Mike Holmes is an OP of great enthusiasm and wide interests. In retirement he decided to write and publish his life story - his fourth book. the first "Apprentice to the Red Ensign" told of his short-lived career in the Merchant Navy. In 2006 and 2007 he published two books about his life-long passion for birdwatching and bats. Now, in his latest effort, he describes his life-long fascination with flying.


Mike starts at the beginning, writing in detail about his early enthusiasm for model flying kits and his huge disappointment when his parents refused to let him take a flight when Sir Alan Goodman's flying circus performed near his home. After gaining his 'A' licence in flying clubs, he was accepted by the RAF in 1951, sent to southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and returned to be posted to 41 Squadron of Battle of Britain fame at Biggin Hill.

Much to his frustration the RAF was not involved in the Korean war, but Mike's career took him far and wide including to Kenya and Germany with the USAF when he flew night fighters. Eventually he emerged as a qualified flying instructor but after four years at the College of Air Training at Hamble he determined to move into civil aviation, joining Danair in 1968. He found the transition difficult but went on to become a Captain flying 748s around Britain. Aged 50 he then converted to fly BAC 1-11s and his cheerful, enthusiastic personality ensured that he always had good relations with engineers and ground crew. Turning 60 he had to retire but then joined a gliding club and later flew microlights until failing eyesight and arthritis finally forced him out of the cockpit.

Anyone who is interested in the flying world will enjoy this book and come away from reading it with admiration for a person totally absorbed by the aeronautical world.

(Woodfield Publishing Ltd.)

L.C. STEPHENS