Grupo Abierto Libros contact John Fordham, 3 Priory Lane, Bracknell RG4 2JU john.fordham@btconnect.com, 267pp, 130×212mm, softback.
ISBN 9789871121328, ₤15 inc p&p in UK

 

A member in Australia suggested us to an English great-uncle of the Argentinian author, who contacted me. I was in Texas at the time, so another great-uncle in California sent me a review copy. CCI is global!
This is another collection of family letters lovingly collated by the great-niece of the subject and turned into an interesting and at times moving ‘biographical novel’ (her words).

 

Tommy Colvill Jones went to England as a volunteer from his Argentine birthplace, joined the RFC, flew Bristol Fighters in 20 and 48 Squadrons, had eleven victories, was promoted to Captain and Flight Commander, was shot down and wounded, dying from his wounds as a POW in Germany. He was still only 20. His brother got an MC in the trenches, was invalided out and joined the RFC as an Observer. He too was shot down and killed. He was a rather lordly young man, very much liked by all who knew him. The Argentinian background makes this an unusual and interesting book and his letters home reflect daily life in the RFC and RAF admirably. Equally daily life in England and Argentina in war time.

There are good photographs, and a somewhat eccentric series of Appendices. I very much enjoyed being privy to another personal glimpse into the life of a flyer.