All the Fine Young Eagles

By David L. Bashow

Book Overview

During the six years of the Second World War, Canadian fighter pilots flew and fought with great distinction in every theatre of war to which Commonwealth fighter forces were deployed. All the Fine... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0773729763
• ISBN13: 9780773729766
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: General Distribution Services
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 1.8" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive History of Canadian Fighter Pilots in Action!

In ALL THE FINE YOUNG EAGLES, David Bashow and Canada's Stoddart Publishing have produced a first-rate, global history of Canadian fighter pilots in action in World War II. Within the book's 384 pages Bashow describes not only the contributions made by individual pilots but also highlights the very important role Canadian pilots played in the Commonwealth war effort. It's a masterful effort, seamlessly shifting from theater to theater, and replete with first-person reminiscences. The subtitle of Bashow's book - 'In the Cockpit with Canada's Second World War Fighter Pilots' - is a bit misleading. To provide a truer account of fighter ops, Bashow included not only accounts from day fighters and night fighters but also fighter-bombers and army cooperation/fighter recce pilots since their missions sometimes involved air combat. The result is a well-written, comprehensive narrative that spans the globe. The important contribution Canadian pilots made to the war effort is often unheralded. To cite just one example: at least one in four fighter pilots defending the strategically vital island of Malta was Canadian. Coincidentally enough, the best-known Malta ace was George Beurling, a Quebec native. Canadian fighter pilots served in RAF squadrons, some eventually rising to Squadron Commander and Wing Leader rank. Others served in 'pure' Canadian squadrons like the famous 242 Squadron led by Douglas Bader in the Battle of Britain. At least 134 Canadian fighter pilots scored five or more kills in the war, becoming aces. Much of Bashow's book is based on excerpts from previously published works or interviews done by the author. The accounts obviously emphasize air combat but also include much background information on the life of Canadian fighter pilots. Several anecdotes are humorous, such as that of the English WAAF radar plotter who asked her Canadian date: "When you Canadians are in the air in your bloody Spitfires, do you know any words that don't start with the letter 'F'?" Canadian fighter pilots named Chadburn, McKnight, Audet, Houle, Kent, McNair, Bannock, Edwards and others flew Spits, Hurricanes, Mosquitoes, Tomahawks, Kittyhawks, Mustangs and assorted aircraft, running up a combat record second to none. Their exploits are well-chronicled in this exceptional volume. Highly recommended. ***** One small criticism: I would have liked many more photos of the pilots!