WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE WAR, DADDY?

by Dennis Berry

February 1941 - a young man waits eagerly for his 19th birthday and the chance to fulfil his dream.  The moment comes, and he enlists in the RAF to become a fighter pilot and help to defend his country against the enemy.  Leaving his family behind for the first time is emotional, but excitement outweighs the fear. Then the dream of flying Spitfires to save England is shattered when he performs too well and is sent to become a Flying Instructor.

Meanwhile, home life continues - maternal concerns, amid disagreements and power struggles within the family.  Memories of his boyhood sweetheart are put aside when marriage seems the right course of action – but confusion unexpectedly follows a chance reunion. 

Learning how to fly a Tiger Moth, the routines of a busy airfield and the sense of insulation from the rest of the war – these memories all evoke vivid and authentic recollections. This description of the life of a wartime RAF pilot based in England demonstrates the national atmosphere not only of grim purpose but also of great optimism.

‘As a pilot you represent one man against the enemy.  As an instructor you will represent 20 men – 20 pilots in one year – against the enemy!’.   Station Commander, RAF Peterborough, Spring 1942

Dennis Berry’s razor-sharp memoirs evoke the heady, dangerous years of World War II. He was one of the very best pilot-instructors and his story is a surprising page-turner…
Howard Kennett, ex-RAF, BBC scriptwriter, friend

Dennis Berry writes in a lively, frank way about his early and some- times naive experiences during the war, especially while qualifying as a pilot and working in the RAF. It's a difficult book to put down.
                                                                Mike Brearley, former England cricket captain, psychoanalyst

WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE WAR, DADDY?