Sailor' Malan—Freedom Fighter
Sailor' Malan—Freedom Fighter

Author: Dilip Sarkar MBE

Publisher: Air World

Published: 2021-06-09

Total Pages: 362

ISBN-13: 1526795272

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Adolph Gysbert Malan was born in Wellington, South Africa. A natural leader and driven individual with a totally positive outlook, aged fourteen Malan became an officer cadet in the South African Merchant Navy, before being commissioned into the Royal Navy Reserve. Well-travelled and worldly-wise, aged twenty-five the intrepid adventurer applied for a Short Service Commission in the RAF. Universally known as ‘Sailor’ in the RAF, Malan became a fighter pilot. Shortly after war was declared, Malan was involved in the infamous ‘Battle of Barking Creek’, in which 74 Squadron mistakenly destroyed friendly Hurricanes. Then, over Dunkirk in May 1940, Malan’s exceptional ability was immediately demonstrated in combat and a string of confirmed aerial victories rapidly accumulated. The following month, Malan scored the Spitfire’s first nocturnal kill. By August 1940 he was commanding 74 Squadron, which he led with great distinction during the Battle of Britain. In March 1941, Malan was promoted and became the first Wing Commander (Flying) at Biggin Hill, leading the three-squadron-strong Spitfire wing during operations over northern France. After a break from operations, Malan went on to command a succession of fighter training units, passing on his tactical genius and experience, and producing his famous ‘Ten Rules of Air Fighting’ which are still cited today. By the war’s end, Group Captain Malan was the RAF’s tenth top-scoring fighter pilot. Leaving the RAF in 1945 and returning to South Africa, he was disgusted by Apartheid and founded the ‘Torch Commando’ of ex-servicemen against this appalling racist policy. This part of Malan’s life is equally as inspirational, in fact, as his wartime service, and actually tells us more about the man than just his RAF record. Tragically, in 1963, he died, prematurely, aged just fifty-three, of Parkinson’s. Written with the support of the Malan family, this biography is the full story of a remarkable airman and politician.

'Sailor' Malan - Freedom Fighter
'Sailor' Malan - Freedom Fighter

Author: Dilip Sarkar MBE

Publisher: Air World

Published: 2021-06-30

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13: 9781526795267

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Adolph Gysbert Malan was born in Wellington, South Africa. A natural leader and driven individual with a totally positive outlook, aged fourteen Malan became an officer cadet in the South African Merchant Navy, before being commissioned into the Royal Navy Reserve. Well-travelled and worldly-wise, aged twenty-five the intrepid adventurer applied for a Short Service Commission in the RAF. Universally known as 'Sailor' in the RAF, Malan became a fighter pilot. Shortly after war was declared, Malan was involved in the infamous 'Battle of Barking Creek', in which 74 Squadron mistakenly destroyed friendly Hurricanes. Then, over Dunkirk in May 1940, Malan's exceptional ability was immediately demonstrated in combat and a string of confirmed aerial victories rapidly accumulated. The following month, Malan scored the Spitfire's first nocturnal kill. By August 1940 he was commanding 74 Squadron, which he led with great distinction during the Battle of Britain. In March 1941, Malan was promoted and became the first Wing Commander (Flying) at Biggin Hill, leading the three-squadron-strong Spitfire wing during operations over northern France. After a break from operations, Malan went on to command a succession of fighter training units, passing on his tactical genius and experience, and producing his famous 'Ten Rules of Air Fighting' which are still cited today. By the war's end, Group Captain Malan was the RAF's tenth top-scoring fighter pilot. Leaving the RAF in 1945 and returning to South Africa, he was disgusted by Apartheid and founded the 'Torch Commando' of ex-servicemen against this appalling racist policy. This part of Malan's life is equally as inspirational, in fact, as his wartime service, and actually tells us more about the man than just his RAF record. Tragically, in 1963, he died, prematurely, aged just fifty-three, of Parkinson's. Written with the support of the Malan family, this biography is the full story of a remarkable airman and politician.

Sky Tiger
Sky Tiger

Author: Norman L. R. Franks

Publisher:

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 220

ISBN-13: 9780947554385

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Fighter Aces of the RAF in the Battle of Britain
Fighter Aces of the RAF in the Battle of Britain

Author: Philip Kaplan

Publisher: Pen and Sword

Published: 2008-03-25

Total Pages: 399

ISBN-13: 1783409029

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This book examines the reality behind the myths of the legendary RAF fighter aces during the Battle of Britain. The accounts of the experiences of fighter pilots are based on archival research, diaries, letters, published and unpublished memoirs and personal interviews with veterans.

