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Spitfire

Portrait of a Legend

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Spitfire

By: Leo McKinstry
Narrated by: Peter Noble
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About this listen

 The gripping saga of the plane that carried Britain through the Second World War.

In June 1940, the German Army had brought the rest of Europe to its knees. 'Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world will move forward into broad, sunlit uplands,' said Churchill. The future of Europe depended on Britain.

A self-confident Herman Göring thought that it would be only a matter of weeks before his planes had forced Britain to surrender. The courage, resourcefulness and brilliant organisation of the RAF were to prove him wrong. By late September 1940, the RAF had proved invincible, thanks to the Vickers Supermarine Spitfire. It exceeded anything that any other air force possessed. RJ Mitchell, a shy and almost painfully modest engineer, was the genius behind the Spitfire. On the 5th March 1936, following its successful maiden flight, a legend was born.

Prize-winning historian Leo McKinstry's vivid history of the Spitfire brings together a rich cast of characters and first hand testimonies. It is a tale full of drama and heroism, of glory and tragedy, with the main protagonist the remarkable plane that played a crucial role in saving Britain.

(P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd©2007 Leo McKinstry Military Weapons & Warfare War Air Force US Air Force Aviation Imperialism Winston Churchill
All stars
Most relevant
A great insight technically and personally of a time where England pulled socks up and created something probably not done since.

Listen & learn about the legend

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Lots of background, context, and obviously well researched, interesting, well paced, and well read, this was a great book!

Excellent

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I came here wanting to know more about the Spitfire. About its pilots and battles. And I’m not disappointed.
I didn’t even know I’d be interested in all its production difficulties and challenges, how the warehouses are set up.
But there it is. Listened and was fascinated by all of it.

Everything

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.