Farewell to a man who inspired me 'from afar' as a 'youngster'.
I too have a copy of "Neville Duke's Book Of Flying".
It was a birthday present to a very enthusiastic young kid who just wanted to fly...
First published in 1954, Copyright by Neville Duke and Edward Lanchbery.
Cost my folks 12/- then, in Sydney (AUS), and I thought it was just 'GREAT!'
I now have that book in front of me, and it is still 'GREAT!'
In those days of my young life, I was enthralled and excited by his description of
"Dawn Readiness" (By an ex-Fighter Pilot) (sic)....
And the last para;
"But as you throttle back and fly slowly round
the circuit, you listen to the exciting sound of
the wind whistling in the gun ports through
the torn canvas covers. You have fired your
guns for the first time in battle. You are
nineteen. You have shot down your first enemy
aircraft. Life is great."
His Hawker Hunter speed efforts were also inspiring, but his real 'story' for me was his Chapter One - "Learn To Fly A Jet" - a story of student and instructor in a 'Vampire', complete with photos and drawings etc.
And, at that time, I dreamt that student was me!
RIP, and condolences to Family, Colleagues and Friends.
