined flying boots.
As an American abroad Donahue’s memoir also acts as window to a bygone age, shining a light onto life in England during the Blitz from a visitor’s point of view.
Tally-Ho! Yankee in a Spitfire is Donahue’s vivid account of the first part of his service with the R.A.F., chronicling the years 1940-1.
Arthur Gerald Donahue (1913-42) was an American fighter pilot who volunteered to fly for the R.A.F in 1940, fighting in the Battle of Britain. In March 1942 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, before becoming the first American to command an all-English Squadron later in the year. Reaching the rank of Flight Lieutenant, he was killed in action in September 1942, aged twenty-nine.
Albion Press is an imprint of Endeavour Press, 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.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1941
37 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Gerald Donahue
12 books1 followerFlight Lieutenant Arthur Gerald "Art" Donahue, DFC
American pilot who volunteered, before America's entry in World War II, to fly with the Royal Air Force. He flew fighters with No. 64 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, No. 71 'Eagle' Squadron (one of three fighter squadrons consisting of American volunteers), No. 91 Squadron, No. 258 Squadron, and lastly again with No. 91 Squadron. He was killed in action when his plane was shot down over the English Channel. Veteran of the Battle of Britain and the Battle of Singapore and a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Author of 'Tally-Ho!: Yankee in a Spitfire' (1941) and the posthumously published 'Last Flight from Singapore' (1943).
American pilot who volunteered, before America's entry in World War II, to fly with the Royal Air Force. He flew fighters with No. 64 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, No. 71 'Eagle' Squadron (one of three fighter squadrons consisting of American volunteers), No. 91 Squadron, No. 258 Squadron, and lastly again with No. 91 Squadron. He was killed in action when his plane was shot down over the English Channel. Veteran of the Battle of Britain and the Battle of Singapore and a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Author of 'Tally-Ho!: Yankee in a Spitfire' (1941) and the posthumously published 'Last Flight from Singapore' (1943).
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 25, 2019
Good book about the experiences of a young American fighter pilot flying for the RAF in the Battle of Britain. He wrote this book shortly before his death in 1942 and the writing is true to the era and probably for security reasons, there are not many names or operational info included in the book.
April 10, 2019
Interesting biography
I enjoyed learning more about the air battles of the Second World War. Even though this was an autobiography, he did not overburden the reader with endless personal stories relating how great he was.
I enjoyed learning more about the air battles of the Second World War. Even though this was an autobiography, he did not overburden the reader with endless personal stories relating how great he was.
September 14, 2017
If you were a young man from Minnesota right before WWII, you might have been this young man. He describes himself as “not a hero”. But, I disagree.
He voluntarily goes to Britain to join the RAF. He does this at a time when it was possible that he might lose his US citizenship by joining the RAF. He did it anyway. He did it because he believed it was the right thing to do. He did it because he believed Britain was about to be invaded by Germany. He did it because he is a heroic young man.
This is not a fast and furious description of air battles. But it is a story of what life was like at that place and at that time. What life was like while the country was being bombed. Most of all, what life was like living among people he admired very much.
If you are someone who enjoys reading personal history of WWII, you will like this book very much. I liked it very much.
This is a true story which is written with the honesty of a modest but very heroic man.
He voluntarily goes to Britain to join the RAF. He does this at a time when it was possible that he might lose his US citizenship by joining the RAF. He did it anyway. He did it because he believed it was the right thing to do. He did it because he believed Britain was about to be invaded by Germany. He did it because he is a heroic young man.
This is not a fast and furious description of air battles. But it is a story of what life was like at that place and at that time. What life was like while the country was being bombed. Most of all, what life was like living among people he admired very much.
If you are someone who enjoys reading personal history of WWII, you will like this book very much. I liked it very much.
This is a true story which is written with the honesty of a modest but very heroic man.
June 7, 2018
Great story of an American Spitfire pilot
As a US Navy pilot, his story seems quite familiar of squadron life. Very authentic. His description of the details of what it was like to fly Spitfires was very interesting. Very humble guy and a great hero. In June 1940, he decides to use his skills as a commercial pilot and six weeks later he's a RAF pilot flying Spitfires against BF-109's. Amazing! Where do we find such men!
As a US Navy pilot, his story seems quite familiar of squadron life. Very authentic. His description of the details of what it was like to fly Spitfires was very interesting. Very humble guy and a great hero. In June 1940, he decides to use his skills as a commercial pilot and six weeks later he's a RAF pilot flying Spitfires against BF-109's. Amazing! Where do we find such men!
January 26, 2025
Tally-Ho! Yankee in a Spitfire is the action-packed account of American fighter pilot Art Donahue's time flying with Great Britain's R.A.F. during the early days of World War II. Donahue describes combat patrols over the English Channel, skirmishes with Messerschmitts, dogfights galore and his ultimate crowning achievement of fighting for the British during the Battle of Britain in the summer and fall of 1940.
September 5, 2017
WWII Story
Tale of an American who joined the RAF during the Battle of Britain. There is a great deal of propaganda in it as the writer tries to overcome American isolationism. It is a good story and probably served its purpose.
Tale of an American who joined the RAF during the Battle of Britain. There is a great deal of propaganda in it as the writer tries to overcome American isolationism. It is a good story and probably served its purpose.
August 1, 2017
It was so vivid while I was reading this book I felt like I'm in the middle of the dogfight.
December 18, 2019
Docudrama
Good description of Battle of Britain conflict. Somewhat dispassionate in story. I enjoyed it and recommend for anyone wanting a accurate portrayal.
Good description of Battle of Britain conflict. Somewhat dispassionate in story. I enjoyed it and recommend for anyone wanting a accurate portrayal.
October 31, 2020
Total B.S
This is a 0 star book. It is a total fabrication it is in no way nonfiction. It would be more of a WWII Saturday war movie script.
This is a 0 star book. It is a total fabrication it is in no way nonfiction. It would be more of a WWII Saturday war movie script.
October 24, 2016
Wonderful book
This book is written as a autobiographical book. The author gives the reader great details about the everyday life of a RAF pilot who happens to be American.
This book is written as a autobiographical book. The author gives the reader great details about the everyday life of a RAF pilot who happens to be American.
February 22, 2017
A good read.
I love reading first hand accounts of peoples experiences, especially during the war years. I have to say on seeing the title 'yankee in a spitfire' i was concerned that it would be a glorified account, however I was so wrong, Arthur Donahue is such a modest man. This book, written whilst he was sat waiting to go on patrol is a brilliant read and a fascinating first hand account, and insight into his life as a spitfire pilot, and also into his travels in and out of London etc, describing what he saw and felt. Such a brave bunch of young men to whom we all owe an awful lot. I will most definitely read this book again, if you like reading about the war and 1st hand accounts you will enjoy it.
I love reading first hand accounts of peoples experiences, especially during the war years. I have to say on seeing the title 'yankee in a spitfire' i was concerned that it would be a glorified account, however I was so wrong, Arthur Donahue is such a modest man. This book, written whilst he was sat waiting to go on patrol is a brilliant read and a fascinating first hand account, and insight into his life as a spitfire pilot, and also into his travels in and out of London etc, describing what he saw and felt. Such a brave bunch of young men to whom we all owe an awful lot. I will most definitely read this book again, if you like reading about the war and 1st hand accounts you will enjoy it.
November 15, 2016
Arthur Donohue was a Minnesota farm boy who joined the RAF and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for action during World War II. "Tally-Ho! Yankee in a Spitfire" is his memoir of the period from mid-1940 to spring 1942, the period of the Battle of Britain. His cheerful, self-effacing style makes the book a fascinating and easy read.
Donahue tells in his story with a conversational flair; reading almost feels like sitting with a WWII vet and listening to his stories. The book was originally published in 1942, and he indicates that some names and details were not included because the war was still being pursued. Apparently, the book was written based on his diaries or notes because, although the narrative looks forward to future events in some places (anticipating the death of his fellow flyer, Peter, for example), the story is full of day-to-day details. For example one chapter gives a blow-by-blow description of what a day-in-the-life looked like for a Spitfire pilot. He describes what steps he took to check out a plane normally flown by a friend for his own flight (his usual plane was due for maintenance). His narrative about how he was shot down and parachuted to safety, though wounded, addresses exactly how he prepared to bail out and how he felt and reacted when he thought he was being shot at. He is particularly joyful when talking about the comradery of the flyers and their support personnel.
