Hornchurch Eagles: The Complete Combat Experience as Seen Through the Eyes of Eight of the Airfield's Distinguished WWII Fighter Pilots

This book features the entire lives and flying careers (including pre and post war) of eight of the famous and not so famous pilots who flew from Hornchurch. These are: Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst; New Zealander Air Vice-Marshal William Crawford-Compton; Squadron Leader Dave Glaser; Flight Lieutenant Eric Lock; American Flight Lieutenant William 'Tex' Ash; Squadron Leader Peter Brown; Squadron Leader Iain Hutchinson and Flight Lieutenant Les Harvey. Chosen to give as great a variety of experience and insight as possible, in differing theatres and on different aircraft, the biographies will consist of stories told in the pilots' own words from interviews with themselves (where possible), family, friends, colleagues and groundcrew, and information gleaned from combat reports and logbooks. During his research, Richard Smith received the full co-operation of everyone involved and much valuable and fascinating new material has been unearthed, with many new photographs. These men came from all walks of life, some pre-war regulars, others Volunteer Reserve Auxiliary Airmen, some just weekend flyers. All served with distinction, spirit and courage.This volume will complete the author's trilogy on Hornchurch, following Hornchurch Scramble (soon to be in paperback, see below) and Hornchurch Offensive.