Johnson is too dry in his writing style. The result is that you couldn't care lessa bout his exploits or the exploits of the men under his command. No doubt this book is a classic and Johnsonw as the supreme British RAF man. But the book is badly written.

Johnnie Johnson's autobiography is a superb document. Few "war stories" can rival its simple, straightfoward presentation and honesty. I take strong issue with other reviewers who view the book's writing style as lackluster--i believe that this is a ridiculous criticism given the fact that Mr. Johnson never claims to be a Tolstoy of literature, only a pilot who did his job and wrote about it afterwards. Where Mr. Johnson's words were sparse, my imagination had no trouble completing the pictures being sketched by his concise words. I would much prefer this kind of honest account of war to the false drama created by authors who are more interested in demonstrating their craft than relating a story. Thank you Mr. Johnson for your beautiful book and for the significant role you played in history during the 1940's.

Johnnie Johnson flew fighters and fought throughout WWII, taking part in the Battle of Britain, the invasion of Normandy and the campaign in Europe.

This is an easy-to-read book, written shortly after the war and the writing is fresh, undiluted by time.

One of the classic books of WWII, it should be required-reading for anyone wishing to understand what it was like for a young pilot to fly, fight and survive for five long years.