Fighter Pilot

An excellent biography of one of the many fighter pilots who flew during WWII. I have read numerous other books both historical and biographical regarding pilots experiences and this definitely ranks in the top ten. Detailed and clearly written experiences of Richey and other pilots who flew with him. Book explains and details specifically the events of the "Phony War of WWII."Describes the ineffective efforts and decisions of both the British and French and the reasons that helped the Germans to be successful with their blizkreig offense.The book does devote a great deal to his actual flying experiences, written by Richey himself, describing many of his actual days and flights in combat.Book also provide insight to his personality, ethical, and moral values. Does and excellent job of showing his human side.Highly recommend this book to WWII buffs and especially those who enjoy reading about flying and fighter pilots.

Fighter Pilot lays claim to being the first published account of aerial combat during the Second World War. Originally published anonymously during the war, the author literally flew missions during the day while meeting with the editor in pubs at night to finish the book.Richey's book reads like a daily journal of his adventures after deploying to France in 1939 to wait out the "Phony War." Once Germany blitzed France and the Low Countries though, things became very busy very quickly. Richey, like his compatriots, fought bravely, but they were greatly outnumbered. As France's defenses collapsed, there was very little they could do.One of the most interesting aspects is how his view of the war changes from before the shooting war through just a few weeks of real fighting. Their original notion of their work is very chivalrous and idealistic, with lots of references to "our turn" to repeat the noble efforts of the aces from World War I. After downing their first German, they gather war trophies from the plane, take pictures, and invited a captured German pilot over for beer and celebration.A few weeks later, as the British Expeditionary Force continues to retreat, France collapses, and many of their squadron mates in the earlier photos have been killed, there is little chivalry and idealism left. They settle into the grim business of fighting for their life, realizing that the Battle of France is lost and growing fear for what will happen to Britain.Even in comparing it to World War One accounts (McCudden, Lewis, or Biddle), initially there is a lot of similarity in the events and encounters. Then, it quickly spirals into a brutal onslaught.The book is easy to read and flows very well. Most readers are probably surprised to learn the book finishes before the Battle of Britain begins. Fortunately, there is a sequel, Fighter Pilot's Summer, that Richey started during the war, but which wasn't completed until after his death in the 1990's.Any aviation and World War II history buff will be extremely happy with the book and primary source material. This is particularly true given the wealth of information on the Battle of Britain, but the dearth of writing on the air war over France that was the prelude. This book fills an important gap in first hand accounts of aerial combat during the Battle for France.

The detail from the cockpit is pretty good. Learned that early model hurricanes has wooden props and you could break them. Good stuff if you want view from the pilot and not from some historian.

Of all the RAF stories I have read, I wish I had read this one first. It would have kept everything in order. A real classic. This one really put you right in the middle of the activity. Wonderfully written.

Paul Ritchie's memoir Fighter Pilot makes interesting reading. It's material starts in the 'between the wars' period in 1939, and ends with the fall of France and the realization that Nazi conquest would soon be aimed at England. Arial combat is described at first in the gallant terms of World War I, including the obligatory drinking and fun-making, and evolves with experience into a new realism, with a suffocating and fretful mood, regarding the nature of the fascist enemy in World War II. The British in particular, and Europeans in general, bring a special quality to warfare due to their centuries of experiences and numerous habits accrued. Ritchie's experiences fit especially well into the picture of air combat gained through the literature of the Battle of Britain. Later American involvement would add new dimensions to the story of World War II military aviation, but the essential outline begins with this memoir from early 1940.

A great story by a brave pilot describing his life in France before Dunkirk. His descriptive style is wonderfully portrayed

A brilliant first-hand account that conveys the tensions and bravery of the young men who fought in the skies above France in the lead-up to the Battle of Britain. Had they not been so willing to risk their lives like Paul Richey then this world might now be a very different place in which to live.

VERY INTERESTING BOOK, ONLY MINOR CRITICISM FOR ME, EDITOR COULD HAVE INTERPRETED ALL THE FRENCH QUOTES BY FRENCH PILOTS, ETC.