First Light
First Light

Author: Geoffrey Wellum

Publisher: Penguin UK

Published: 2018-05-17

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 0241984335

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Two months before the outbreak of the Second World War, eighteen-year-old Geoffrey Wellum becomes a fighter pilot with the RAF . . . Desperate to get in the air, he makes it through basic training to become the youngest Spitfire pilot in the prestigious 92 Squadron. Thrust into combat almost immediately, Wellum finds himself flying several sorties a day, caught up in terrifying dogfights with German Me 109s. Over the coming months he and his fellow pilots play a crucial role in the Battle of Britain. But of the friends that take to the air alongside Wellum many never return.

50 Flippen Brilliant South Africans
50 Flippen Brilliant South Africans

Author: Tim Richman

Publisher:

Published: 2021-02-15

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13:

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50 Flippen Brilliant South Africans, originally published in 2012, is the second in the 50 People series. What does it take to be a flippen brilliant South African? Simple: sheer brilliance and a good story. So, whether naughty or noble, crazy or controversial, here are 50 of the most talented, successful, inspirational, intriguing, fascinating Saffers to have walked the planet... Of course, there are the great statesmen (Mandela, Luthuli, Smuts), the landmark achievers (Charlize Theron, Chris Barnard) and the incredible talents (Miriam Makeba, Irma Stern), but the lesser-knowns will also make a case: such as Ntshingwayo Khoza, the conqueror at Isandlwana; Ampie Roux, the atom-bomb creator; Ryan Sandes, the world's best trail runner... As will the honorary inclusions (Churchill, Rodriguez, Gandhi) and the previously scorned (Mbeki, Shaka). But how exactly does Winnie Madikizela-Mandela qualify? From space adventurers (Mark Shuttleworth) and fighter pilots (Sailor Malan) to entrepreneurs (Elon Musk) and environmentalists (Ian Player), this is a raucous celebration of the country we call home, and the perfect partner to the other 50 People books - proving that you just can't have the bad without the good... 'Clever, informative, witty, well-researched, engrossing.' - Gorry Bowes Taylor, Fine Music Radio 'Hits exactly the right note; entertaining and informative even if you don't agree with every choice. The bonus of this compilation is that even with famous characters you'll learn something new.' - Business Day 'A fantastic book.' - Jenny Crwys-Williams Short-listed for the Nielsen Booksellers' Choice Award 2013 The other books in the 50 People series are: - 50 People Who Stuffed Up South Africa (2010)- 50 People Who Messed Up The World (2017)- 50 Who F***ed Up South Africa: The Lost Decade (2020)

The Spitfire
The Spitfire

Author: Philip Kaplan

Publisher: Casemate Publishers

Published: 2017-07-31

Total Pages: 411

ISBN-13: 1473898544

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“An amazing tribute to the people who designed, built and flew it—a comprehensive history of one of the most beautiful aircraft ever manufactured.”—Books Monthly The magnificent Vickers Supermarine Spitfire, together with its able partner the Hawker Hurricane, saved Britain from Nazi invasion in the summer of 1940 and irrevocably changed the course of the Second World War. This book from Philip Kaplan celebrates one of history’s most important weapons in a glorious new light. A British national icon, the Spitfire is the best-known symbol of the war years for generations of Britons. From the deep, haunting growl of its Rolls-Royce engine, to the elegant style of its elliptical wing, it is perhaps the most famous and revered combat airplane ever built. Kaplan investigates just what it is that fuels the Spitfire’s compelling mystique. During wartime, it held an unrivaled reputation amongst Allied and Axis airmen. Today, it continues to hold aviation enthusiasts in thrall. Kaplan highlights the immeasurable contributions of Spitfire designers Reginald J. Mitchell and Joseph Smith, test pilots Jeffrey Quill, Mutt Summers and Alex Henshaw, and ace Spitfire pilots including Al Deere, Sailor Malan and Pierre Clostermann. All added to the legend of this lovely, but deadly, little fighter. “Can be considered a ‘Potted History’ of the Spitfire and its military and civilian service, with particular emphasis being placed on the restoration of AR213. On that basis it will probably appeal to Spitfire aficionados in particular and to aviation and war-bird enthusiasts in general.”—NZ Crown Mines

Passion for Flight
Passion for Flight

Author: Peter Bagshawe

Publisher: Freeworld Publications

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13:

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Passion For Flight is an account of the outstanding flying careers of some of our most brilliant aviators whose achievements have helped place South Africa among the top achievers in world aviation. The stories take one back to the early days when flights over Africa posed immense dangers - uncharted, hostile territory, primitive instruments and no radio, with unreliable weather forecasts Then the stories of highly decorated pilots who were trained and fought in the RAF. These stalwarts have many attributes in common during their years in the limelight. One of these was modesty.