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Spitfire
A gripping tale of the courage and heroism of Churchill's "Few" based on true events. Perfect for fans of Robert Radcliffe and Laura Hillenbrand.
May 1940. The French and British armies are in retreat as Hitler's blitzkrieg storms through France. Finally, they are beaten back to the coast at Dunkirk, with nowhere left to flee.
Churchill is determined to rescue as many men as possible, for without her army, Britain is sunk. A plan is hatched to evacuate the men from the beaches by sea, but it will take the combined strength of all the forces to ensure its success.
Sam, a young RAF pilot flies sorties daily over France, engaging the enemy in the skies over Dunkirk. He is determined to protect the men trapped on the beaches below, and give them a fighting chance of returning to home shores.
Day after day he returns to base when others do not. He witnesses friends shot down by the Luftwaffe, sometimes lost at sea. And each time he wonders when his luck will run out, yet still, he returns to the hell in the skies.
Survival is Victory.
2020 is the 75th anniversary of VE Day. While the war still raged on in the Pacific, it was finally over for all in Europe and great celebrations rolled out around the world. Why not celebrate by reading a new book about those remarkable times, and in doing so, remember the "Few" who gave their all for us today. Lest We Forget.
May 1940. The French and British armies are in retreat as Hitler's blitzkrieg storms through France. Finally, they are beaten back to the coast at Dunkirk, with nowhere left to flee.
Churchill is determined to rescue as many men as possible, for without her army, Britain is sunk. A plan is hatched to evacuate the men from the beaches by sea, but it will take the combined strength of all the forces to ensure its success.
Sam, a young RAF pilot flies sorties daily over France, engaging the enemy in the skies over Dunkirk. He is determined to protect the men trapped on the beaches below, and give them a fighting chance of returning to home shores.
Day after day he returns to base when others do not. He witnesses friends shot down by the Luftwaffe, sometimes lost at sea. And each time he wonders when his luck will run out, yet still, he returns to the hell in the skies.
Survival is Victory.
2020 is the 75th anniversary of VE Day. While the war still raged on in the Pacific, it was finally over for all in Europe and great celebrations rolled out around the world. Why not celebrate by reading a new book about those remarkable times, and in doing so, remember the "Few" who gave their all for us today. Lest We Forget.
24 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2020
About the author
Suzy Henderson
8 books125 followersSuzy Henderson writes historical fiction, historical fantasy, and contemporary romance.
Her novel Madame Fiocca—based on the incredible true story of Nancy Wake, one of the most decorated women of WWII—has captivated readers worldwide.
Her debut novel, The Beauty Shop, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion and explores the remarkable work of Sir Archibald McIndoe and the RAF airmen of the Guinea Pig Club.
Suzy studied creative writing and English Literature at The Open University and fell in love with storytelling. Now, she brings the past to life through her fiction, often weaving together history, resilience, and untold heroism. She lives on the edge of the Lake District, a place that continually inspires her writing.
📖 Join her mailing list for book news & updates: https://suzyhenderson.com/
📚 Find her on social media:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/suzy-...
https://twitter.com/Suzy_Henderson
https://www.facebook.com/SuzyHenderso...
https://www.instagram.com/authorsuzyh...
https://www.tiktok.com/@authorsuzyhen...
Request Her Darkest Hour on NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/catalog/b...
Her novel Madame Fiocca—based on the incredible true story of Nancy Wake, one of the most decorated women of WWII—has captivated readers worldwide.
Her debut novel, The Beauty Shop, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion and explores the remarkable work of Sir Archibald McIndoe and the RAF airmen of the Guinea Pig Club.
Suzy studied creative writing and English Literature at The Open University and fell in love with storytelling. Now, she brings the past to life through her fiction, often weaving together history, resilience, and untold heroism. She lives on the edge of the Lake District, a place that continually inspires her writing.
📖 Join her mailing list for book news & updates: https://suzyhenderson.com/
📚 Find her on social media:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/suzy-...
https://twitter.com/Suzy_Henderson
https://www.facebook.com/SuzyHenderso...
https://www.instagram.com/authorsuzyh...
https://www.tiktok.com/@authorsuzyhen...
Request Her Darkest Hour on NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/catalog/b...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 6, 2026
I had previously read and can recommend ‘The Beauty Shop’ by this author which paid tribute to the bomber pilots from allied countries who flew missions over Europe day after day, and the extraordinary surgeon Sir Archie McIndoe who worked tirelessly to repair their injuries.
After reading the book, I knew this short story would be equally compelling and filled with an accurate depiction of life in the air for these courageous and dedicated young Spitfire pilots. Their mission during this particular period of time was to protect the men on the beaches, the Royal Naval ships and the incredible civilian flotilla desperately attempting to evacuate them all.
We follow a young pilot, Sam. over 24 hours as he flies mission after mission with barely time to refuel and grab something to eat before taking to the air again in his patched up aircraft he calls Grace. Becoming close friends with your fellow pilots was necessary, as the bonds in the air, and on the ground were needed to bolster the courage required of them. But this close bond made it even more difficult when one of them was lost, something that happened on a daily basis.
This story will not take you long to read, but it is one that you will relive in your mind long after it is finished. It is a tribute to all those involved in the operation, but in particular to young men whose lives were cut short in the line of duty, and those who had to live with the physical and mental scars for the rest of their lives.
Whilst it may not be a light-hearted read, it is without doubt one that captures that week in the summer of 1940 and the inspiring courage of a generation of young men who gave their all in the service of others.
After reading the book, I knew this short story would be equally compelling and filled with an accurate depiction of life in the air for these courageous and dedicated young Spitfire pilots. Their mission during this particular period of time was to protect the men on the beaches, the Royal Naval ships and the incredible civilian flotilla desperately attempting to evacuate them all.
We follow a young pilot, Sam. over 24 hours as he flies mission after mission with barely time to refuel and grab something to eat before taking to the air again in his patched up aircraft he calls Grace. Becoming close friends with your fellow pilots was necessary, as the bonds in the air, and on the ground were needed to bolster the courage required of them. But this close bond made it even more difficult when one of them was lost, something that happened on a daily basis.
This story will not take you long to read, but it is one that you will relive in your mind long after it is finished. It is a tribute to all those involved in the operation, but in particular to young men whose lives were cut short in the line of duty, and those who had to live with the physical and mental scars for the rest of their lives.
Whilst it may not be a light-hearted read, it is without doubt one that captures that week in the summer of 1940 and the inspiring courage of a generation of young men who gave their all in the service of others.
June 1, 2021
NOTE: Goodreads flagged this review with ** spoiler alert ** that would only be so if you know nothing about Dunkirk at all.
A short story from the author Suzy Henderson outlining Operation Dynamo, Churchill's answer to the stranded, outnumbered allied troops trapped on the beach at Dunkirk. 340,000 men were rescued by Britishers in little boats, a feat that gave Britain a chance to win the war. Without those allied troops rescued by British fishermen and pleasure boat owners, the war would have been lost for sure. Ms. Henderson has several novels set in WWII Europe, many of which I own on Kindle. She paints these stories with compassion and details that bring the past alive.
Reviewed on June 1, 2021, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review at Barnes&Noble, Kobo, or GooglePlay.
A short story from the author Suzy Henderson outlining Operation Dynamo, Churchill's answer to the stranded, outnumbered allied troops trapped on the beach at Dunkirk. 340,000 men were rescued by Britishers in little boats, a feat that gave Britain a chance to win the war. Without those allied troops rescued by British fishermen and pleasure boat owners, the war would have been lost for sure. Ms. Henderson has several novels set in WWII Europe, many of which I own on Kindle. She paints these stories with compassion and details that bring the past alive.
