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Into the Silk: The Dramatic True Stories of Airmen Who Baled Out — And Lived
From World War Two to the Jet Age, Ian Mackersey charts the thrilling and personal accounts of airmen who have jumped from their planes and survived.
An ideal book for fans of Helen Parr, Mark 'Billy' Billingham and Ollie Ollerton.
Since the test pilot Harold Harris became the first man to save his life with a parachute in 1922 there have been over 120,000 air force pilots and crew who owe their lives to their parachutes.
Into the Silk is full of astounding tales of people who against the odds bailed out of their planes and were therefore able to enter the annals of the Caterpillar Club, a society open only to men and women who survive aviation disaster with the aid of a parachute.
Mackersey records dramatic moments during the Second World War when pilots leapt from their burning planes while still being shot at by enemy fighters. He uncovers the descent of the extraordinarily lucky man who jumped from his damaged bomber but had to put his parachute on while falling through the sky and the pilot who found himself attached to a moving train and was dragged along for miles.
The book highlights the debts that all of these survivors owe to people such as Leslie Irvin, who invented the modern parachute and Sir James Martin, the great designer of ejection seats.
As the legendary pilot Douglas Bader states this book ‘is well worth reading whether parachutes have come into your life or not.’
An ideal book for fans of Helen Parr, Mark 'Billy' Billingham and Ollie Ollerton.
Since the test pilot Harold Harris became the first man to save his life with a parachute in 1922 there have been over 120,000 air force pilots and crew who owe their lives to their parachutes.
Into the Silk is full of astounding tales of people who against the odds bailed out of their planes and were therefore able to enter the annals of the Caterpillar Club, a society open only to men and women who survive aviation disaster with the aid of a parachute.
Mackersey records dramatic moments during the Second World War when pilots leapt from their burning planes while still being shot at by enemy fighters. He uncovers the descent of the extraordinarily lucky man who jumped from his damaged bomber but had to put his parachute on while falling through the sky and the pilot who found himself attached to a moving train and was dragged along for miles.
The book highlights the debts that all of these survivors owe to people such as Leslie Irvin, who invented the modern parachute and Sir James Martin, the great designer of ejection seats.
As the legendary pilot Douglas Bader states this book ‘is well worth reading whether parachutes have come into your life or not.’
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2022
431 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 15, 2024
In World War 1, pilots were not issued parachutes as it was thought that they would abondon their aircraft too easily, and too many paid with their lives for this.
After the war, parachutist Leslie Irvin developed the first parachute with a ripcord to be used by pilots to bail out before their aircraft crashed. It was not long before his parachute saved its first life, and so begun the Caterpillar Club at Irving Air Chute Company. This book contains numerous stories of heroism and luck where the parachute saved a life. The stories are varied in its surcumbstances, and each bring something unique to the book.
The book is well researched and is like a history of the Irving Parachute. First published in the 1950's and covering from the very first escapes till the Second World War and the few years after, this edition has some extra chapters to include escapes from the jet age. A nice read and recommended to anyone interested in the subject.
After the war, parachutist Leslie Irvin developed the first parachute with a ripcord to be used by pilots to bail out before their aircraft crashed. It was not long before his parachute saved its first life, and so begun the Caterpillar Club at Irving Air Chute Company. This book contains numerous stories of heroism and luck where the parachute saved a life. The stories are varied in its surcumbstances, and each bring something unique to the book.
The book is well researched and is like a history of the Irving Parachute. First published in the 1950's and covering from the very first escapes till the Second World War and the few years after, this edition has some extra chapters to include escapes from the jet age. A nice read and recommended to anyone interested in the subject.
