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A Very Unusual Air War: From Dunkirk to AFDU: The Diary and Log Book of Test Pilot H. Leonard Thorne, 1940-45
Author(s): H. Leonard Thorne (Author), Gill Griffin (Editor), Barry Griffin (Editor)
- Publisher: The History Press
- Publication Date: 2 Sept. 2013
- Edition: First Edition
- Language: English
- Print length: 256 pages
- ISBN-10: 0752493434
- ISBN-13: 9780752493435
Book Description
‘I hold the greatest respect for Len for what he achieved in the RAF.’ – Gordon Mitchell, son of Spitfire designer R.J. Mitchell
In May 1940, 20-year-old Len Thorne joined the RAF, as did many young men during the Second World War. After two hectic tours of operational duty as a fighter pilot, including some desperately dangerous low-level flying at Dunkirk, he was posted to AFDU (Air Fighting Development Unit) and remained there as a test pilot for the rest of the war.
Fortunately for us, Len kept a detailed diary, which, set alongside his log book, tells the unique story of a test pilot tasked with developing operational tactics and testing captured enemy aircraft, such as the feared Fw 190. During Len’s career, he worked alongside some of the most famous fighter aces and his records cast light on some of the most famous flyers of the RAF, including Wing Commander Al Deere and Spitfire aces Squadron Leader ‘Paddy’ Finucane, Ernie Ryder and many others.
A unique record of military aviation history, From Spitfire to Focke Wulf offers a window to this era of rapid and high-stakes aircraft development.
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
An insightful look into the life of a wartime test pilot
About the Author
GILL GRIFFIN is the daughter of Leonard Thorne. Born in 1920 in the village of Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire Leonard studied at grammar schools in Aylesbury, Birmingham, Tewkesbury and Slough. After matriculation he joined High Duty Alloys in Slough and then moved with the company to Redditch. He joined the RAF in May 1940. Len died in 2008. His diary and log book have been collated by Gill and her husband Barry.
BARRY GRIFFIN is the son-of-law of Leonard Thorne. Born in 1920 in the village of Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire Leonard studied at grammar schools in Aylesbury, Birmingham, Tewkesbury and Slough. After matriculation he joined High Duty Alloys in Slough and then moved with the company to Redditch. He joined the RAF in May 1940. Len died in 2008. His diary and log book have been collated by his daughter Gill and Barry.
