Down to Earth - Page 2

Nostalgair · 02-02-2008, 07:38 PM

Hi All,

Firstly, Kyt I can't say how happy I am that you enjoyed the book and I really appreciate the feedback. I became so passionate about ensuring Kenneth's story was told that I became very close to the tale. Time and input such as yours allows me to sit back and enjoy a whole new second wave of enthusiasm.

As for the research on Dan Halifax; you are all 'sleuths'. Your research is first class and keeps we authors on our toes no doubt!

Thanks again and any questions or feedback, please fire away.

Cheers

Owen

Kyt · 02-02-2008, 07:59 PM

It was a pleasurable read and I look forward to the next one.

Checking on Dan was interesting and fun. When I get time I shall be going through the book again and shall post details of all the other names mentioned (if I can find them). An additional tribute to his friends I hope.

Nostalgair · 04-02-2008, 04:35 AM

Thanks Kyt.

As for the next book....

Cheers,

Owen

Antipodean Andy · 06-03-2008, 03:41 AM

Owen, Mac has just recovered from his Mossie crash while with 264. The enthusiasm of getting on to Mossies is very evident as Mac's writing has really picked up. He seemed quite frustrated, but dedicated to the job at hand, with the cat's eyes and Turbinlite ops. Doreen's memories are most complementary.

This would have to be one of the most personal and varied memoirs I have read...and I'm not even half way through yet!

Nostalgair · 06-03-2008, 10:46 PM

Thanks Andy.

I just received a message through my website that almost mirrors your comments. It all makes the effort of writing very worthwhile.

From the outset my goal was to tell a tale, maintain a pace that reflected Mac's exciting career and keep the story tangible for a broad audience. Thanks for the feedback.

Cheers

Owen

Antipodean Andy · 11-03-2008, 02:47 AM

I usually rave and rave about wartime aviation memoirs because, to me, they are such a privilege to read. However, Down To Earth is more than that. Sure, it's great that Owen has shared this story with us but, at the end, you come away feeling like you know Mac and wishing you could shake his hand.

Kenneth McGlashan flew over Dunkirk and, through self-admitted inexperience, walked its beaches after his Hurricane was shot down. He is young, 19, but mature. Further trips over Dunkirk follow and he evolves into an effective single-engined fighter pilot. The Battle of Britain follows during which Mac's squadron is posted for an intriguing interlude in Ireland chasing German Condors. Here, his desire to pass on his knowledge surfaces and his commitment and drive to better himself as a leader and pilot is evident. He returns to England and flies cats' eye night fighter ops where he has to rely on his skill, eyesight and a lot of luck. Over time, Mac finds himself working with searchlight-equipped Boston/Havocs, the next great idea in night fighting to prove unsuccessful but nevertheless exciting when flying close formation with a bomber at night. Finally, though, he finds himself posted to a Mosquito night fighter unit and, at last, an effective way to hunt at night. What follows is a love affair with the Mossie, a harsh lesson on single-engined flying that sees him in hospital and determined to learn and teach what he can about "assymetric" flight, continuing anecdotes of the great men he flew with, an amazing sojourn with BOAC in the Middle East, flying during the invasion of Europe, training, raising a family, the end of the war, successful command of a Mossie squadron, award of the Air Force Cross, transfers, time in Cyprus and living around the world. What a life!

The writing is relaxed and so easy to follow. It is casual but evocative, regularly amusing but equally poignant. Mac certainly made the most of his scrapes over Dunkirk, his lucky escape over Dieppe and his serious crash in the Mossie. He learns from his mistakes and adventures as indicated by the fact he flew operationally for more than four years, more or less. His revisting the scene of his Dunkirk incident brought a lump to my throat as he relived the events of that day surprised he could remember such minute details. Mac's stories are supported by excellent memories from his wife, Doreen, adding a very personal aspect to the reading.

Owen comments that the restoration of Mac's Hurri, R-for-Robert, is a fitting tribute to the man. I think it is fair to say, so is this book.

Nostalgair · 13-03-2008, 07:04 AM

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the very kind words. I am personally VERY happy that you enjoyed Kenneth's tale.

That you feel that you got to know him through the book is particularly satisfying for me as I tried my very best to bring his wonderful character out beyond the pages. Based on the feedback, I think I may have just managed it.

Feedback such as you and Kyt have provided is invaluable to me and spurs me on to undertake the next work.

Thanks again,

Owen

Antipodean Andy · 13-03-2008, 09:44 AM

Anytime, Owen. Full credit where credit is due.

Pathfinder · 03-06-2008, 01:54 AM

Hi there Owen. Sounds like an interesting book. Is it for sale in New Zealand or do you have to order it in?

Nostalgair · 03-06-2008, 02:03 AM

I'll PM you about "Down to Earth", Pathfinder.

If the folks are interested, I'll post another excerpt to follow up the Dunkirk snippet some months back.

Cheers

Owen