December 5, 2023
This is what I would consider an unofficial history of the parachute, as well as a riveting exploration of the harrowing experiences faced by airmen who parachuted into enemy territory during World War II. Mackersey meticulously weaves together individual narratives, creating a compelling tapestry of survival against the backdrop of war. The book not only chronicles the physical challenges these airmen endured but delves into the psychological toll of facing imminent danger and capture. Mackersey's prose skillfully captures the tension and fear these men experienced, offering readers a visceral sense of the perils of wartime aviation. One of the book's strengths lies in its meticulous research and attention to detail, providing a comprehensive look at the historical context and the varying circumstances that led these airmen to bail out of their aircraft. Mackersey combines archival materials, interviews, and firsthand accounts, ensuring a well-rounded and authentic narrative. “Into the Silk" also sheds light on the resilience and resourcefulness of these airmen, highlighting instances of courage and camaraderie that emerged amidst the chaos of war. The author's ability to humanize the individuals involved adds a poignant layer to the storytelling, fostering a connection between the reader and these unsung heroes. It is a compelling read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the untold stories of survival during World War II.
February 15, 2023
Maybe this is a book just for the aviation nerds. After all it is the account of aviators who survived mostly by using the Irvin parachute, and later aided by the ejection seat. The Irvin parachute was invented by American stunt man Leslie Irvin and world war 2 and the air war accelerated the use of the parachute. As such it does become a little repetitious and along the way some key details get overlooked. For example, an Australian World War 2 flyer, who survived the parachute fall into Nazi occupied Europe. But what else? Presumably he was rounded up and interned into a prison camp. Did he survive the war? The book doesn't tell us. The two most interesting parts of the book is the beginning when we learn about the inventor trying to pursuade pilots, and airforces, to accept the mandatory use of the parachute, which they later did, but then only after a struggle. The later stages of the book is particularly interesting as it deals with the development of the ejection seat, which has now reached the heights of automatic sophistication to enable aircrew to safely eject from the edge of space from an aircraft travelling at more then 2,000 kilometres per hour. The Germans and the Russians also had parachutes, in World War 2, in fact it is briefly noted that the Germans signed an agreement with Irvin's Company to acquire a licence to make them from 1936, but that is as much detail as is provided. As I said, this is a book for the aviation nerds, but as I am one of them, in the main I enjoyed it.
May 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I've never read a book like this in my life!
As you can see from the title, this book is about stories of people whose lives were saved (or in some cases, not saved) by parachutes after they bailed from an aircraft. What I found most fascinating is that this book was published in 1956 but if I hadn't looked, I never would have known that. As a newcomer to aviation, most of the stories in this book, to me, seemed like they were set in modern times. Some of these stories in here that come from the 1930's and 1940's are fascinating to me because I had no idea aviation was already so advanced by then!
Fascinating book! I'm looking forward to reading more by this late author and aviation biographer.
As you can see from the title, this book is about stories of people whose lives were saved (or in some cases, not saved) by parachutes after they bailed from an aircraft. What I found most fascinating is that this book was published in 1956 but if I hadn't looked, I never would have known that. As a newcomer to aviation, most of the stories in this book, to me, seemed like they were set in modern times. Some of these stories in here that come from the 1930's and 1940's are fascinating to me because I had no idea aviation was already so advanced by then!
Fascinating book! I'm looking forward to reading more by this late author and aviation biographer.
January 16, 2023
Interesting read
This book recounts numerous escapades of individuals who have used ejection seats and parachutes after an airborne disaster necessitated escape from their aircraft. It roughly covers escapes from the 1920s to the mid-70s with details of individual incidents of various types. As someone who also used the ejection system in 1980, I found this history very interesting.
This book recounts numerous escapades of individuals who have used ejection seats and parachutes after an airborne disaster necessitated escape from their aircraft. It roughly covers escapes from the 1920s to the mid-70s with details of individual incidents of various types. As someone who also used the ejection system in 1980, I found this history very interesting.
December 19, 2024
This book was published in 1958. My father, the former Jump Master for the Navy's original parachuting team The Chuting Stars, recommended I read it. It is not extremely well written, as it is a group of very short stories of men who were saved by Irving Parachutes, and how they became members of the Caterpillar Club. I enjoyed reading it, and looking through the photographs. My son, who is a pilot, was really intriqued with the photographs of WWII situations. He will be reading it next.
November 4, 2022
Thank Goodness For Mr. Irwin And His Rip-Cord
If you enjoy aviation, this is an easy read that serves as testimony to a man who had a notion and made it work. Thousands of pilots, mostly but not all military warriors, owe their lives to his idea - making Leonardo Da Vinci’s parachute a functional reality.
If you enjoy aviation, this is an easy read that serves as testimony to a man who had a notion and made it work. Thousands of pilots, mostly but not all military warriors, owe their lives to his idea - making Leonardo Da Vinci’s parachute a functional reality.
February 24, 2024
Never knew about the Caterpillar Club until now
Are you also unaware of this Club and the history of the Irvin parachute? I had no idea until I read this book. Full of stories of successful bailouts (and a few not so successful), its a fascinating read and I highly recommend this book to others engrossed in WWII history as well as books on aircraft.
Are you also unaware of this Club and the history of the Irvin parachute? I had no idea until I read this book. Full of stories of successful bailouts (and a few not so successful), its a fascinating read and I highly recommend this book to others engrossed in WWII history as well as books on aircraft.
March 18, 2023
Into the silk
Some amazing stories, well told. Kept my interest through the book. I've worked on, flown, and flown in aircraft my entire adult life .. Thank heaven I never had the need for a parachute, but nice to know they've been there just in case.
Some amazing stories, well told. Kept my interest through the book. I've worked on, flown, and flown in aircraft my entire adult life .. Thank heaven I never had the need for a parachute, but nice to know they've been there just in case.
September 6, 2023
Absolutely loved ‘Into the Silk’, a great collection of stories of men and women who have had to parachute out of sticky situations to save their lives. A lot of heroic war stories, and some funny ones in there too. An easy read but worth the time!
February 25, 2024
Amazing and historical stories of Airmen who baled out
I found it hard to believe that pilots and crew members have the courage to fly so high testing these planes knowing the risks involved.
I found it hard to believe that pilots and crew members have the courage to fly so high testing these planes knowing the risks involved.
October 11, 2022
Parachutes and stories of living
This compilation of the develement and use of the Irvin parachute is of great scientific significance and live saving interest.
This compilation of the develement and use of the Irvin parachute is of great scientific significance and live saving interest.
October 29, 2022
Good set of parachute & aviation stories
This is an update and the updates are more detailed than some of the original stories. The aviation medicine information id very good.
This is an update and the updates are more detailed than some of the original stories. The aviation medicine information id very good.
November 19, 2022
Really Interesting!
It was amazing to read how the parachute came in to being. All the stories about the development of the parachute and the many people who used them were super.
It was amazing to read how the parachute came in to being. All the stories about the development of the parachute and the many people who used them were super.
December 23, 2022
Worth every minute
Amazing stories each one, almost as if you are in the plane and experiencing the bailout with each air man.
Amazing stories each one, almost as if you are in the plane and experiencing the bailout with each air man.
January 16, 2023
What A Story!
This was a most interesting read! A must read for both aviation as well as history buffs. You'll thoroughly this book.
This was a most interesting read! A must read for both aviation as well as history buffs. You'll thoroughly this book.
January 17, 2023
Great book. Really interesting stories.
February 15, 2023
The fascinating story of the development of parachutes and aircraft ejection seats through the ages. Well worth a good read.
March 9, 2023
True stories of pilots and others whose lives were saved by parachutes. Well written, an enjoyable read.
April 9, 2023
The parachute
I greatly enjoyed reading these individual stories of flying survival over the many years of parachute development,especially references to world war 2.
I greatly enjoyed reading these individual stories of flying survival over the many years of parachute development,especially references to world war 2.
August 31, 2023
An amazing record of people who survived!
An interesting little book! Although I am eligible to join the Caterpillar Club I have never bothered perhaps I should!
An interesting little book! Although I am eligible to join the Caterpillar Club I have never bothered perhaps I should!
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October 5, 2023Fascinating, little known "Club!
Never knew about this odd bit of history that was so interesting to read about. The tales these lucky individuals told were simply amazing!
Never knew about this odd bit of history that was so interesting to read about. The tales these lucky individuals told were simply amazing!
February 28, 2024
when wings don’t fly
Fascinating stories of escape and survival both in war action and peacetime. The evolution of the parachute and ejection seat mechanism was a revelation
Fascinating stories of escape and survival both in war action and peacetime. The evolution of the parachute and ejection seat mechanism was a revelation
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews