The Silver Spitfire

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It begins with the author, then a young RAF squadron leader leading a group of Spitfires on a training flight in November There he was "tasked with negotiating and overcoming the countless culture clashes that existed between the two allies. Neil managed to get on rather well with his American colleagues.

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He shares with the reader a number of interesting, and at times, amusing, experiences. Neil also had the opportunity of flying a variety of American military and civilian aircraft during his time with the Americans.

He has an unerring way of making the reader feel that he's in the cockpit with him. Those are among some of the most engaging parts in this book. While in France, Neil comes across an apparently abandoned Spitfire. Subsequently, Neil had it restored to full vigor and flew it extensively. He had the Spitfire stripped of its war paint, and thus it stood out in its pristine silver state. Eventually, questions would arise about the Spitfire's origins. Neil realizes that something will have to be done with the Spitfire.

To find out, read this book and you'll find yourself back in the world as events unfolded from the perspective of a something RAF fighter pilot between late and Aug 10, John rated it it was ok. An interesting diary of England at the end of the war and some of the inner workings of the air force but not a lot of action. It was a little disappointing that the "Silver Spitfire" of the title doesn't appear until well in to the book and then not much happens other than Tom flying it around trying to get rid of it.

Tom writes well so I'd be happy to read another of his books with a bit more action.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN SUPPORTS THE SILVER SPITFIRE’S ROUND-THE-WORLD FLIGHT

Interesting but not really what I was expecting. The synopsis in my opinion was better written than the book itself. Having said that, the pilot himself was brave fighting in the Battle of Britain and many other air campaigns. I admire his honesty. I really wanted to enjoy this book as the subject matter is something I'm interested in learning more about, however I just found the whole book a slog from start to finish.

How somebody can turn something as exciting as being a pilot in WW2 into something as dull as this book was is an achievement in itself. Nov 09, Martyn Legg rated it it was amazing. A fascinating view of a lost age of chivalry and decency. These young men were flung into the air with less and less training, our lives today are due to their tenacity and courage at that time.

Would Britain ever be able to sustain such threats today! I felt in awe of these people as I read, sadly the author has gone, I would have liked to have written to him out of appreciation for his efforts. Excellent How many other good stories can there be. A complicated true story made for everyone to read and enjoy. Feb 13, Lee rated it it was ok. Sorry not my cup of tea. Not enough action, too many names that mean nothing to me. Mar 16, Robert Hepple rated it really liked it.

Neil has written a number of books about his remarkable experiences as an RAF Fighter pilot in the years prior to this, so I guess this is just adding another chapter to those in a way. I was a little put off at first by the irreverent style of writing, but as I persevered I was just amazed by the massive variety of flying experiences described. The text itself takes the form of a series of anecdotes arranged in date order over the course of the period covered, and makes interesting and at times amusing reading.

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There are a small number of errors, but these do not affect things in the slightest. A small number of photographs, mostly very closely related to the events in the book and are as a result quite special.

The Silver Spitfire: The Legendary WWII RAF Fighter Pilot in His Own Words

Aug 24, Andrew Critchell rated it liked it. The 3 stars is more for the publisher than the author who gave his all during World War Two to fight for the freedoms we experience today. Their blurb implies this is an account of Tom Neil flying Ps and his own personal Spitfire in heated combat against the Luftwaffe, which it isn't. Instead it is a very interesting snapshot of life for those who had competed their combat tours, or were too old for combat, and still risked their lives 'behind the scenes.

Aug 10, Tony rated it really liked it Shelves: Actually the account of "Ginger's" attachment to the US Airforce in is more interesting and entertaining than his attempts to offload the Spitfire he had acquired. Robert Elbourn rated it really liked it Sep 06, Dave Brooks rated it really liked it Oct 22, Ron rated it really liked it Sep 25, Neil Dautun rated it really liked it Aug 10, Geoff Andrews rated it it was ok May 17, Phil Turnbull rated it liked it Mar 29, Jones had bigger ideas.

A property developer and adventurer, he was both the first person to drive across the ice of the Bering Straits from America to Russia, and the first to fly from pole to pole by helicopter. In a car you can think about other things and maintain control; but on a bike, or a Spitfire, you have to be totally concentrating on every little detail at all times.

T he year-old Jones, on the other hand, is an experienced pilot of aircraft of all sizes and eras, and knows the Spitfire inside out. The pair will share the flying on the circumnavigation. It feels that quick.

The wheels, or rather the propeller, was suddenly in motion. It is one of only a few hundred Spitfires left in the world, and an even smaller number are airworthy. To make sure it is up to scratch, then, the aircraft is being entirely taken apart and put back together again in a painstaking refit at Duxford — including a new engine and slight modifications that will make it more suited to longer distances, such as extra fuel tanks, no weaponry, improved avionics and some modern safety gear.

I f you happen to catch it in the skies during the trip, you will see a Spitfire like no other. Avoiding the militaristic connotations of its traditional camoflauge, the livery will be bare: There is backing from the top, too.

The Silver Spitfire's round-the-world flight | IWC Partnerships

I f all goes to plan, the Silver Spitfire will be finished early next year, ready for test flights. To find out more about the project, visit telegraph. We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future.