FALL OUT ROMAN CATHOLICS AND JEWS by Anthony Haig-Thomas

I’ve read this book several times. Why, you may ask, but the answer is simple. It’s a great read for those who possess a true, uncompromising enthusiasm for the relatively new craft of piloting, and appreciate the challenge and, above all, the satisfaction only available to those who achieve their goals, discover new ones in the process, and have a rare determination to make the most of what comes their way, despite the obstacles that may happen to be, or are deliberately put in their way.

‘God helps those who helps themselves’ is quietly slipped in towards the end of the book. It suggests that those who don’t try hard enough will not achieve much, and I’m sad and a little ashamed to say this is true, but H-T’s story of how a schoolboy overcame the first major hurdle on the road to becoming a Royal Air Force pilot is an object lesson in the success of tenacity. Never give up, don’t take no for an answer. In his case it worked: why didn’t I do that?

I have every sympathy with his hatred of the months he had to spend in a Hermes’ right had seat. My own 2 formative year stint with 4 propellers was not so bad, but what did I have to compare it with? Was it what I really wanted to do? Not exactly, but Haig-Thomas did know exactly what he wanted to do, and this book describes an undoubtedly chequered and colourful career which involved much more flying than the system planned for him. The variety of desirable and serious aircraft types he flew is impressive, especially while banned from flying. How does one get away with this? Read the book to find out.

Why didn’t I do these things? I can explain, but it would sound like an excuse. And Tony Haig-Thomas’ sympathetic descriptions of people and places and thoughts belies a much more insightful and sensitive nature than the confident exterior might suggest: perhaps I'll read it again .