Description

Life and death in the skies above the battlefields of France

There are few books written by the dauntless young pilots who fought the first real war of the air when powered aircraft bombed, strafed, observed or fought in life or death dogfights over the battle lines. This special Leonaur edition contains two riveting accounts of the early conflict in the clouds by American pilots who flew for the allied cause. Charles Biddle volunteered to join the French Foreign Legion and became a member of the Aviation Division. In the course of the war he flew with the French Escadrille N. 73, the internationally famous Lafayette Escadrille and then, as the United States of America joined the allied fight in 1917, with the 13th Aero Squadron and the 4th Pursuit Group. Biddle's book is partnered here by an account, edited by his brother Kermit and with letters, of the wartime experiences of Quentin Roosevelt, son of Theodore Roosevelt. Quentin joined the United States Army Air Service, first in a reserve squadron and ultimately in the 95th Aero Squadron serving in France. While flying his Nieuport 28 aircraft, Roosevelt was shot down and killed in July 1918 during combat with German aircraft, four months before the end of the war. These are thrilling accounts flyers at the sharp end of war and are an invaluable addition to the libraries of everyone interested in air combat.
Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.