Canada's Fighting Pilots

First published in the 1960s and long out of print, Edmund Cosgrove recounts the lives of Canada’s outstanding pilots and their exploits in the two world wars. From the brilliant individualists who flew in the First World War to the tough and dedicated bomber crews of the Second, this is the story of Canadian airmen and their remarkable contribution to the war effort. An essential book for any aviation and history enthusiast, the superbly readable original text that made this book a classic in its day is now supplemented with new and unpublished photos.

Gathered together here are the stories of some of Canada’s most celebrated pilots; William "Billy" Bishop, whose daring, solo dawn raid on a German airfield won him the Victoria Cross; William Barker, who fought single-handedly an entire squadron of enemy aircraft; George "Buzz" Beurling, the ace of Malta who achieved a remarkable score of victories fighting from an island under siege; and Andrew Mynarski, whose attempts to save the life of a trapped comrade, high over Germany, ultimately cost him his own. This is their unforgettable story.

Edmund Cosgrove was a CBC-TV newsman who himself led a life of adventure as a soldier, sailor and news reporter. His book was the result of a keen interest in flying and his friendship with many who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Brick Billing is a writer, an aviation enthusiast and historian. A former pilot (and the son of a pilot), he currently lives in Ottawa with his wife and their two daughters. He has flown vintage aircraft and holds a Master's degree.