Written with the full support of the family, this excellent biography tells the story of a distinguished founder member of the Royal Air Force. Initially serving in the ranks as an infantryman, in 1915 Brian Baker transferred to the RFC and started operational flying in France with just 12 hours flying experience! He was one of the lucky few that survived and later served as a flight commander as the first Bristol Fighter squadron with which he gained a dozen victories in the summer of 1917. By the end of the war, he was in command of a Home Defence squadron and opted to remain in the newly formed peacetime RAF. He was initially a flying instructor and later served on aircraft carriers. Rising through the ranks he served in many pivotal posts through WW2 including a key role in D-Day planning. Post war he was CinC Transport Command that included planning the Berlin Airlift. Crisply written with the benefit of access to family papers and personal letters, this is a well-crafted story of.. Read more
Andrew Thomas - Author and Historian

These books are not for those seeking stories of dogfights and derring-do. Though being a test pilot in some of these designs was certainly no less brave and deserves immense respect. Both books cover a host of aircraft. We learn of how the companies like Sopwith, A.V. Roe, Junkers and Fokker began. Who the designers were and how the aircraft went from a drawing to taking to the air. Some would have a short flying career whilst others are still renowned today. Often illustrated books can be light on narrative, not an issue here. Even for those more technically minded, there is plenty of information. Being part of Casemate's Illustrated series, both books are packed with blueprints & original drawings. The reader will enjoy the fabulous array of photographs from both back in the day, to the fabulous colour photos that show both flying and museum examples. My own interest in aviation has rather neglected the early period of flying and the first world war. These magnificent and high quality.. Read more
History Book Chat

"The book is well written, in clearly defined sections and includes many quotations from contemporary publications and, although Rose’s time in the RFC merits fewer than forty pages, proved an interesting read none-the-less."
Cross and Cockade - No. 54/2

As featured in
Cher Ami, GWSIG Newsletter – International Plastic Modellers Society (UK) – April 2023

Featured in
Great War IPMS Newsletter, Cher Ami - December 2022