Death in the Air (Paperback)
The War Diary and Photographs of a Flying Corps Pilot
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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.
My interest in this book was due to it containing 'actual' photographs of dogfights and derring do from WW1 - aviation and photography are two of my main interests, so getting a copy was a no-brainer.
Timothy Campbell, The Photographic Collectors Club of Great Britain
I hadn't paid any attention to either reviews or details of the book, and after looking at the first couple of photographs realised that it was all a hoax! The back cover does state the true facts, that the original 1933 book was published as genuine, and only 50 years later revealed to be pure fabrication. But don't let that put you off!
The text is presented as a series of diary entries, with dates, places and names deliberately missing to add to the feel of them being edited by the censor. Although ficticious, the entries are obviously written by a pilot - the slang, the terminology, the details about the flights and fights all ring true.
The book reminded of the very first 'Biggles' books (based in WW1 period) - they were written as fiction but virtually all of them used first hand experience to give the feel of real events.
A hoax, yes, but certainly a very enjoyable read for anyone wanting to 'relive' those pioneering days of the first fighter pilots.
Highly recommended!
IPMS USA
To read the full review click here
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, November 2016 - reviewed by Mark Marsay
Fascinating. 8/10
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.
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