Winged Combat: My Story as a Spitfire Pilot in WWII

by William Arthur Bishop, William Arthur Bishop

Just 18 years old in 1941, Arthur Bishop, as a newly minted fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), was posted overseas with 401 Squadron, flying Spitfires. The rest, as they say, is history --- but what a history! 'Winged Combat' takes us from the hijinks of a green recruit to his dramatic forays across the English Channel into dogfights with the Luftwaffe over Occupied Europe. Bishop's bird's-eye view of the D-Day landings is one of the finest recollections of that epic event.

Throughout this compelling account, Billy Bishop flies in and out of the picture, giving his son - and the reader - an insider's view of high command, Bishop continues his life story after the war in the media arena, populated by presidents and prime ministers, movie stars and business moguls.

Written in Arthur Bishop's inimitable and highly entertaining style, 'Winged Combat' is an anecdote-filled, rollicking book.

366 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[KOMET · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Winged Combat" is not simply the story of one man's experiences as a Spitfire pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in World War II, but also the story of a man -- son of a legendary First World War fighter ace --- who lived a rich, challenging, and eventful life. Arthur Bishop is also an engaging storyteller, sharing with readers the arc of his life, ranging from fighter pilot, to journalist, to ad-man for one of Canada's most successful advertising agencies, founder of his own public relations company, and in his latter years an author of several best-selling books. I enjoyed very much reading this memoir.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight on the upbringing and career of Arthur Bishop, son of Billy Bishop.