BARRACUDA PILOT

The author served as a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War. Barracuda Pilot is his account of those times and is written in a light - hearted and often humorous style.

He writes about his experiences as a trainee pilot, an operational pilot and as a Flight Deck Officer. The author was in action against the Japanese in Sumatra and the raid on Sigli is vividly recounted. ( ... )

Preface

This book is a line shoot. I make no apology. Most pilots like to shoot a line but dare not do it very often. To get away with it, it has to be done subtly. The classic " There was I, upside down, nothing on the clock... " is seldom achieved without derisive laughter, well deserved.

But line shooting is a valuable source of information. It is a way of telling your friends about something dangerous, even though exaggerated, in a way that may prevent them killing themselves if they happen to get into the same spot. The average pilot will enjoy the ribaldry and be happy to endure the embarrassment if a little boasting will earn him a moment's glory, and save somebody else from misfortune.

But that is not why I have written this book, although it may turn out to be a lucky consequence. I have written it purely for the fun of shooting a line. I don't think I have exaggerated very much, but I can hear the ribald laughter already.