From Dogfight to Diplomacy: A Spitfire Pilot's Log 1932-1958 - Couverture souple

MacDonell, Donald

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 1848841981 ISBN 13 : 9781848841987

Editeur : Pen & Sword Aviation, 2010

Synopsis

MacDonell's service career began in the 1930s. Shortly before the war he became a Squadron Leader and worked at the Air Ministry during the Phoney War. When hostilities commenced he became CO of No 64 Squadron, carrying out convoy support operations and eventually fighting in the Battle of Britain. Awarded a DFC, he was given command of a squadron at Leconfield to train urgently required pilots. Eventually he was shot down over the English Channel and rescued by a U-boat, this resulted in a lengthy period as a PoW in camps throughout enemy occupied Europe and Germany. During this period he was involved with the famous 'Wooden Horse' escape and was eventually freed by advancing Russian troops.Upon his return to the UK he was promoted Wing Commander and worked on the Cabinet Office staff before moving to Headquarters Flying Training Command. He was then appointed Chief Flying Instructor at Cranwell before successfully applying for the post of British Air Attache in Moscow.

A propos du livre

Biographie de l'auteur

Aeneas Ranald Donald MacDonell, 22nd Chief of Glengarry and 12th Titular Lord MacDonell and Aros, was born in 1913 in Baku, Southern Russia, where his father, the 21st Chief, was the British Vice Consul. As an infant, his mother brought him to England to live with his paternal grandmother.

Donald's mother's brothers were both military men and it was his Uncle 'Jacko', who had served in the Royal Flying Corps, who was responsible for him joining the RAF: arguably the love of his life.

Donald's first marriage, to Diana Keene, was cruelly marred by her mental illness and bringing up their three children whilst continuing with his career was a difficult challenge. After his retirement from the RAF he married Lois Streatfeild, some years his junior, and they had two children. In 1981 Donald gave up his recruitment consultancy work and the family moved to the Highlands of Scotland. Having already resigned the Chairmanship (1960-1978) of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, he was able to take a more active part in Clan Donald activities, including the Clan Donald Lands Trust of which he was a founder Trustee. He served for a while as Branch President of Ross & Cromarty SSAFA. He also had time to enjoy his second family and to write his memoirs.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Pen & Sword Aviation
• Date d'édition: 2010
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 1848841981
• ISBN 13: 9781848841987
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 352
• Éditeur: MacDonall Lois, MacKay Anne
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible