Hardit Singh Malik: World War One Flying Ace

Hardit Singh Malik was the first Indian pilot in World War I, flying Sopwith Camels over the trenches of Passchendaele. This fascinating true story is now a Voices series book, showcasing the authentic, unsung stories of our past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2024
Publisher: Scholastic

HarditSingh Malik, a remarkable figure in history, was the first Indian pilot to fly in World War I. Born in India in 1897, Malik immigrated to England at the age of 14 to attend school. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice due to his Sikh faith, Malik excelled academically and athletically. He studied at Balliol College, Oxford, and played county cricket for Sussex. However, when he tried to join the war effort, he was only permitted to drive ambulances at the front. Determined to make a difference, Malik planned to join the French air force before a former teacher intervened and the Royal Flying Corps gave him an honorary commission as a 2nd lieutenant flying Sopwith Camels. Malik's story is one of courage, determination, and resilience. He faced numerous challenges during his time in the air, including the dangers of flying in combat and the harsh conditions of the trenches. Despite these obstacles, Malik remained focused and dedicated to his mission. He flew numerous missions over the Western Front, including the Battle of Passchendaele, where he was involved in the hunt for the Red Baron. Malik's bravery and skill in the air earned him the respect of his fellow pilots and the admiration of the British public. After the war, Malik returned to India and became a prominent figure in the Indian Air Force. He served as a test pilot and played a key role in developing the country's aviation industry. Malik's legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians, and his story has been featured in numerous books, films, and documentaries. In this fascinating true story based on the life of HarditSingh Malik, discover the adventures of WWI's first Indian pilot. "If the name Hardit Singh Malik does not ring a bell, that's precisely the point of the superb Voices series, which takes unsung heroes of the past and imagines them recounting the story of their remarkable lives" - The Times Children's Book of the Week Hardit, who flew into battle high above the trenches of Passchendaele on the hunt for the Red Baron, arrived in England at the age of 14 to attend school. Young Hardit was a devout Sikh and quick to defend himself when anyone interfered with his turban. He went on to study at Balliol College, Oxford, and played county cricket for Sussex. When he tried to join up to help in the war effort, he was only permitted to drive ambulances at the front. Instead, he planned to join the French air force before a former teacher intervened and the Royal Flying Corps gave Hardit an honorary commission as a 2nd lieutenant flying Sopwith Camels. About the series: A thrilling series showcasing some of the UK's finest writers for young people Voices reflects the authentic, unsung stories of our past Each shows that, even in times of great upheaval, a myriad of people have arrived on this island and made a home for themselves - from Romantic times to the present day Perfect for teaching children about inclusivity and diversity. Praise for other books in the series: Diver's Daughter, a thrilling tale, with the expertly described Tudor world brought to hideous, harsh life BookTrust A uniquely fascinating perspective into life in Tudor times Books For Topics engaging and insightful Aisha, Historical Association UK exciting and full of tension Damian, Historical Association UK Son of the Circus E. L. Norry's Son of the Circus is perfect for children with an itch to.

Weight: 142g
Dimension: 196 x 129 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780702311741