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Death in the Air: The War Diary and Photographs of a Flying Corps Pilot
Wesley D. Archer
€ 16.99
€ 12.36
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Description for Death in the Air: The War Diary and Photographs of a Flying Corps Pilot
Paperback. Based on the experiences of a First World War pilot. Num Pages: 256 pages, Images included in a central plate section. BIC Classification: 1D; 1KBB; 3JJF; HBJD; HBLW; HBWN; JWG. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 140 x 216 x 22. Weight in Grams: 382.
The typewritten script of a First World War pilot's diary with a large number of photographs was submitted to the publishers William Heinemann and published by them in 1933. Heinemann stated on the book's jacket that the diary contained no names, dates, or anything that could reveal the identity of the writer or the squadron in which he served. The publishers understood that the diarist was killed in action in 1918 and that it was in deference to the wishes of those who were close to him that his diary should be published. So remarkable were the photographs that their veracity was immediately questioned, but no proof of their authenticity or otherwise could be ascertained. It was not until 1983 that a collection of documents, photographs and artefacts was presented to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. Some of the photographs were recognised as being those of the mystery diarist and the truth was soon revealed. The author was Wesley Archer, an American with Canadian parents who served with the RFC in the First World War, and the photographs and diary had been faked.
Product Details
Publisher
Frontline Books
Format
Paperback
Publication date
2016
Condition
New
Number of Pages
256
Place of Publication
Barnsley, United Kingdom
ISBN
9781848328785
SKU
V9781848328785
Shipping Time
Usually ships in 4 to 8 working days
Ref
99-3
About Wesley D. Archer
Wesley D. Archer an American with Canadian parents who served with the RFC and the RAF. On 9 October 1918 he was shot down by ground fire while strafing German infantry in his SE5. He was hit in the chest but the bullet was deflected by his Colt pistol. He convalesced in Britain, returning to the US in 1920. He died in Havana in 1952, .
Reviews for Death in the Air: The War Diary and Photographs of a Flying Corps Pilot
A classic of the Great War, published in 1933 and again in 1985. When first published it was considered the ultimate record of aerial combat, with extraordinary photographs showing men and machines apparently in their last moments, as they struggled for survival in the skies over France. Wesley Archer was an American who served as a pilot with the RFC and who faked both the diary and the photographs. The introduction to this volume reveals the truth behind he hoax.
The Great War Magazine Highly recommended!
IPMS/USA
The Great War Magazine Highly recommended!
IPMS/USA