John Barfoot is a well-known name in this Society and many of his articles for our journal have related to his native Essex. John has now produced this fine work which examines, in detail, the careers of a selection of Essex-born men who flew during the Great War and in the years leading up to it. To do justice to all such men would, as John points out, be an almost impossible task and this is amply illustrated by the lengthy Roll of Honour which appears as an appendix.

He begins with the development of early flying sites in the county (Dagenham, the Lea Marshes, Barking Creek and Fambridge) and the activities that took place at these locations. The first personality to be introduced in detail is B.C. Hucks and his story is followed by that of other pre-war aviators, Henry, John and Edward Petre, HC Tower and DW Clappen. Edward Petre died in a pre-war accident but the others all served with the air services during the war.

A second section then examines the service careers of a selection of men who flew with the RFC and RAF. There are no great names here but the lives of such as the Child brothers and the Woodhouse brothers are told and provide much that is interesting.

The final segment deals with those who flew with the RNAS, including EH Dunning and CJ Galpin. Just as in the previous sections, John doesn’t go for the ‘aces’. His choice of personality ensures that the full range of aerial activity is covered. That coverage is done in a style that is easily followed and yet contains a vast amount of detail.

This is the sort of book that should be written for every county/region, as it serves to remind people of the bravery and sacrifice of young men ninety years ago. I can heartily recommend it to our members.