Reviewed on June 1, 2021, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review at Barnes&Noble, Kobo, or GooglePlay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2020
Riveting Snapshot of a Pilot's Life in Wartime
A thoroughly enjoyable short story that seems to condense an age into 24 hours in the life of Spitfire pilot Sam, in 1940 England. He mourns the loss of his roommate, Kit, shot down over Dunkirk, as if he were a long standing friend - but a three week friendship is a lifetime for pilots who live on the edge, risking their lives every time they take to the skies. The author skilfully evokes wartime England and the tension is palpable.
A thoroughly enjoyable short story that seems to condense an age into 24 hours in the life of Spitfire pilot Sam, in 1940 England. He mourns the loss of his roommate, Kit, shot down over Dunkirk, as if he were a long standing friend - but a three week friendship is a lifetime for pilots who live on the edge, risking their lives every time they take to the skies. The author skilfully evokes wartime England and the tension is palpable.
August 21, 2020
Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines
A short adrenaline rush of a story. Having both parents in the RAF, I grew up on an early diet of Biggles and graduated to my all time favourite Reach For The Sky as well as The Dam Busters and Enemy Coast Ahead, to name just a couple.
This brief snapshot of a Spitfire pilot and his squadron’s sorties over Dunkirk brings back all those wonderful memories of the bravest of the brave. Thoroughly recommended for lovers of WWII flying.
Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for a wonderful trip down memory lane.
A short adrenaline rush of a story. Having both parents in the RAF, I grew up on an early diet of Biggles and graduated to my all time favourite Reach For The Sky as well as The Dam Busters and Enemy Coast Ahead, to name just a couple.
This brief snapshot of a Spitfire pilot and his squadron’s sorties over Dunkirk brings back all those wonderful memories of the bravest of the brave. Thoroughly recommended for lovers of WWII flying.
Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for a wonderful trip down memory lane.
June 27, 2021
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Spitfire
Subtitle: A WWII Short Story
Author: Suzy Henderson
Genre: Historic fiction
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Like the other two books I’ve read by this author, this book is based on real-life events. It tells us about the real-life terror of WW2 for the Spitfire pilots. This is another great book.
What I liked about the book:
The book is easy to read and a page-turner.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire story.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was enjoyable in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the third book I’ve read from this author’s hand.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book continues in the same style of the other two books by this author. They are great reads for those wishing to know more about the second world war.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like historic fiction based on real-life, this book may be the book for you.
Book Description by Author:
A gripping tale of the courage and heroism of Churchill's "Few" based on true events. Perfect for fans of Robert Radcliffe and Laura Hillenbrand.
May 1940. The French and British armies are in retreat as Hitler's blitzkrieg storms through France. Finally, they are beaten back to the coast at Dunkirk, with nowhere left to flee.
Churchill is determined to rescue as many men as possible, for without her army, Britain is sunk. A plan is hatched to evacuate the men from the beaches by sea, but it will take the combined strength of all the forces to ensure its success.
Sam, a young RAF pilot flies sorties daily over France, engaging the enemy in the skies over Dunkirk. He is determined to protect the men trapped on the beaches below, and give them a fighting chance of returning to home shores.
Day after day he returns to base when others do not. He witnesses friends shot down by the Luftwaffe, sometimes lost at sea. And each time he wonders when his luck will run out, yet still, he returns to the hell in the skies.
Survival is Victory.
2020 is the 75th anniversary of VE Day. While the war still raged on in the Pacific, it was finally over for all in Europe and great celebrations rolled out around the world. Why not celebrate by reading a new book about those remarkable times, and in doing so, remember the "Few" who gave their all for us today. Lest We Forget.
About the Author:
The Beauty Shop, my debut novel, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion. It is based on the true story of Sir Archibald McIndoe and the Guinea Pig Club - an exclusive club for RAF pilots and airmen who required plastic surgery as a result of their war injuries and were under the care of this enigmatic New Zealander and pioneering plastic surgeon.
My second novel, Madame Fiocca, was released in 2019. Based on a true story, this gripping adventure follows the tempestuous life of Nancy Wake before and during the Second World War.
