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A Very Unusual Air War: From Dunkirk to AFDU: The Diary and Log Book of Test Pilot H. Leonard Thorne, 1940-45 - Hardcover
The 20-year-old Len Thorne joined the RAF in May 1940. After two hectic tours of operational duty as a fighter pilot (including some desperately dangerous low-level flying at Dunkirk) he was posted to AFDU (Air Fighting Development Unit) and remained there as a test pilot for the rest of the war. He flew both Allied aircraft and captured enemy planes and was a colleague of many of the fighter ‘aces’. Fortunately for us, Len kept an insightful diary, which, set alongside his log book, tells the unique story of a member of the AFDU, tasked with developing operational tactics and testing captured enemy aircraft.
Len provides not only an insight into the amazing work done by the test pilots but also into some of the most famous flyers of the RAF, with whom he worked, including Wing Commander Al Deere and Spitfire Aces SL ‘Paddy’ Finucane, Ernie Ryder, and many others. Len’s diary for September 21 1942 records the first sighting of the feared FW190: ‘The pilot performed a series of quick rolls...metaphorically sticking up the proverbial two fingers.’ In May 1943 Len would be test flying the same type after pilot Heinz Erhardt mistakenly landed one at Marston!
Len provides not only an insight into the amazing work done by the test pilots but also into some of the most famous flyers of the RAF, with whom he worked, including Wing Commander Al Deere and Spitfire Aces SL ‘Paddy’ Finucane, Ernie Ryder, and many others. Len’s diary for September 21 1942 records the first sighting of the feared FW190: ‘The pilot performed a series of quick rolls...metaphorically sticking up the proverbial two fingers.’ In May 1943 Len would be test flying the same type after pilot Heinz Erhardt mistakenly landed one at Marston!
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About the Author:
Leonard Thorne was born in 1920 in the village of Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire. He studied at grammar schools in Aylesbury, Birmingham, Tewkesbury and Slough. After matriculation he joined High Duty Alloys in Slough and then moved with the company to Redditch. He joined the RAF in May 1940. Len died in 2008. His diary and log book have been collated by Gill Griffin and Barry Griffin, his daughter and his son-in-law.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherThe History Press
- Publication date2013
- ISBN 10 0752493434
- ISBN 13 9780752493435
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages256
- EditorGriffin Gill, Griffin Barry
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A Very Unusual Air War: From Dunkirk to AFDU: The Diary and Log Book of Test Pilot H. Leonard Thorne, 1940-45
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ISBN 13: 9780752493435
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A Very Unusual Air War: From Dunkirk to AFDU: The Diary and Log Book of Test Pilot H. Leonard Thorne, 1940-45
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ISBN 13: 9780752493435
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A Very Unusual Air War: From Dunkirk to AFDU - The Diary and Log Book of Test Pilot: From Dunkirk to AFDU: The Diary and Log Book of Test Pilot H. Leonard Thorne, 1940-45
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. A Very Unusual Air War: From Dunkirk to AFDU - The Diary and Log Book of Test Pilot: From Dunkirk to AFDU: The Diary and Log Book of Test Pilot H. Leonard Thorne, 1940-45 This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9780752493435
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A Very Unusual Air War: From Dunkirk to AFDU - The Diary and Log Book of Test Pilot: From Dunkirk to AFDU: The Diary and Log Book of Test Pilot H. Leonard Thorne, 1940-45
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A Very Unusual War. from Dunkirk to the AFDU
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. This book is the diary and log book of test pilot H. Leonard Thorne 1940 - 1945. The boards, text block and dust jacket are all square, tight and clean. Book price includes 2nd class parcel post in UK only. Seller Inventory # 08023
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A Very Unusual Air War: From Dunkirk to AFDU: The Diary and Log Book of Test Pilot H. Leonard Thorne, 1940-45
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ISBN 13: 9780752493435
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. Book is in Used-VeryGood condition. Pages and cover are clean and intact. Used items may not include supplementary materials such as CDs or access codes. May show signs of minor shelf wear and contain very limited notes and highlighting. 1.23. Seller Inventory # 0752493434-2-3
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