It is not often in these days, that one gets to read a biography about the experiences of a WWII pilot. Men of this generation are leaving us in the thousands each week and the opportunity to read about their lives is one that we should all take. These are the people who helped to shape the world the way it is.

This particular book is the story of Franciszek Kornicki from his birth until the present day.

Of most interest to most of us is the bulk of the book which covers his days at the Polish Air College in Deblin, through his flight training, posting to a PZL fighter squadron, his experiences in the opening part of WWII and subsequent escape to Romania and from there to France. Chosen to fly the Caudron C.714, his experiences with that aircraft are quite enlightening, but the war was moving quickly and as France was overrun, he managed to get to Britain where he spent the war flying with the RAF, along with a rather substantial number of other Polish airmen.

After the war, he stayed in the UK working at various jobs until rejoining the RAF in 1951, using his immediate post war experiences of running pubs and restaurants to good use as well as keeping his hand in flying. This RAF experience kept him in good stead after retiring from the RAF as he went right back into the business with the RAF, but this time as a civilian.

It is a fascinating book full of good humor and candor. It is a look into a part of history that few people have experienced. A book that I found immensely entertaining and I'm positive that you will as well. It is a book that I can most highly recommend to you.

May 2008

Review book courtesy of MMP Books, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books.

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