Wind in the Wires

When I first read this book as a thirteen year old, back in 1972, it inspired me to learn to fly. Co-incidentally, I actually still fly from Shoreham Airport, where the Author learnt to fly almost 100 years ago. This book is charming, well written, and in places, humourous. It describes the early days of aerial combat, and the even more dangerous aspects of learning to fly. A rivetting read, and easily ranks with Sagitarius Rising by Cecil Lewis, or Wind, Sand and Stars by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. For those interested in WWI aviation, then I also recommend Against the Odds by W. Alister-Williams. This is a biography of Gp Capt Lionel Rees VC.

I was disappointed when this book was over. Amazing WWI aviation stories. Sometimes funny. It will never be like that again. Plenty of narrow escapes, aviation combat stories, german prisoner of war, and real back to basics flying in ancient machines.

Wind in the Wires paints a vivid picture of World War I aviation, especially in the war's early years. The author's account of flying the Maurice Farman "Shorthorn" and the BE 2 in 1915 is fascinating and more than a little frightening. Forced down and captured after his aircraft suffered engine failure, Grinnell-Milne returned to the front in 1918 as a member of 56 Squadron, flying the SE5a. His experiences with the famous squadron late in the war provide a fitting "bookend" to his wartime career. This ranks among the best aviation books I have ever read, and the quality of writing places it among my favorite books of any genre.

This is a classic memoir of WWI flying from the early days until the end of the war, with a short gap in between. It is on a par with, or as I believe, better than the classic _Sagittarius Rising_ by Cecil Lewis. The author has an eye for detail, and an excellent self-deprecating sense of humor. He survived some truly amazing experiences. This is my favorite WWI flying book, and I highly recommend it!