From Sapper to Spitfire Spy (Hardback)
The WWII Biography of David Greville-Heygate DFC
Imprint: Pen & Sword Aviation
Pages: 294
ISBN: 9781473843882
Published: 7th September 2015
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David Greville-Heygate was one of the few men who served in both the army and the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, but it was in the sky that he really earned his stripes. Stalking the skies flying photo-reconnaissance missions with No. 16 Squadron over Northern France, he was to win the illustrious and highly coveted Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Another highlight saw him in action in the skies above the French coastline in preparation for the D-Day landings, taking photographs that would provide the allies with essential intelligence upon which to base their plans. Based in Holland in December 1944, David flew armed recces with No.168 Squadron then transferred to No.2 Squadron where he reported on troop movements behind German lines. During the course of a dynamic and eventful career, he flew a wide variety of iconic wartime aircraft including Lysanders, Mustangs, Typhoons and Spitfires in England, the Netherlands and Germany.
Although there have been many stories about the Battle of Britain there has been less published about the life of a photo reconnaissance pilot during this time. David's thrilling exploits in the sky and the part he played within the context of the wider war are enlivened here to great effect by his daughter, Sally-Anne Greville Heygate, herself a professional photographer. Using snippets from diary entries, letters, logbooks, squadron records and other documents, she has managed to construct an engaging history of a talented photo-reconnaissance pilot and the war in which he fought.
As featured onAircrew Book Review
Aircrew Book Review
'Without doubt this book is an excellent read. ...and I would recommend it as a superb book full of pictures and personal accounts of a very brave man.'
Sussex Views Magazine
As featured in
Wiltshire Times
Good coverage of a pilot in a more unusual role.
Aeroplane Monthly, August 2016
As featured in
Dorset Life
Using snippets from diary entries, letters, logbooks, squadron records, and other documents, the author has managed to construct an engaging history of a talented photo-reconnaissance pilot and the war in which fought.
Pennant May 2016
This is an utterly fascinating story of an extraordinary man. The role of the photo reconnaissance pilots is often forgotten, but operating behind enemy lines with no protection but the speed of the aircraft and their own flying skill, these men were certainly very real heroes. This is a wonderful testimony to a very courageous man.
James Holland, Author & Historian
'Sally-Anne Greville-Haygate has written a fascinating account of her father David's wartime experiences.'
Wiltshire Life Magazine
As featured in
Davizes Gazette & Herald
As featured in
Harborough Mail
As featured in
Southern Daily Echo
As featured in
Salisbury Journal
Called up by the army in August 1939 David Greville-Heygate operated a searchlight until commissioned at Sandhurst. Posted to the Loyals in Portsmouth he had ‘a bit of a row’ with his Brigadier and labelled an Army Rebel. After training as an Army Co-operation pilot he flew No. 16 Squadron Lysanders and Mustangs. Photographs he took of Northern France were used to plan the D-Day landings.
Raf Commands
Later, declared unfit for high flying, David worked as an instructor until December 1944 when he was posted to Holland to fly Typhoons with No.168 Squadron. A lucky break saw him transfer to No.2 Squadron and for the rest of the war David flew photo-recce Spitfires recording German troop movements.
About David Greville-Heygate
David Greville-Heygate was one of the few men who served in both the army and the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, but it was in the sky that he really earned his stripes. Stalking the skies flying photo-reconnaissance missions with No. 16 Squadron over Northern France, he was to win the illustrious and highly coveted Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Another highlight saw him in action in the skies above the French coastline in preparation for the D-Day landings, taking photographs that would provide the allies with essential intelligence upon which to base their plans. Based in Holland in December 1944, David flew armed recces with No.168 Squadron then transferred to No.2 Squadron where he reported on troop movements behind German lines. During the course of a dynamic and eventful career, he flew a wide variety of iconic wartime aircraft including Lysanders, Mustangs, Typhoons and Spitfires in England, the Netherlands and Germany.
Although there have been many stories about the Battle of Britain there has been less published about the life of a photo reconnaissance pilot during this time. David's thrilling exploits in the sky and the part he played within the context of the wider war are enlivened here to great effect by his daughter, Sally-Anne Greville Heygate, herself a professional photographer. Using snippets from diary entries, letters, logbooks, squadron records and other documents, she has managed to construct an engaging history of a talented photo-reconnaissance pilot and the war in which he fought.
About Sally-Anne Greville-Heygate
Sally-Anne Greville-Heygate is the daughter of David Greville-Heygat. She is a professional photographer, using snippets from diary entries, letters, logbooks, squadron records and other documents, she has managed to construct an engaging history of a talented photo-reconnaissance pilot and the war in which he fought.
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