BOOK: First Light by Geoffrey Wellum

Anybody with a passing interest in aviation or World War II that hasn’t already done so should do themselves a favour and read this book.
It is truly touching, engaging and riveting, reading as intimately as if the author was sat across the table, relating the story first hand.
It bristles with detail and authenticity throughout and yet still manages to affect the reader emotionally with the intimate thoughts and reflections of the author in his darker and more fraught moments.
This book deserves to be read by the widest possible audience, especially given the complete omission of any Word War related lessons in schools these days. It truly is startling to consider the attitudes of the people back then: the sheer bravery and sacrifice.
I would truly love to shake the hand of this man, and the others like him who simply aren’t given the respect and status they deserve. Absolute heroes. Geoffrey – thank you for this book and the sacrifice you and your generation made. To quote Winston:

“The gratitude of every home in our island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world except in the abodes of the guilty goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unweakened by their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of world war by their prowess and their devotion.

Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few…”

Get First Light here.