On Laughter-Silvered Wings: The Story of Lt. Col. E.T (Ted) Strever D.F.C

This biographical account of a South African WW2 pilot's life and times is a personal story that draws on family history and changing lifestyles. It details his coastal strike missions in the Mediterranean and North Africa, as well as his Far East against the Japanese. The book is filled with personal perspectives and provides an engrossing operational start, re-tracing the personal family story to place everything in context. It serves as an over-due reminder of Coastal Command and the part they played in the Allied effort, with Ted's wartime exploits including the first mid-air sky-jacking in history, a daring solitary attack on the Italian fleet, and many emergency crash landings. Written largely in the first person and illustrated extensively, these exploits come vividly to life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

This captivating biographical account delves into the life and times of a remarkable South African World War II pilot, the author's father. The narrative, by necessity, becomes deeply personal, drawing upon family history and evolving lifestyles as the central figure navigates a series of challenging experiences. From flying coastal strike missions in the Mediterranean and North Africa to engaging the Japanese in the Far East, the story unfolds against a backdrop of personal perspectives and an engrossing operational outset.

The narrative seamlessly weaves together the personal family story, providing a contextual framework for the events. Images of a bygone era haunt the pages, evoking a time when a determined individual could challenge the system and achieve remarkable results, despite immense rigidity within the Services. This work is a welcome addition to the collections of discerning readers, as the story of Coastal Command often goes overlooked in histories that primarily focus on the Fighter boys and Bomber Boys of World War Two and their associated experiences.

The exploits documented in this book serve as a timely reminder of the Unit and its significant role in the Allied effort. Ted's wartime adventures encompass a range of remarkable feats, including the first mid-air skyjacking in history, a daring solo attack on the Italian fleet after losing the rest of his strike team, narrowly escaping being burnt in the subsequent inferno of a catastrophic air crash in the Ceylon jungle, numerous emergency crash landings, and ultimately serving as Commander of 27 Squadron, undertaking perilous rescue operations behind enemy lines for members of the Indian Resistance Movement who were operating in the jungles of Burma.

Written predominantly in the first person and extensively illustrated, these exploits come to life with vivid detail. The reader is transported into the heart of the action, experiencing the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of Ted's remarkable journey. This biographical account not only sheds light on the sacrifices and contributions of individuals during wartime but also offers a poignant reflection on the broader historical context of World War II. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, reminding us of the indomitable human spirit and the enduring impact of historical events on our collective memory.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399074988