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A Willingness to Die: Memories from Fighter Command
In 1938 Brian Kingcome joined the RAF with a permanent commission and was posted to No 65 Fighter Squadron at Hornchurch, soon to be equipped with the Spitfire, and so it came about that Brian flew the Spitfire throughout the war. He became acting CO for No 92 Squadron at Biggin Hill and led over sixty operations, achieving the highest success rate of any squadron in the Battle of Britain. In May 1943 Brian joined Desert Air Force in Malta and took command of 244 Wing. At this time he was confirmed Flight Lieutenant, acting Squadron Leader, acting Wing Commander and at twenty-five was one of the youngest Group Captains in the Royal Air Force. Brian Kingcome may have been the last Battle of Britain pilot of repute to put his extraordinary story into print; looked upon by other members of his squadron as possibly their finest pilot, his nonetheless unassuming memoirs are related with a subtle and compassionate regard for a generation who were, as he felt, born to a specific task. Brian's memoirs have been edited and introduced by Peter Ford, ex-National Serviceman in Malaya.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 31, 2024
This was not really what I expected. Having read Geoffrey Wellum’s peerless First Light, and knowing that Kingcome was a member of the same squadron, I had expected something similar. However, reading the introduction, it’s clear that Kingcome died having written only a first draft of the book. It was then polished for publication but Kingcome’s death prevented him adding further material.
As a result, the book is actually much more a memoir of Kingcome’s life than an account of the Battle of Britain, or indeed the Second World War. In fact, there’s surprisingly little on the battle and not too much more on the war. However, Kingcome’s life was fascinating, and the insight into the training and preparations for the war are well worth reading.
There are places where the book suggests it might have become one of the great memoirs of a pilot’s life if Kingcome had been given more time to work on it. As it stands, it’s a valuable insight into the milieu of the sort of man who ended up flying planes in the Second War, and a tribute to a fine man, but it’s not the book it might have been.
As a result, the book is actually much more a memoir of Kingcome’s life than an account of the Battle of Britain, or indeed the Second World War. In fact, there’s surprisingly little on the battle and not too much more on the war. However, Kingcome’s life was fascinating, and the insight into the training and preparations for the war are well worth reading.
There are places where the book suggests it might have become one of the great memoirs of a pilot’s life if Kingcome had been given more time to work on it. As it stands, it’s a valuable insight into the milieu of the sort of man who ended up flying planes in the Second War, and a tribute to a fine man, but it’s not the book it might have been.
January 16, 2020
An exceptional book about an exceptional human being. Quite a remarkable life, full of achievements, also incredibly humble person never wishing to make a fuss.
Life then was different, values were important and life lived to the full in a world at war.
Life then was different, values were important and life lived to the full in a world at war.
June 4, 2022
A willingness to read.
Excellent and engaging, a thoroughly enjoyable read, the story of a modest man in the right time and place for the people of Britain and future generations.
Excellent and engaging, a thoroughly enjoyable read, the story of a modest man in the right time and place for the people of Britain and future generations.
July 14, 2015
A good case study in mental resilience, and in leadership.
Not to be read if seeking sensational accounts of aerial combat, but a fruitful read if you are patient enough to let yourself sink into his worldview and move with the same affable calm that he did.
Not to be read if seeking sensational accounts of aerial combat, but a fruitful read if you are patient enough to let yourself sink into his worldview and move with the same affable calm that he did.
November 14, 2019
Dit lag me niet echt, zeker op persoonlijk vlak. Weet niet goed wat ik van de protagonist moet maken.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews