Malta Spitfire: The Diary of a Fighter Pilot by George Beurling and Leslie Roberts. Stackpole Books (http://www.stackpolebooks.com), 5067 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055-6921, 2002, 260 pages, $19.95 (softcover).
Critics often look at movies like Casablanca and say, “They sure don’t make them like that any more.” Similarly, aviation nuts like me swoon when they see a P-51 Mustang or Spitfire fly overhead, declaring, “They sure don’t make planes like that any more.” In the world of military history books, the memoir occupies a special niche because its tone and sense of urgency make it unique and interesting to read: “They don’t write books like this any more.”
Originally published in 1943, Malta Spitfire chronicles the flying career of a superior Canadian fighter pilot who rose to fame and notoriety over the skies of Malta in the summer of 1942. His record of destroying 27 German and Italian aircraft, damaging eight others, and scoring three probable kills in a 14-day period stands as one of World War II’s memorable aerial-combat achievements. Impressive though these numbers may be, it is his account of learning to fly, trying to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, and fighting the Luftwaffe as a Royal Air Force pilot that makes this story so interesting.
Although sometimes labeled a cold-blooded killer, Beurling was more accurately a frustrated, desperate man whose hatred for the enemy is reflected throughout the book in his vitriolic, disparaging remarks about the Germans. Such emotions are difficult to imitate and can come only from the pen of someone intimately involved in this type of conflict. Beurling’s explosive personality, however, often got him in trouble with his superiors—so much so, that even with 31 confirmed aerial victories and even at the height of the war in October 1944, the Canadians allowed Beurling to “retire” from military duty.
In addition to its ample illustrations and 12 black-and-white photographs, the book features a wonderful foreword and minibiographies of Beurling’s fellow pilots by noted historian Christopher Shores. As with many memoirs, the writer often does not provide historical context, but that is no obstacle to readers who want to understand the thoughts and read the words of men embroiled in combat. Beurling and his squadron’s contribution to beating back the German and Italian “blitz” of Malta and his expertise as a fighter pilot and master of deflection shooting make this story worth reading.
The study of battles and accumulation of detailed knowledge about aircraft obviously have their place in historical analysis. Too often, however, we tend to ignore the human element of warfare—yet another reason to read this book. Although $19.95 may be a bit steep for a paperback, Malta Spitfire will not disappoint its readers.
Lt Col Rob Tate, USAFR
Maxwell AFB, Alabama
Disclaimer
The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.
Book Reviews | Home Page | Feedback? Email the Editor