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Flames in the Sky
English (translation)
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1951
290 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Pierre Clostermann
40 books12 followersPierre-Henri Clostermann DSO, DFC & Bar was a World War II French ace fighter pilot.
During the conflict he achieved 33 air-to-air combat victories, earning the accolade "France's First Fighter" from General Charles de Gaulle. His wartime memoir, The Big Show (Le Grand Cirque) became a notable bestseller. After the war, he worked as an engineer and was the youngest Member of France's Parliament.
In 1951, Clostermann authored an account of his wartime experiences entitled Le Grand Cirque (published in English as The Big Show). One of the first post-war fighter pilot memoirs, its various editions have sold over two and a half million copies. William Faulkner stated that "The Big Show" was one of the finest aviation books to come out of World War II. The book was reprinted, in expanded form, in both paperback and hardcover editions in 2004.
After the war, Clostermann continued his career as an engineer, participating in the creation of Reims Aviation, supporting the Max Holste Broussard prototype, acting as a representative for Cessna, and working for Renault.
He served eight terms as a député (member of parliament) in the French National Assembly between 1946 and 1969.
He re-enlisted in the French Air Force in 1956–57 to fly ground-attack missions during the Algerian War. He subsequently published a novel based on his experiences there, entitled Leo 25 Airborne.
Clostermann died on 22 March 2006 at his home at Montesquieu-des-Albères, in the French Pyrenees.
During the conflict he achieved 33 air-to-air combat victories, earning the accolade "France's First Fighter" from General Charles de Gaulle. His wartime memoir, The Big Show (Le Grand Cirque) became a notable bestseller. After the war, he worked as an engineer and was the youngest Member of France's Parliament.
In 1951, Clostermann authored an account of his wartime experiences entitled Le Grand Cirque (published in English as The Big Show). One of the first post-war fighter pilot memoirs, its various editions have sold over two and a half million copies. William Faulkner stated that "The Big Show" was one of the finest aviation books to come out of World War II. The book was reprinted, in expanded form, in both paperback and hardcover editions in 2004.
After the war, Clostermann continued his career as an engineer, participating in the creation of Reims Aviation, supporting the Max Holste Broussard prototype, acting as a representative for Cessna, and working for Renault.
He served eight terms as a député (member of parliament) in the French National Assembly between 1946 and 1969.
He re-enlisted in the French Air Force in 1956–57 to fly ground-attack missions during the Algerian War. He subsequently published a novel based on his experiences there, entitled Leo 25 Airborne.
Clostermann died on 22 March 2006 at his home at Montesquieu-des-Albères, in the French Pyrenees.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 13, 2022
Originally published in 1952, FLAMES IN THE SKY contains within it a series of stories full of derring-do based on various aspects of the air war during World War II from the German Blitzkrieg in the West in May 1940 to Japan's last gasp through the use of Kamikazes (suicide planes) to wrest victory from the inescapable pincers of defeat in August 1945.
While the stories contained within this book are essentially true, some of the details therein are questionable. For example, Clostermann's description of the actions of a German fighter pilot in a Messerschmitt 262 jet fighter in attacking an American bomber formation over Germany in April 1945, while written with a novelist's flourish, beggars belief. As does the details of the final Kamikaze mission of the war carried out by Admiral Matome Ugaki on August 15th, 1945. None of it matches with what really happened on that day. Clostermann describes it as a success. But in truth, Ugaki failed to hit his target, a group of U.S. warships near Okinawa.
Were FLAMES IN THE SKY a novel, I would rate it at 3 stars. But given that it has inaccuracies in it and that its author was himself a Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot during the war, I can only rate the book with 2 stars. I liked the book, but it is not a keeper.
While the stories contained within this book are essentially true, some of the details therein are questionable. For example, Clostermann's description of the actions of a German fighter pilot in a Messerschmitt 262 jet fighter in attacking an American bomber formation over Germany in April 1945, while written with a novelist's flourish, beggars belief. As does the details of the final Kamikaze mission of the war carried out by Admiral Matome Ugaki on August 15th, 1945. None of it matches with what really happened on that day. Clostermann describes it as a success. But in truth, Ugaki failed to hit his target, a group of U.S. warships near Okinawa.
