Lightnings to Spitfires: Memoirs of an RAF Fighter Pilot and Former Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Clive Rowley, a former Royal Air Force air defense fighter pilot, has written a book about his life as a fighter pilot in the RAF in the last three decades of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first. He flew Lightnings, Hawks, Tornado F.3s, Hurricanes, and Spitfires with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), the RAF's most famous warbird display team. The book is packed with humorous and often hair-raising anecdotes, as well as revealing the shock and sorrow he felt at the deaths of friends and colleagues. It is illustrated with photographs from his time on the front line and with the BBMF, many of which have never been published before.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 20 October 2021
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
\n

For forty-four years, Clive Rowley soared through the skies as a Royal Air Force pilot, specializing in air defense for thirty-one of those years. His unwavering passion for swift fighter aircraft led him to embrace the Specialist Aircrew terms of service, foregoing any further promotions beyond the rank of squadron leader. During his tenure, Clive had the privilege of piloting a diverse range of aircraft, including Lightnings, Hawks, Tornado F.3s, and, most notably, Hurricanes and Spitfires with the renowned Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). His eleven-year tenure with the BBMF, culminating in his leadership and command, made him a prominent figure in the world of warbird displays.

Clive's remarkable journey took him across continents, from Germany to the UK, as he honed his skills in air combat during the Cold War. His expertise in the BAC Lightning and Tornado F.3 further solidified his reputation as a formidable fighter pilot. For sixteen years, he flew the Tornado F.3 as the RAF ventured into expeditionary operations, delivering invaluable service to the nation.

This book, penned with honesty and depth, offers a captivating account of life as a fighter pilot in the RAF during the last three decades of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century. Clive openly shares his fears and the strategies he employed to overcome them, allowing readers to glimpse the resilience and determination required to thrive in this perilous profession.

In addition to his personal experiences, Clive's book is adorned with stunning photographs from his time on the front line and with the BBMF. Many of these images have never been published before, providing a unique and intimate perspective into the world of military aviation. Whether you have a fascination for supersonic jet fighters, a longing for adventure, or simply a thirst for knowledge about the RAF's remarkable history, this book is a must-read.

So, take a seat, buckle up, and prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through the skies with Clive Rowley, as he shares his incredible story of passion, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of a fighter pilot.

\n Weight: 750g\n
Dimension: 241 x 165 x 36 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781399015622\n \n