About the Author

While on active duty, John Nichol was shot down on the first daylight raid of the first Gulf War. Captured and tortured, he was paraded on television provoking worldwide condemnation and leaving one of the enduring images of the conflict. He later served around the world from the Nevada Desert to the Middle East and Norway to the Falkland Islands, and chronicled his ordeal in Iraq in the bestelling Tornado Down. He is the author of five novels, and the highly-acclaimed WWII history books, The Last Escape, Tail-End Charlies, and Home Run. He is a member of The Royal British Legion's Gulf War Group, helping veterans with Gulf War Syndrome and a patron of the British Ex-service Wheelchair Sports Association.

Reviews

'A rich and heartfelt tribute to this most iconic British machine. By focussing on the men (and women) who flew the Spitfire, John Nichol has brought a fresh and powerful perspective to the story. And by recording their bravery, humility, camaraderie, tragedy and sheer joy in flying their beloved Spits he has done them - and us - a valuable service' -- Rowland White - author of Vulcan 607
'The best book you will ever read about Britain's greatest warplane.' -- Patrick Bishop, bestselling author of Fighter Boys
'As the RAF marks its centenary, Nichol has created a thrilling and often moving tribute to some of its greatest heroes.' -- Jon Dennis * Mail on Sunday magazine *
'A stirring portrait of a piece of aviation art in motion flown by the bravest of the brave. Nichol's Spitfire is still a sky-borne prima ballerina that kicks like Bruce Lee.' * RAF News *
'A superb and compelling book. Brilliantly written with some incredible and astonishing stories; it is gripping, moving, emotional and sometimes humorous - just perfect' -- Squadron Leader (Ret) Clive Rowley, former Officer Commanding RAF Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight
'A superb journey through the remarkable tale of that British icon, the Spitfire. Brilliantly and engagingly written, this is the most readable story of the aircraft and her pilots that I have ever had the pleasure to read in a period spanning some forty-odd years of personal study and research. Truly stunning.' -- Andy Saunders, Editor * Britain at War Magazine *
'It packs such an emotional punch. If you don't believe an object can bring you to tears and instil such passion - read this book, it will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.' -- Stephen McEntee, WHSmith non-fiction buyer
'A rich tribute to Britain's greatest warplane' * Sunday Times Culture *