Spitfire, a short story, was released in 2020 and is set during WW2.
To receive all my latest book news, do join the mailing list here: https://suzyhendersonauthor.com/sign-up/
I live with my family on the edge of the Lake District, an area that has always inspired me. After a career in healthcare, I studied creative writing and English at The Open University and fell in love with writing. Armed with a pen, a love of reading and a growing obsession with military and aviation history, I slipped seamlessly into writing historical fiction.
Please do catch up with me on social media here:
https://twitter.com/Suzy_Henderson
https://www.facebook.com/SuzyHenderso...
Basic Details:
Book Title: Spitfire
Subtitle: A WWII Short Story
Author: Suzy Henderson
Genre: Historic fiction
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Like the other two books I’ve read by this author, this book is based on real-life events. It tells us about the real-life terror of WW2 for the Spitfire pilots. This is another great book.
What I liked about the book:
The book is easy to read and a page-turner.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire story.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was enjoyable in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the third book I’ve read from this author’s hand.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book continues in the same style of the other two books by this author. They are great reads for those wishing to know more about the second world war.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like historic fiction based on real-life, this book may be the book for you.
Book Description by Author:
A gripping tale of the courage and heroism of Churchill's "Few" based on true events. Perfect for fans of Robert Radcliffe and Laura Hillenbrand.
May 1940. The French and British armies are in retreat as Hitler's blitzkrieg storms through France. Finally, they are beaten back to the coast at Dunkirk, with nowhere left to flee.
Churchill is determined to rescue as many men as possible, for without her army, Britain is sunk. A plan is hatched to evacuate the men from the beaches by sea, but it will take the combined strength of all the forces to ensure its success.
Sam, a young RAF pilot flies sorties daily over France, engaging the enemy in the skies over Dunkirk. He is determined to protect the men trapped on the beaches below, and give them a fighting chance of returning to home shores.
Day after day he returns to base when others do not. He witnesses friends shot down by the Luftwaffe, sometimes lost at sea. And each time he wonders when his luck will run out, yet still, he returns to the hell in the skies.
Survival is Victory.
2020 is the 75th anniversary of VE Day. While the war still raged on in the Pacific, it was finally over for all in Europe and great celebrations rolled out around the world. Why not celebrate by reading a new book about those remarkable times, and in doing so, remember the "Few" who gave their all for us today. Lest We Forget.
About the Author:
The Beauty Shop, my debut novel, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion. It is based on the true story of Sir Archibald McIndoe and the Guinea Pig Club - an exclusive club for RAF pilots and airmen who required plastic surgery as a result of their war injuries and were under the care of this enigmatic New Zealander and pioneering plastic surgeon.
My second novel, Madame Fiocca, was released in 2019. Based on a true story, this gripping adventure follows the tempestuous life of Nancy Wake before and during the Second World War.
Spitfire, a short story, was released in 2020 and is set during WW2.
To receive all my latest book news, do join the mailing list here: https://suzyhendersonauthor.com/sign-up/
I live with my family on the edge of the Lake District, an area that has always inspired me. After a career in healthcare, I studied creative writing and English at The Open University and fell in love with writing. Armed with a pen, a love of reading and a growing obsession with military and aviation history, I slipped seamlessly into writing historical fiction.
Please do catch up with me on social media here:
https://twitter.com/Suzy_Henderson
https://www.facebook.com/SuzyHenderso...
March 25, 2021
Breath taking, heart wrenching
A fabulous story based on history which puts you in the cockpit, the early morning wake up call, and the beer hall from the previous night. You stagger along with the pilot who has just exited his Spitfire to lean against its bullet riddled frame trying to regain his balance. Your heart will break as those pilots long for just one more time at home eating a meal with family and loved ones and wishing their roommate had made it back safely. A well written story from a delightful author who leaves no detail out.
A fabulous story based on history which puts you in the cockpit, the early morning wake up call, and the beer hall from the previous night. You stagger along with the pilot who has just exited his Spitfire to lean against its bullet riddled frame trying to regain his balance. Your heart will break as those pilots long for just one more time at home eating a meal with family and loved ones and wishing their roommate had made it back safely. A well written story from a delightful author who leaves no detail out.
June 11, 2026
This was a short read, but it punched well above its weight!
The story concerns a WWII Spitfire pilot making sorties to Dunkirk to protect the stranded troops from enemy fire. Sam is exhausted and aware that he’s been lucky to survive for so long. “Aerial warfare has shown us how dispensable we are. Each sortie is a game of Russian Roulette”. The average life expectancy of a pilot then was frighteningly low and so I read the entire book in suspense and trepidation.
The tale is beautifully written. The feel for the exhilaration of flying is captured perfectly, as are the excitement of engagements, the yearning for home (and how things were), and the dreadful sense of loss when friends’ names are wiped off the board.
The author has clearly done her research and that adds authenticity and realism without coming across as a PowerPoint demonstration. I was deeply moved by this short tale and will definitely be looking for more by this talented author.
The story concerns a WWII Spitfire pilot making sorties to Dunkirk to protect the stranded troops from enemy fire. Sam is exhausted and aware that he’s been lucky to survive for so long. “Aerial warfare has shown us how dispensable we are. Each sortie is a game of Russian Roulette”. The average life expectancy of a pilot then was frighteningly low and so I read the entire book in suspense and trepidation.
The tale is beautifully written. The feel for the exhilaration of flying is captured perfectly, as are the excitement of engagements, the yearning for home (and how things were), and the dreadful sense of loss when friends’ names are wiped off the board.
The author has clearly done her research and that adds authenticity and realism without coming across as a PowerPoint demonstration. I was deeply moved by this short tale and will definitely be looking for more by this talented author.
December 20, 2021
Incredible history!
Some say the Spitfire flies you and I think they are spot on.
What an amazing feat that the RAF accomplished in May 1940. Operation Dynamo was set in place to evacuate the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk. It is said that without the RAF many more would have died.
This novella was published by Avis Press. My comments were in no way solicited.
Some say the Spitfire flies you and I think they are spot on.
What an amazing feat that the RAF accomplished in May 1940. Operation Dynamo was set in place to evacuate the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk. It is said that without the RAF many more would have died.
This novella was published by Avis Press. My comments were in no way solicited.
August 20, 2022
Gripping!
An extremely gripping short story of the experiences of a Spitfire pilot during World War II.
Suzy Henderson has obviously done her research, and the reader is taken into the cockpit of a Spitfire along with the pilot. These heroes risked their lives every time they took to the air, and the author has captured the life brilliantly.
As a fan of WW2 fiction, I enjoyed this immensely.
An extremely gripping short story of the experiences of a Spitfire pilot during World War II.
Suzy Henderson has obviously done her research, and the reader is taken into the cockpit of a Spitfire along with the pilot. These heroes risked their lives every time they took to the air, and the author has captured the life brilliantly.
As a fan of WW2 fiction, I enjoyed this immensely.
February 27, 2026
true to life
This short story was so poignant. It really clarified the lives of the pilots. Losing friends left right and centre. Their lives were absolutely awful waiting in the call to scramble. Living on hardly any sleep. They were true heroes
This short story was so poignant. It really clarified the lives of the pilots. Losing friends left right and centre. Their lives were absolutely awful waiting in the call to scramble. Living on hardly any sleep. They were true heroes
March 21, 2022
A great fast-paced tale of Spitfire sorties over Dunkirk. Can’t wait to read The Beauty Shop, especially as I interviewed one of his, “Guinea-pigs” for a school history paper.
June 8, 2026
Just an episode, but an important one about the tense evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940. "No time to think, just act."
November 26, 2021
Excellent insight into the Spitfire pilots flights. Many of these flights were "death" missions for so many. They fought for OUR freedom!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews