Nine Lives

by Deere, Alan C.

• ISBN13: 9780907579823
• ISBN10: 0907579825
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-04-01
• Publisher: Crecy Pub

Summary

The renowned autobiography of New Zealand's most famous RAF pilot who saw action from the Munich Crisis to the invasion of France in 1944. Al Deere experienced the drama of the early days of the Battle of Britain while serving with Spitfire squadrons based at Hornchurch and Manston, and his compelling story tells of the successes and frustrations of those critical weeks. Deere's nine lives are the accounts of his fantastic luck in escaping from seemingly impossible situations. During the Battle of Britain he parachuted from stricken aircraft on three occasions and once was blown up by a bomb while taking off from Hornchurch during an attack on the airfield. In March 1943 Deere was appointed Wing Commander of the famous Biggin Hill Wing and by the end of the war, his distinguished 'score' was destroyed twenty-two, probables ten and damaged eighteen.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. 7
Introductipon	p. 11
A Seed is Sown	p. 13
Pilot Under Training	p. 21
Fighter Pilot	p. 32
Rescue at Calais/Marck	p. 46
Escape from Dunkirk	p. 63
Calm Before the Storm	p. 78
The Battle Begins	p. 92
The Onslaught	p. 111
Backs Against the Wall	p. 125
Undaunted by Odds	p. 139
Bombs Away	p. 157
A Personal Opinion	p. 167
Mid-air Collision	p. 173
Rest and Return	p. 189
On the Offensive	p. 203
Grim Tragedy	p. 232
Wing Leader	p. 251
Biggin Hill	p. 267
The Beginning of the End	p. 282
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.