Were FLAMES IN THE SKY a novel, I would rate it at 3 stars. But given that it has inaccuracies in it and that its author was himself a Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot during the war, I can only rate the book with 2 stars. I liked the book, but it is not a keeper.
January 24, 2022
Great overview of airplanes
Seldom does an author describe all those who flew the skies during WW2.. Closterman touches on the German, Japanese, British, Americans and others. War historians should all cast an eye on this great read.
Seldom does an author describe all those who flew the skies during WW2.. Closterman touches on the German, Japanese, British, Americans and others. War historians should all cast an eye on this great read.
January 26, 2022
Gripping and fast paced stories of the war in the air
Brilliantly told stories of some of the greatest pilots from the beginning to the end of the WW2 and from the Western to the Far Eastern Skies.
Brilliantly told stories of some of the greatest pilots from the beginning to the end of the WW2 and from the Western to the Far Eastern Skies.
October 28, 2022
Was given this book by an RCAF fighter pilot in 1961. It is fascinating, and very accurate. Along with B&W photos, draws the reader into the drama of WWII air conflict. I still recall the Operation Vengeance interception of Yamamoto by P-38 Locheed Lightnings as my favorite story.
April 1, 2023
Very readable and accurate of the times! Enjoyed descriptions of the events and the reality of it!
I liked the accuracy and descriptions of the events and that it put you in the cockpit with the pilot!!
I liked the accuracy and descriptions of the events and that it put you in the cockpit with the pilot!!
August 27, 2025
Got this as a Christmas gift a few years ago. Reads like a novel! Even more compelling since it’s written by one of WWII’s top aces, he truly knows what he’s talking about lol!
Below is a table of contents along with a brief summary of each chapter.
Chapter 1: 12th May 1940, Maestricht
Attack on a German armoured column by French Breguet Br.693 aircraft on 12 May 1940 in Maastricht, Netherlands.
Chapter 2: PEARL HARBOR AND BATAAN ‘Too little, too late’
Account of the heroic resistance of American and Filipino soldiers against the Japanese at Bataan.
Chapter 3: A DAY IN MALTA 1942
Account of Canadian pilot Georges "Screwball" Beurling’s first combat mission in Malta in 1942.
Chapter 4: ADMIRAL YAMAMOTO May 1940, Bering Sea
Account of the mission by Lockheed P-38 Lightning aircraft of the 339th Squadron during Operation Vengeance to shoot down Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who was inspecting the Solomon Islands aboard a Mitsubishi G4M1 Betty on 18 April 1943.
Chapter 5: COLONEL PIJEAUD
Account of Colonel Charles Pijeaud’s final mission in a Bristol Blenheim over Gambut, Egypt, on 20 December 1941.
Chapter 6: FLAMES OVER WARSAW
Account of a mission by a crew led by Polish Flight Lieutenant Chmiel in a Handley Page Halifax to resupply the Polish resistance during the Warsaw Uprising, as they faced crushing SS forces.
Chapter 7: MAX GUEDJ
Account of the final mission of French pilot Max Guedj, who aimed to destroy a German tanker in Rombaks Fjord, Norway on 15 January 1945 in a De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito Mk XVI.
Chapter 8: THE TWILIGHT OF THE GODS
Account of the final mission of Messerschmitt Me 262 fighters against a raid by B-17 and B-24 bombers over Hanover on 26 April 1945.
Chapter 9: Under the Sign of the Divine Wind
Account of the last kamikaze mission of the war, on 9 August 1945 over Okinawa.
NB: If you enjoyed that book, I highly recommend Pierre Clostermann’s memoir 'The Big Show', a bestseller. It’s written with remarkable literary flair. In my view, it stands as the finest war memoir I’ve ever read, precisely because of its rare and compelling literary style. Didn't William Faulkner himself said that it was the finest aviation book to come out of World War II?
Below is a table of contents along with a brief summary of each chapter.
Chapter 1: 12th May 1940, Maestricht
Attack on a German armoured column by French Breguet Br.693 aircraft on 12 May 1940 in Maastricht, Netherlands.
Chapter 2: PEARL HARBOR AND BATAAN ‘Too little, too late’
Account of the heroic resistance of American and Filipino soldiers against the Japanese at Bataan.
Chapter 3: A DAY IN MALTA 1942
Account of Canadian pilot Georges "Screwball" Beurling’s first combat mission in Malta in 1942.
Chapter 4: ADMIRAL YAMAMOTO May 1940, Bering Sea
Account of the mission by Lockheed P-38 Lightning aircraft of the 339th Squadron during Operation Vengeance to shoot down Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who was inspecting the Solomon Islands aboard a Mitsubishi G4M1 Betty on 18 April 1943.
Chapter 5: COLONEL PIJEAUD
Account of Colonel Charles Pijeaud’s final mission in a Bristol Blenheim over Gambut, Egypt, on 20 December 1941.
Chapter 6: FLAMES OVER WARSAW
Account of a mission by a crew led by Polish Flight Lieutenant Chmiel in a Handley Page Halifax to resupply the Polish resistance during the Warsaw Uprising, as they faced crushing SS forces.
Chapter 7: MAX GUEDJ
Account of the final mission of French pilot Max Guedj, who aimed to destroy a German tanker in Rombaks Fjord, Norway on 15 January 1945 in a De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito Mk XVI.
Chapter 8: THE TWILIGHT OF THE GODS
Account of the final mission of Messerschmitt Me 262 fighters against a raid by B-17 and B-24 bombers over Hanover on 26 April 1945.
Chapter 9: Under the Sign of the Divine Wind
Account of the last kamikaze mission of the war, on 9 August 1945 over Okinawa.
NB: If you enjoyed that book, I highly recommend Pierre Clostermann’s memoir 'The Big Show', a bestseller. It’s written with remarkable literary flair. In my view, it stands as the finest war memoir I’ve ever read, precisely because of its rare and compelling literary style. Didn't William Faulkner himself said that it was the finest aviation book to come out of World War II?
March 24, 2023
Brilliantly written account
In this book, Pierre Klosterman sheds light on some little known aspects of the war. Through extensive research, he recounts through individual, exploits areas of aviation in the Second World War, and known to the public, due to heavy censorship at the time. A particularly fascinating account of battling the ME 262, which I had not realised had been produced in large numbers, Vividly written, so sometimes you feel you are in the cockpit with the pilot.
In this book, Pierre Klosterman sheds light on some little known aspects of the war. Through extensive research, he recounts through individual, exploits areas of aviation in the Second World War, and known to the public, due to heavy censorship at the time. A particularly fascinating account of battling the ME 262, which I had not realised had been produced in large numbers, Vividly written, so sometimes you feel you are in the cockpit with the pilot.
November 21, 2023
Drawn to this for multiple reasons. First person tale, WW2 , and he flew for the Free French, a much under appreciated fighting force in the war.
The book bounces around the rapidly expanding technology, 1939, biplanes, 1945, jet fighters.
Far East covered too with good detail as the war drew to an end, Japan used kamikaze, only SE Asia would countenance an idea like that.
Born in Rio to diplomats, Clostermann sailed to France, then England to join De Gaulle fledging airforce.
The book bounces around the rapidly expanding technology, 1939, biplanes, 1945, jet fighters.
Far East covered too with good detail as the war drew to an end, Japan used kamikaze, only SE Asia would countenance an idea like that.
Born in Rio to diplomats, Clostermann sailed to France, then England to join De Gaulle fledging airforce.
April 28, 2021
Great Book
This was an excellent book except for the section that described the P38 Lightning. This warplane was responsible for dominating the air war in the Mediterranean and Pacific!
This was an excellent book except for the section that described the P38 Lightning. This warplane was responsible for dominating the air war in the Mediterranean and Pacific!
January 14, 2022
Good Book
The author gave me some information that I always wanted to know, such as, the German attack in the West and how the attack on the bridges cost on both sides. The stories were from both the Allies and the Axis. Overall it was a good book.
The author gave me some information that I always wanted to know, such as, the German attack in the West and how the attack on the bridges cost on both sides. The stories were from both the Allies and the Axis. Overall it was a good book.
April 19, 2022
Good read
This book is about the progress of the war years. It's an interesting story as it gives a lot of detail about the planes of the time. I am sure you will agree that this is a very good book.
This book is about the progress of the war years. It's an interesting story as it gives a lot of detail about the planes of the time. I am sure you will agree that this is a very good book.
May 2, 2023
Interesting read
This book was like no other because in a sense it was collection of books highlighting the air war on both fronts. A good, in depth look at the kamekazes is included too. The writer takes you where the action is.
This book was like no other because in a sense it was collection of books highlighting the air war on both fronts. A good, in depth look at the kamekazes is included too. The writer takes you where the action is.
May 13, 2023
Great information
This was an interesting and informative book about Germans and Japanese and how they fought against the allies and what they tried to accomplish to win the war. Lots of great information.
This was an interesting and informative book about Germans and Japanese and how they fought against the allies and what they tried to accomplish to win the war. Lots of great information.
August 12, 2023
different perspective
Some interesting detail, clear he doesn’t like Americans. Conveniently ignores facts that don’t support his narrative. As an American makes me wonder why (excluding Pearl Harbor) we bothered joining the Allies and Free French.
Some interesting detail, clear he doesn’t like Americans. Conveniently ignores facts that don’t support his narrative. As an American makes me wonder why (excluding Pearl Harbor) we bothered joining the Allies and Free French.
August 15, 2023
This was one of my first war books. I’ve read it back in the 60s and I did it again many times.
It’s a great result of extensive research performed by Closterman and the interesting results is some war records related by an actual fighter pilot.
It’s a great result of extensive research performed by Closterman and the interesting results is some war records related by an actual fighter pilot.
September 23, 2023
Good for military history buffs
Obvious French bias to be expected. Exhaustive research. Eye opening history yielding much food for thought. What sacrifice and waste. Will mankind ever learn from the lessons of the past?
Obvious French bias to be expected. Exhaustive research. Eye opening history yielding much food for thought. What sacrifice and waste. Will mankind ever learn from the lessons of the past?
February 28, 2020
Clostermann writes an excellent account of his experience of WW2 while dealing with harsh climate conditions and experiences with Japanese Zeros and German Messerschmitts.
November 11, 2021
Interesting snapshot into the different theatres
Covers a variety of snapshots and accounts that I found interesting to read. Many of them I had not heard of before.
Covers a variety of snapshots and accounts that I found interesting to read. Many of them I had not heard of before.
November 16, 2021
Good read
This book was the ideal one for folks wanting to have basic knowledge about aircraft on all sides and the back stories about them
This book was the ideal one for folks wanting to have basic knowledge about aircraft on all sides and the back stories about them
April 29, 2022
Outstanding Read
Well written, and relates much little known information about some theaters of the war. Highly recommended, with both personal and group action.
Well written, and relates much little known information about some theaters of the war. Highly recommended, with both personal and group action.
July 9, 2022
Chapters of the Great War.
Many people who were heroes from all nations and their exploits. A good look at people doing their jobs in war.
Many people who were heroes from all nations and their exploits. A good look at people doing their jobs in war.
October 18, 2022
Eye Opening
Heroic action both in the Pacific and in Europe, very informative, very interesting, very illuminating
. A solid read and reference
Heroic action both in the Pacific and in Europe, very informative, very interesting, very illuminating
. A solid read and reference
December 6, 2023
Epic, indeed!
Closterman has a way with words. His flight experience and research combine to show a very fine descriptive understanding of the weapons of war and how they were used.
Closterman has a way with words. His flight experience and research combine to show a very fine descriptive understanding of the weapons of war and how they were used.
December 6, 2024
DNF. I desperately wanted to love this, but it only bore me.
March 19, 2021
Refreshing
What a joy to read factual script that ranges over many of the best aircraft ever produced during WW II. Many of the hero's were new to me and were so vividly described.
What a joy to read factual script that ranges over many of the best aircraft ever produced during WW II. Many of the hero's were new to me and were so vividly described.
April 28, 2024
Was a busy boi so took ages. Was alright. Stories were incredibly short.
April 29, 2015
An interesting set of stories about some significant figures and events of the war in the air on the various fronts during World War Two. It's and easy read that kept me interested right through. As usual with this sort of book written back in the '40s and '50s, the language is a little odd (also this was translated from French) but nothing that distracts from an interesting and informative book.
November 23, 2021
Excellent collection of events across the various theatres of aerial warfare.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews