They Gave Me a Hurricane: The Fighting In The Battle Of Britain To The Defence Of Malta And Sabotage In South Africa By Charles 'Tich' Palliser

They Gave Me a Hurricane: The Fighting In The Battle Of Britain To The Defence Of Malta And Sabotage In South Africa By Charles 'Tich' Palliser

Hardcover

ISBN 9780956269683

Publisher: Fighting High Ltd 2012

Used – Like new. This book is in an excellent condition. The cover have some very slight signs of wear and the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains perfect. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. The book is protected with a Cellophane cover.

As a teenager Tich Palliser became hooked on this flying game and aspired to take to the skies. The Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve provided the opportunity and a few months before the Second World War broke out the Yorkshire-born novice was called-up to learn and develop his skills as a combat fighter pilot. In August 1940 the young sergeant aviator, at the controls of a Hawker Hurricane, entered the ferocious aerial melees of the Battle of Britain, fighting for his life, and his colleagues lives, as he became one of Churchills Few in the defense of his homeland. Tich met with some combat success but also witnessed the attrition of war at a personal level, losing many squadron friends. Indeed in December 1940 Tich fell victim to enemy fighters. Tich was commissioned in April 1941 and arrived in Malta a month later to play his part in the defense of the beleaguered island. Steadily his score of combat kills rose. He passed the ace status and early in 1942 was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Soon after he took up instructing duties, and for the remainder of the war, despite the continual threat of sabotage, Tich passed on his hard-won experience to novice pilots in South Africa.

This is Tichs story in his own words, illustrated with numerous previously unpublished photographs, as the reader accompanies him through the physical tensions and emotional trials of being a Second World War fighter pilot. Tich provides an intimate account of squadron life, including the acquaintances made and coping with the loss of friends. They Gave Me a Hurricane is an extraordinary, gripping, and enthralling account, as told by one of the RAFs ace fighter pilots a fitting tribute to an outstanding airman and well respected veteran.