Thanks to a broken leg during flight school, Arthur Stanley Gould Lee gained valuable additional time flying trainers before he was posted to France during World War I. In November 1917 during low level bombing and strafing attacks, he was shot down three times by ground fire. He spent eight months at the front and accumulated 222 hours of flight time in Sopwith Pups and Camels during a staggering 118 patrols; being engaged in combat 56 times. He lived to retire from the RAF as an air vice-marshal in 1946.
Author of three books, this is by far his best. Lee puts you in the cockpit in a riveting account of life as a fighter pilot at the front. At turns humorous and dramatic, this thoughtful, enlightening, true account is a classic to be ranked with Winged Victory by W. V. Yeates, also published by Grub Street.
Reviews
'This is a classic account of the air war over the Western Front.' --Britain at War
'Open Cockpit is a great read, and generously illustrated with a mix of well-known images, and the author's own album snaps to add a personal touch. For a gripping first-hand account of what flying and fighting in WWI was all about, this one has few peers and it is good to see a new edition available for a fresh generation of enthusiasts.' --WINDSOCK Worldwide
'This book is one of his finest and brings home to the reader life in the air and on the ground for a Great War pilot. Well written, dramatic and informative it's almost like being there with him as he flies. Another contender for my pick of Editor's Choice this month.' --The Great War magazine (November 2012)
'Most enjoyable book, a welcome reprint.' --The Aviation Historian