I found this short memoir especially enjoyable - I would love to have had the opportunity to meet Lt. Donahue.
Donahue tells in his story with a conversational flair; reading almost feels like sitting with a WWII vet and listening to his stories. The book was originally published in 1942, and he indicates that some names and details were not included because the war was still being pursued. Apparently, the book was written based on his diaries or notes because, although the narrative looks forward to future events in some places (anticipating the death of his fellow flyer, Peter, for example), the story is full of day-to-day details. For example one chapter gives a blow-by-blow description of what a day-in-the-life looked like for a Spitfire pilot. He describes what steps he took to check out a plane normally flown by a friend for his own flight (his usual plane was due for maintenance). His narrative about how he was shot down and parachuted to safety, though wounded, addresses exactly how he prepared to bail out and how he felt and reacted when he thought he was being shot at. He is particularly joyful when talking about the comradery of the flyers and their support personnel.
I found this short memoir especially enjoyable - I would love to have had the opportunity to meet Lt. Donahue.
November 18, 2016
Helpful in understanding life in our post-war years
Perhaps every generation looks at current events and wonders if our country is "going to Hell in a handbasket" which makes this book worth reading. The author's telling of the life he experienced in the States while on leave sounds so much like today. We resisted acknowledging there was evil in the world until it was fight or surrender and everyone sacrificed for the common good.
Perhaps every generation looks at current events and wonders if our country is "going to Hell in a handbasket" which makes this book worth reading. The author's telling of the life he experienced in the States while on leave sounds so much like today. We resisted acknowledging there was evil in the world until it was fight or surrender and everyone sacrificed for the common good.
November 23, 2016
A fantastic story, told so simply and directly, about life in the Battle of Britain. It doesn't have the depth of some of the other memoirs, but it has immediacy and honesty. It was written at the time, so a lot is, understandably, left out. It's incredible to think that this guy went from flying 100mph cropdusters in rural America, to fighting Germans over the English coast in a 300mph Spitfire, in just six weeks. Worth a read if you're a WW2 buff.
October 10, 2015
Written on the spot in Britain during the dark days of 1940, and published before the Pearl Harbor attack had even taken place. The U.S. had not yet entered the war; this is a unique eyewitness account.
It's a quick read, and what is perhaps missing in polished writing style and powerful prose is made up for by the raw, if charmingly understated, reality of the situation.
Highly recommended.
It's a quick read, and what is perhaps missing in polished writing style and powerful prose is made up for by the raw, if charmingly understated, reality of the situation.
Highly recommended.
January 19, 2016
I loved this book! It was like I was sitting with the author, listening to him speak. He brought to life an era I will never know. Wish I could have known him.....
Note to the site owners - I resent the demand for a certain number of words in the review. I will never do another review
Note to the site owners - I resent the demand for a certain number of words in the review. I will never do another review
October 8, 2017
Very nice first person account of the Battle of Britain.
Straight forward account of an American flying with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. Understated in a way only a other former military personnel would understand.
Straight forward account of an American flying with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. Understated in a way only a other former military personnel would understand.
October 25, 2016
Tally-:O! Yankee in a Spitfire
Normally when you read about pilots you expect lots of enemy flyers being shot down. This true tale has a lot of fighting, but goes the way of actual life experiences. Top notch, five stars.
Normally when you read about pilots you expect lots of enemy flyers being shot down. This true tale has a lot of fighting, but goes the way of actual life experiences. Top notch, five stars.
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November 12, 2016Most captivating but heart-breaking too..
November 15, 2016
100%, A1, Brilliant
A superb narrative. Lots of everyday little details like no other. Really has the flavor of the place and time. Wished that it would not end.
A superb narrative. Lots of everyday little details like no other. Really has the flavor of the place and time. Wished that it would not end.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews