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CANAV BOOKS …. Canada’s premier aviation booklist Summer/fall 2020

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WHAT’S NEW? CANAV ANNOUNCES AVIATION IN CANADA: THE RCAF CENTENNIAL 1924-2024

Usual greetings to CANAV readers around the world … here’s your CANAV booklist for the coming months. Have a good look, then let me know what you’d like for your aviation library, for special gifts, etc. There could be some CANAV classics that you don’t yet have. Who knows … Air Transport in Canada, Canada’s Air Force at War and Peace, The CAE Story? You’ll find some of these at super prices, including ATC at $60 off & CAFWP at half price. So … why not treat yourself, or, a friend? Also, note such newly-added titles as The Mighty Martin Mars, and bios about such outstanding RCAF aircrew as W/Cs John Fauquier and Buck McNair.

Launched in 2008, “Aviation in Canada” keeps edging along. Many of you already have our first 8 volumes. Ref. Vol.8 Fighter Pilots and Observers 1915-1939 … the “Ottawa Citizen” calls it: “Another quality product from CANAV Books with detailed information and an eye-appealing layout”. Prestigious UK journals agree. Notes the revered WWI journal “Over the Front”: “This new book’s unassuming title modestly hides a treasure of photographic and text material … highly-readable, thoroughly-researched”; while the inimitable “Cross & Cockade” concludes: “Illustrated throughout with good quality photographs … highly recommended”. Meanwhile, the Sault Ste. Marie “Star” has run a feature about our coverage of local Soo aviation hero, Basil Hobbs (google “Sault's Basil Hobbs downed zeppelin ”). This is a book for the adventurous reader, so, instead of complaining, “I’m only interested in airliners” (or F-16s, or, jetliners, or, ultralights – I’ve heard all the lame excuses) do yourself a favour. Open up your aviation history vistas and order yourself a copy of Fighter Pilots and Observers.

Vol.9 is in the works -- Fighter Pilots and Observers 1939-45. Hard to believe, but most of what you’ll read in it will be new, since there’s plenty of primary RCAF history still “out there”, and that’s not found at that way station of the “90-second-attention-span”. So … all’s not lost, even if we’re mainly stuck with book editors for whom fiction, foreign authors & foreign publishers tend to define the book scene in Canada. Foreign publishers annually receive Governor General book awards, while CANAV’s books (according to the Canada Council for the Arts) do not even qualify.

Aviation in Canada: The RCAF Centennial 1924-2024

The RCAF’s 100th Anniverary is on the horizon. Thirty-six years ago CANAV Books published Sixty Years: The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924-1984. A huge Canadian best seller, it has gone through five printings and 20,000+ copies. That’s quite the record for this 480-page, 2 kg, Canadian book. Sixty Years is known today as the No.1 single-volume, general history of the RCAF. Now it’s time to get on with a book honouring the RCAF on its 100th Anniversary in 2024. Odds are you’ve at least had your hands on a copy of Sixty Years, so you’ll know what to expect for Aviation in Canada: The RCAF Centennial 1924-2024. We’ve already made a good start with the research, so … as they say, “stay tuned”.

Some Reminders: (1) Email me if you’d like CANAV’s vast miscellaneous list of new & used books. (2) Don’t miss our “Free Book” offer on the back page. (3) Check our aviation blog canavbooks. -- one of the best such Canadian sites (4) Don’t believe it when they say, “It’s all on the web”. The web may be overflowing with “everything”, but the quality history is still in actual books. (5) Let me know if you prefer not to be on the CANAV list. Thanks as usual and keep safe in C-virus days … Larry Milberry, Publisher larry@

CANAV’s famous titles

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[ ] Aviation in Canada: Fighter Pilots and Observers 1915-1939 Milberry & Halliday. Honours Canada’s WWI airmen & aircraft. Covers training, then the deadly skies overseas. The airmen famous & ordinary. The famous scouts (Nieuport, Camel, D.VII, etc.) & 2-seaters and how they fared. Many harrowing deeds dredged from combat reports, letters, diaries, etc. Also … Canadians fighting postwar in Russia’s civil war, our pioneer bush pilots + the birth of Canada’s air force. Rusty combat skills are revived as the RCAF acquires the Siskin & Atlase. Depression years, then war again looms, the RCAF modernizes, Canada manufactures its first fighters. You’ll be fascinated by all that transpires 1915-39. Never have so many photos (350) from these times been so impressively presented in any Canadian book. “FPO” is in that “must have” category for any aviation reader and … what an impressive gift! 184 pages, hardcover, large format, glossary, bibliography, index. $50.00 A (Always pay the price shown in bold, shipping info at the end.)

[ ] Aviation in Canada: The CAE Story Milberry. Founded in 1947, CAE begins with CF-100, Argus & CF-104 “flight sims”. It also tackles everything from consumer products to radar station contracts, overhauls C-119s, F-84s, Viscounts, and manufactures L-1011 & C-135 components. CAE profits in forestry, flops with bushplanes and some huge acquisitions, makes auto parts, and designs control systems for power stations & naval vessels. It designs the robotic hand controller for the Canadarm orbiting today on the ISS. This spectacular book brings you to the present with CAE owing the lion’s share of the commercial flight sim market. It’s also producing visual and motion systems, and running schools & flight sim centres worldwide. One of the world’s grandest aerospace histories, The CAE Story honours the company’s great pioneers + its generations of employees. CAE’s late CEO, the renowned Douglas Reekie, commented, “You deserve a great deal of credit for undertaking this task and for doing it so well. There should be a medal for you for perseverance.” Former Commander of Canada’s air force, General W.K. Carr, DFC, put it in his famously succinct way: “The book is fantastic”! More at canavbooks. 392 pages, hc, lf, 100s of photos, gloss, biblio, index. A bargain at $65.00 A

[ ] Aviation in Canada: The Pioneer Decades Milberry Vol.1 of our series. From ballooning in the 1840s to the Silver Dart in 1909. The first great air meets, Canada in WWI with its death & glory, the birth of an aviation industry, etc. "A treasure for anyone with an interest in Canada's wonderful heritage in the air,” says Air Force Magazine. Aviation News comments: “The ... story is well written and easy to follow, logically connecting the images with the text – not always the case with history books.” Fundamental for any aviation bookshelf. 300 b/w & colour photos. 176 pp, hc, lf, photos, gloss, biblio. $50.00 A

[ ] Aviation in Canada: The Formative Years Milberry. Covers the birth of commercial aviation – how it all began. Barnstorming, bush flying, Canada's first airlines, airmail, the great trans-Atlantic flights, drama in bush & tundra. 450 photos. Writes Bob Merrick in COPA Flight: "... a formidable addition to our ... knowledge of how important aviation has been to Canada's development ... a first-rate, exciting chronicle." Says Britain's Aircraft Magazine, "Authoritative -- Larry Milberry is your guarantee here -- readable, well-produced". 208 pages, hc, lf, gloss, biblio, index. $50.00 A

[ ] Aviation in Canada: Evolution of an Air Force Milberry. One of the finest ever RCAF histories. From 1920 the CAF/RCAF struggles with its raison d'être, endures the Depression, then blossoms with WWII, training more than 100,000 aircrew, protecting Atlantic convoys, etc. Is the book any good? George Sweanor , the famous "Scribe" of 971 RCAF Air Marshal Slemon Wing, Air Force Association of Canada, writes: "It’s amazing how much Larry has squeezed into it... Go buy your own copy. You will not regret it." 336 pages, 800 photos, hc, lf, photos, gloss, biblio, index. $55.00 A

[ ] Aviation in Canada: Bombing and Coastal Operations Overseas 1939-1945 Milberry. Yet another gem of an RCAF book! All the action re. Canadians in Bomber Command, Coastal Command and on misc. similar duties. The great aircraft & squadrons. From Anson to Whitley, Beaufort, Sunderland, Lancaster, etc. Many personal profiles. A fantastic tribute to a great generation in the RCAF, exactly what CANAV’s critical readers demand. 272 pages, 600 photos, hc, lf, photos, gloss, biblio, index. $50.00 A

[ ] Aviation in Canada: The Noorduyn Norseman, Vol.1 Milberry and Halliday. Here is one of the world’s most in-depth airplane “bios” and one in which any fan will revel. From early years in design to WWII. The transition to peace as the Norseman makes itself useful with bush, coast and Arctic operators. Writes Scale Aviation Modeller: “Packed with the kind of photographic material you won’t find on the internet … well-researched and comprehensive.” Our readers add: “I like the weaving of anecdotes with the narrative.” “What airplane fan couldn’t love it! I’m straining at the chocks for the next installment. An old-time northern pilot puts it this way: “The hi-lite of my Christmas was the arrival of your magnificent Norseman Vol. I! It is fabulous, and I am absorbing every millimeter of it!” See our blog for more reviews 232 pages, hc, lf, 450+ photos, gloss, biblio, index. $50.00 A

[ ] Aviation in Canada: The Noorduyn Norseman, Vol.2 Milberry. The Norseman in Canada & around the world from war’s end to the present. From Newfoundland to BC, Alaska, Norway, New Guinea, Australia, Latin America, etc. How one Canadian bushplane made its mark across 9 decades. Spectacular presentation with 650 colour and b/w photos – exactly what you’d expect from CANAV. Historian Pierre Gillard notes: “As always, reading the works of CANAV Books, one wonders how it is possible to collect so many unpublished photographic documents… With these two volumes about the Norduyn Norseman [the authors] definitely have filled a historic void …” A beautifully-produced book for anyone wanting the solid goods. 304 pp, hc, lf, gloss, biblio, index. $65.00 A

[ ] Sixty Years: The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924-1984 Milberry. The best ever single-source RCAF history book. More than 20,000 RCAF veterans & fans have their copies. Sixty Years is a Canadian blockbuster if there ever was one. Early days, interwar, WWII, postwar to modern. 800+ photos, 95 lovely, hand-painted colour profiles. Notes Aircraft Illustrated: "one of those all-too rare aviation books ... a delight to read and a joy to possess ... superbly produced and printed and is likely to become a classic collectors' item ... a masterpiece." 480 pp, lf, hc, app’x, biblio, chron, index. $60.00, but a bargain this season at $50.00 A (Final few copies, 5th ed’n)

[ ] The Bremen Fred Hotson’s award-winning history covering the first non-stop E-W airplane crossing of the Atlantic. Writes the AAHS, “There are many books dealing with pioneer ocean flying, but only a very small number can be classified as important. This book belongs in that select group.” From the drama to the humour of this amazing venture – it’s a beauty and you’ll love it! Photos, fold-out map, 3-views. 224 pp, hc. $22.50 $18.50 B

[ ] Fighter Squadron: 441 Squadron from Hurricanes to Hornets Milberry. Sets the gold standard for sqn books. Begins with flying in Newfoundland's finest winter weather. Spitfire ops in the UK, France. Kills, losses. Postwar: Vampires, F-86, recce CF-104s to 1986. The Hornet years -- NORAD, "Willy Tell", Aviano, etc. Honours everyone in the air combat world. Combat Aircraft addresses the topic of what is ideal in a squadron history: "They are intrinsically difficult to write ... the overriding need is to get the right balance... [Fighter Squadron] has achieved the elusive balance … Everything about this volume has the feeling of authority and authenticity." 320 pp, hc lf, 700+ photos, biblio, index. $75.00 A giveaway at $30.00 A (complements Fangs of Death 439 Sqn, both books $50.00 A)

[ ] Canada's Air Forces on Exchange Milberry. Canadians on duty with foreign air arms – talk about exciting subject matter! From Barker, VC, on patrol in Iraq in 1925, to Canadians flying such interwar types as the Singapore & Gauntlet to post-WWII UK exchanges on the Meteor, Lightning, Shackleton, Comet, etc. In the US on the WB-47, F-104, F-105, F-106, C-97, C-17 + exchanges in Australia, Germany, Norway, Venezuela. You'll be astounded at the adventures, everything from ditching in a Hastings to ejecting from an F-105 and a Canberra! Writes Bob Merrick in COPA Flight: “Truly an enlightening book ... Those pondering the ideal Christmas gift for your local Fireside Aviator need look no farther.” 320 pp, hc, lf, 400 b/w & colour photos, lists, gloss, biblio, index. A super deal this season: $50.00 $25.00A

[ ] The Canadair Sabre Milberry. The Canadian-built Sabre with the RCAF, RAF, USAF, Luftwaffe, etc. 600+ photos, prod'n & accident lists, maps, index, etc. Noted Air Fan, “The aviation literary event of the year.” Air International: "There seems scant prospect of a better history." Greece’s aviation monthly Ptisi: "A real oasis for F-86 fans and anyone interested in the Golden Years of the 1950s-60s." The author rests his case. 372 pp, hc. $40.00 Huge deal for the moment … $20.00 A

[ ] The Canadair North Star Milberry. The world is down to a single North Star and a few lovely new copies of the book. Get the low-down on this famous propliner (I call it the grand daddy of the CSeries/A220) in a book that’s the model for type histories. Canada’s first airliner from conception through a stellar career. 100s of photos, foldouts, app’x, index, etc. Crowed Air Pictorial, “A magnificent book in every respect.” 252 pp, hc. $40.00 A

[ ] Air Transport in Canada Milberry. Save $60.00 At 5kg and 1040 pages still Canada’s grandest-ever aviation title. Pioneer days to TCA & CPA, Canada's air force from Day 1 (incl. 5 WWII chapters), postwar airlines: EPA, MCA, Nordair, PWA, Transair, etc., DEW Line, SAR, aerial survey, Canada’s great types from North Star to Q400, helicopters, gov't & corp. av’n, the airlines, CF overseas (Somalia, etc.), Largest gallery of original Canadian aviation art. How say the reviewers? “These volumes are possibly the world's most inclusive ever devoted to aviation history.” (Airways: The Global Review of Commercial Flight) The Oshkosh of aviation books. (Aerographics). Impressive! The word is sometimes misapplied to a book that is merely interesting, but for these two volumes, it may well be an understatement. (Montreal Gazette). 53 chapters, 2 vols, hc, 800,000 words, 4000 photos, maps, gloss, biblio, app’x, index. $155.00 $95.00 A

[ ] Canada's Air Force at War and Peace, Vol. 1 Milberry. CAFWP + Sixty Years are the only RCAF general histories in print in 2020. In September 2000 Britain's Scale Aviation Modeller International selected Vol.1 as its "Book of the Month": "This is a book that truly deserves the 'must have' title... one that all RCAF and Canadian aviation fans will want." Writes Airforce: "...the most comprehensive history of Canada's air force ever produced." Canadian Flight: "the grand-daddy of all Christmas presents for air force vets.” Begins in 1914 with the feeble Canadian Av'n Corps, moves to Canadians in the RFC/RNAS/RAF. Ch.1? More than 30,000 words: fighters, bombers, coastal patrol, training. Ch.2? Interwar years. CAF/RCAF from its start in training, photo, surveying, fisheries & sovereignty, treaty & training flights. The RCAF grows more military. Pix from HS-2L to Atlas, Hurricane. Ch.3? Home front 1939-45. 230 photos. BCATP, home defence, domestic transport, industry. Day Fighters 1939-45 - No.1 Sqn in the Battle of Britain, D-Day, the march through Europe, Far East, etc. Hurricanes, Spitfires, etc. Vol.1 296 pp, 700 photos, 200,000 words, 9x12 lf, hc, glos, biblio, index. A bargain at $69.50 Spec. $35.00 A

[ ] Canada's Air Force at War and Peace, Vol. 2 Completes 1939-45. Ch.1&2: night fighters, intruders, medium bombers. Canadians on Defiants, Beaufighters, Mosquitos. Ch.3 - Bomber Command, Canadians on RAF sqns, the first RCAF sqns on Hampdens & Wellingtons. Ch.3 covers the bombing campaign. If CAFWP has a brutal chapter, this is it - 10,000 young Canadians die on bombers. Chief sources are 6 Group records & diaries, logs & albums of the men who were there. Ch.4 - Coastal Command on Liberators, etc. Spec. coverage of 422 & 423 Sqns (Sunderlands). Ch.5: transport with more of the Norseman, Dakota, Fortress, etc. War art + awards, & decorations complete Vol.2: 256 pp, 600 photos, 180,000 words, 9x12 lf, hc, glos, biblio, index. $69.50 $35.00 A

[ ] Canada's Air Force at War and Peace, Vol. 3 First book dedicated to the postwar RCAF. Beginning with late 1945 you'll see how Canada disposes of 1000s of aircraft. Next? The built-up to Korea & the Cold War with Vampires, Sabres, CF-100s; North Stars, C-119s; Lancasters, Neptunes, Argus; Harvards, T-33s. R&D, CF-105. 100s of photos from the 1950s-70s. Air Pictorial: "Milberry has excelled in this volume by combining riveting personal experiences from air & ground crews with an unrivalled selection of illustrations... rarely does a book so handsomely exceed the most sanguine expectations ..." Adds reader Bernie Pregler: "I started reading Vol.3 and was reminded of W.B. Yeats poem -- 'When you are old and gray and nodding by the fire, take down this book and read -- and dream...'" 520 pp, 1500+ photos, 250,000 words, 9x12 lf, hc, glos, biblio, index. $85.00 $45.00 A *All 3 vols. order now $131.25 all-in (Canada only, elsewhere, enquire re. shipping)

[ ] Wilf White Propliner Collection Milberry You'll revel in this beauty created from the files of a great photographer. DC-4, '6 & '7 through all the Constellations, Britannia, C-97, C-124, Electra, Tudor, Viscount, etc. BOAC to CPA, Flying Tiger, KLM, Pan Am, RCAF, TCA, USAF. Writes Airways The Global Review of Commercial Flight: "Milberry's treatment of his subject is personal and meticulous, the photo selection is … evocative, the captions knowledgeable and informative ... thoroughly enjoyable." Adds Aircraft Illustrated, “Genuinely merits the title ‘Book of the Month’ … beautifully produced … confidently recommended”. Even if you don’t what the bibliophilic experts say, live dangerously -- order a copy and see for yourself! 176pp, lf, sc, glos, biblio, index. $40.00 $25.00 A

[ ] Leslie Corness Propliner Collection Milberry. 350 rare b/w & colour photos. From boyhood days in Edmonton, Leslie works on the DEW Line where he's in "aviation heaven", then in the UK, etc. You'll be amazed at his DEW Line Kodachromes – C-46s, C-124s, DC-3s, DC-4s, Yorks, etc. Other subjects? Bristol Freighter, Beverley, CL-44, DC-7C, Super Connie, B-17, Lancaster, Mars, Stranraer. Notes John Wegg of Airways: "A photo album with style and intelligence ... to be savoured.” Who wouldn’t want a copy? 160pp, lf, sc, glos, biblio, index. $40.00 $25.00 A (both Propliners now $40.00 A)

OTHER Top Titles NEW & revived

[ ] The Mighty Martin Mars Coulson & Ginter Impressive history of the Mars from design in 1935, through its famous production run as the JRM-3 to distinguished US Navy service and retirement in 1956. Then -- the Mars’ spectacular resurrection, rescued from the scrapyard to become a key fire fighter with BC’s Forest Industries Flying Tankers. All the details for each Mars. The great work of Dan McIvor, MacMillan Bloedel, Fairey of Canada, etc. in converting three Mars in Victoria for the job. All the specs and operational history in Canada, wonderful drawings and the best selection of Mars photos. 96 pages, sc, lf. $21.50 B

[ ] Flying on the Edge: Bush Flying in Newfoundland and Labrador Having flown CF-100s in the RCAF, Gene Manion becomes a bush pilot in NL. He paints one of the best ever pictures of the business in a region of Canada where the bushplane remains essential. Cessna to Beaver, Otter, Widgeon, Heron, Aero Commander, Beech 18, etc. Many rescues, recoveries and (sometimes) just plain bad days – this book “is” bush flying! 265pp, photos, maps, gloss, biblio. $21.95 $20.50 B

[ ] Bush Flying Captured Vol.2 Many a CANAV reader is still revelling in Rich Hulina’s original BFC Vol.1. Here’s his 2nd volume and it’s another beauty. If you follow aviation in bush, mountains & tundra, the Beaver, Otter, Twin Otter, Pilatus. Helio, Beech 18, Widgeon, Goose, Cessna, DC-3, DC-4, C-46, CL-415, BAe748, etc., you’ll be ordering this one! 100s of colour photos, a special book for any aviation fan! 216pp $50.00 A

[ ] Bush Flying Captured Vol.1 Similar fantastic content & quality – ditto all the way when it comes to the superlatives. These two beauties are huge favourites – beloved by all who enjoy the northern aviation scene! $50.00 A

[ ] Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft: A Military Compendium By BGen T. Leversedge. A “must have” book covering RCAF and Air Command aircraft into the 2010s. From the post-WWI types like the SE5, Camel and Avro 504, to the Siskin and Atlas, all the WWII types, then everything post-WWII to the present from the Mustang, Vampire & B-25, to the Neptune & Argus, Lancaster, Sabre, CF-100, CF-104, Banshee, Voodoo & Hornet. All the trainers, transports and helicopters as well. Many rare entries. A book for anyone following the RCAF. 348pp, hc, lf, photos, specs, biblio. $40.00 $30.00 A

[ ] Stopping the Panzers: The Untold Story of D-Day Important Normandy title by Canadian historian, Dr. Marc Milner. From planning Op’n Overlord, to sizing up the Panzer threat. Highlights the 3rd Canadian Division, the most powerful Allied formation to land on D-Day – a brigade with 300 artillery & anti-tank guns. In 4 days the Canucks stops the feared 1st Panzer Corp. The book reviews explain: “A fitting contribution to a growing body of literature on the history of the Canadian army in Normandy”; “A paradigm shift in Canadian history on Operation Overlord … based on rigorous research from Allied and German archives.”; “Places the Canadians right at the heart of the Overlord narrative … armed, trained and equipped to shoot up the inevitable German counterattack”. 400pp, sc, photos, notes, biblio, index. $36.50 B

[ ] Churchill’s Shadow Raiders: The Race to Develop Radar, WWII’s Invisible Secret Weapon Lewis. How radar came to the fore in the 1930s-early 40s, then the story of the audacious 1942 British commando raid on the French coast to make off with a newly-installed German Wurtzburg air defence radar. Adventure & danger in a page-turner of a book. 392pp, hc, photos, biblio, index. $36.00 $33.50 B

[ ] Amazing Flights and Flyers Sherlee Matheson chronicles important Canadian aviation adventures, emphasizing the people & planes. Many well-known & important episodes, also many about which you haven’t heard. Everything from a long lost, yet-to-be-found CPA DC-4, to a CPA DC-3 & DC-6 destroyed by bombs, how 2 gold bricks “disappeared” at Yellowknife, a highjacked Air Canada DC-8, a Canadian take re. D.B. Cooper, bush flying in “Newfie”, Gateway Aviation and the Martin Hartwell episode, Alpine Helicopters, the adventures of Kenn Borek Air, etc. 286pp, sc, photos, maps, gloss., app’x, biblio, index. Highly recommended. $19.95 $18.50 B (complements Shirlee’s excellent book Lost … both books $36.50 A)

[ ] Johnny: John Fauquier, DSO and 2 Bars, DFC Canada’s Greatest Bomber Pilot Dave Birrell’s bio of a great Canadian. Having flown pre-war in the bush, Fauquier enlists days after war erupts. Initially a top RCAF instructor, he gets overseas to log Wellington & Halifax bomber operations with 405 Sqn. Much detail about individual “ops”, just what readers crave. Much about squadron daily life. Fauquier twice commands 405 including on Pathfinder Lancasters. Great raids ensue (Peenemunde, etc.), then Fauquier joins 617 “Dam Buster” Sqn to fly “Tallboy” ops. His postwar civilian days ensue. One of the best such RCAF bios. 227pp, sc, photos, dia., biblio. $24.95 $23.50 B

[ ] Baz: The Biography of Ian Bazalgette, VC Dave Birrell does a top job with this in-depth bio of a leading WWII bomber pilot. “Baz’s” boyhood, including a few years in Canada. His training, then ops with 115 Sqn on “Wimpys” & “Lancs”. Many excerpts from letters Baz wrote – these add real punch, giving you a front row seat. Later, on 635 Sqn, Baz flies dangerous Pathfinding “ops’ until shot down on his 58th “op”. Much about this trip & the aftermath, including original correspondence and Victoria Cross history. The book finishes strongly, as the Nanton, Alberta Lancaster is dedicated in Baz’s honour in 1990. 210pp, sc, photos, app’x, biblio. $24.95 $23.50 B

[ ] Under the Maple Leaf Cothliff. Remarkable adventures of 4 WWII Canadians in Bomber Command - men from different backgrounds who came home with lives much changed. Remarks Fighting High: ‘Ken Cothliff’s book is extremely valuable in telling of Canada’s vital contribution to the air war against Germany.” Another ace of a read! 240pp, hc, photos. $48.50 $32.50 B

[ ] Maverick in the Sky: The Aerial Adventures of WWI Flying Ace Freddie McCall Sherlee Matheson’s bio of Fred McCall, the 5th highest scoring WWI Canadian ace. First in the army, McCall re-musters to the RFC, initially flying RE8 observation planes (13 Sqn) “over the front”. In this awkward 2-seater, he scores against “the Hun”. Later on SE5s (41 Sqn), he boosts his tally to 34, including 5 in one day. Much good detail about war in the air and sqn life. Postwar, McCall barnstorms, supports the flying club movement & pioneers in commercial av’n. 112 pp, sc, photos, biblio, index. A top read! $12.50 postpaid (Complements Fighter Pilots and Observers, both books $55.00 A)

[ ] Anthony Fokker: The Flying Dutchman Who Shaped American Aviation Dierikx. Already a famous “birdman” in the 1910s, Fokker designs the Triplane and D.VII that terrorized the Western Front in WWI. Postwar, he develops spectacular commercial aircraft, some of which open the North/Arctic + Canada’s earliest air mail and passenger routes. Wealthy and eccentric, Fokker settles in the US in the 1920s, but dies early, leaving an estate worth (today) $100+ million. Much about Fokker’s right hand man, Bob Noorduyn, who moves to Montreal to design the Norseman. Ace of a book! 426pp, hc, photos, notes, bibio, index. A special aviation read! $40.00 $37.50 B

[ ] Birdman: The Wright Brothers, Glenn Curtiss and the Battle to Control the Skies If I had a mandatory reading list, this book would be on it. Beginning with the 19th Century pioneers, author Goldman moves to the Wrights & Curtiss, focusing on their energy & perseverance. The Wrights clash with each other & Curtiss, accusing him of patent theft. They bring a new world of entertainment to city after city. Their “rock star” pilots introduce millions to the airplane, but, by 1912 more than 100 have died. Airplanes disintegrate, pilots are hurled from their seats, planes crash into crowds, the first bird strike kills a pilot. Lincoln Beachey, who performs in Canada, grows disgusted by crowds coming out just to see him die (so they do in 1915). Goldman concludes that the Wrights set America back in its quest to advance aviation, while Curtiss remained positive. A “page turner”, bringing to life pioneer aviation. A book for any serious fan. 230 pages, hc, photos, notes, index $35.00 spec. $18.50 A (Birdman + Fokker $48.00 A)

[ ] Defying Limits: Lessons from the Edge of the Universe Informative, inspirational, captivating! From Canadian astronaut Dave Williams’s childhood (boyhood science projects, model airplanes, flying lessons, etc.) on to medical school and the ER, then into the space program. Missions aboard STS-90 and STS-118, then Dave’s time as a NASA aquanaut. Challenges & victories, even to winning back astronaut status after cancer. A wonderful story beautifully told. 224 pp, hc, photos, index. $32.00 $16.50 B

[ ] An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth Chris Hadfield’s magnificent story gets you into an astronaut’s spacesuit for an amazing ride. The publisher observes: “As Commander of the International Space Station, Chris captivated the world with stunning photos and commentary...” A rare insider’s perspective, e.g., how astronauts prepare for the worst, sweat the small stuff and care what others think. Simply fantastic for any reader! 320pp, photos, hc. $32.00 $16.50 B (Astronaut’s Guide + Defying Limits are beautifully complementary. Get both at $30.00 A)

[ ] The Quick and the Dead: The Perils of Post-War Test Flying The great W.A. “Bill” Waterton’s autobio. A Canadian in the pre-war RAF, he flies fighters, then excels postwar re. R&D, air displays, speed records, etc. Introduces Egypt, Argentina, etc. to the Meteor. In Canada, makes the first flights of the CF-100. This chapter really is special, given Waterton’s overview of Avro Canada paired with his brilliant writing skills. He returns to Gloster, but a Javelin crash ends his flying days. Criticism of the UK aircraft industry leads to his demise. Retiring to Canada, he writes this remarkable book, enjoys rural life and dies in 2006. 200pp, hc, photos. $24.94 $22.50 B

[ ] Buck McNair, Spitfire Ace Bio. by the great Norman Franks of one of the RCAF's most revered fighter pilots. Buck McNair, DFC and 2 Bars, flies 266 combat operations and tallies 16 kills. From boyhood to training, into combat, -- North Africa, Malta, Europe, postwar. Amazing stuff! 178pp, sc, photos, app'x, biblio, index. $19.95 $12.50 B

[ ] The Spitfire Smiths: A Unique Story of Brothers in Arms S/L R.I.A. Smith, DFC, and Chris Shores. The authoritative story of RCAF brothers, Rod and Jerry Smith, who fought at Malta (Jerry died there). Rod later rose in the European Theatre of Operations, commanded 401 Sqn and finished his war with 14 victories. To be greatly enjoyed by all interested in RCAF heritage, especially the Spitfire era. 224pp, hc, photos, index. $39.95, $15.00 B (McNair and Smiths both $24.00 A)

[ ] Flying Under Fire: Canadian Fliers Recall the Second World War Bill Wheeler’s wonderful compendium covering Canadians in the air war 1939-45 flying the little-known Whirlwind (J.P. Coyne), Typhoon (J.G. Brown), Beaufort (M.C. Hyslop), Ventura (R.H. Fowler), Mosquito (G.E. Stewart), Lancaster (D.A. Bell), etc. Also includes instructing & ferrying. Superb history, one to read and re-read. 252pp, sc, photos, gloss, index. $21.95 $20.50 B

[ ] Flying Under Fire Vol.2 Wheeler. More of the same great reading for the serious fan. Pairings this time include the Catalina (Len Birchall), Wellington (Art Wahlroth), Mosquito (M.A. Cybulski), P-40 (Jim Collier), Spitfire (Bill McRae, Bill Carr), B-25 (R.H. Fowler), Meteor (Bill McKenzie). Another superb title. 228pp, sc, photos, gloss, index.$21.95 $20.50 B (both vols. $38.50 A)

[ ] Beaufighter Boys: True Tales of Those Who Flew Bristol’s Mighty Twins Retired fighter pilot, Graham Pitchfork, presents a superb history of the magnificent fighter and torpedo plane which hundreds of Canadians flew in WWII. The epitome of an action-packed aviation read! Beautifully compliments CANAV’s wide Beaufighter coverage over the decades. 220pp, hc, photos, biblio, gloss, index. $50.00 $42.50 B

[ ] An Ordinary Hero: The Story of David Goldberg, WWII Spitfire Pilot David New vividly describes the adventures of a Canadian from Hamilton serving diligently in the RCAF from enlistment to instructing, then flying Spitfires overseas. Many adventures including evading, personal insights into how young fellows survived daily combat, how all then carried the scars of war. 254pp, sc. $22.95 $20.50 B

[ ] Malta Spitfire: The Diary of an Ace Fighter Pilot Canadian ace “Buzz” Beurling's story of the WWII siege of Malta told by himself and the great Leslie Roberts. From learning to fly in Montreal to his legendary career in one of WWII’s great aerial battles. Spitfires vs Me.109s, etc. Latest edition with input from Malta air war historian, Chris Shores. Essential WWII Canadiana. 240pp, sc, photos, ill. $18.95 $17.50 B

[ ] Clean Sweep: The Life of Air Marshall Sir Ivor Broom, DSO, DFC and 2 Bars, AFC A leading RAF pilot’s story told by the great Tony Spooner, DSO, DFC. A lovely Crecy hardcover. All Broom’s operations (3 tours) including suicidal “ops” with Blenheims from the Dutch coast to the Mediterranean. Mosquitos, etc. follow, then, Broom’s exciting postwar career to 1977. Top-notch air war history. 244pp, hc, photos, app’x, index. $35.00 $15.50 B

[ ] Gallantry in Action: Airmen Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Two Bars 1918-1955 Norman Frank’s wonderful coverage of airmen awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross thrice. 60 exciting profiles including such famous Canadians as Mosquito ace Johnny Caine, Halifax pilot Herbert Peterson, Tempest ace Dave Fairbanks & Spitfire ace J.E. Walker. All the details of their triple gallantry actions. 224pp, hc, photos, index. $34.95 $31.50 B

[ ] Warplanes to Alaska B.W. Smith. The amazing story of the warplane supply line (Northwest Staging Route) to Alaska & Russia via Edmonton through BC & the Yukon. In-depth text + 100s of photos (P-39, P-40, P-63, A-20, B-17, B-24, B-25, etc.) How the plan began, the politics, airmen, communities, the US, Canadian & Soviet flyers. More than 5000 P-39s/P-63s alone are delivered. Many aircraft are lost. Exciting search missions & rescues (wrecks still are turning up). 256pp, hc, lf, map, app’x, biblio, index. $39.95 $37.50 A

[ ] Wings over the Wilderness: They Flew the Trail of ’42 Smith. Sequel to Warplanes to Alaska, equally wonderful, large-format book fills many gaps in the vast story of the Northwest Staging Route. Building the airports & the Alaska Hwy in the wilderness, the many hazards, much about the Russians, etc. The Norseman’s key role, much other Canadian content. All the a/c types even incl. the Bell P-59 (first USAF jet fighter) in Alaska on cold weather trials. Wonderful photo coverage. 296pp, sc, lf, gloss, app’x, index. $39.95 $37.50 A (Both Smith books $70.00 A)

[ ] Broken Wings: Tragedy & Disaster in Alaska Civil Aviation Liefer. The airplane made modern Alaska, but the price was high. This remarkable book tells the tragic side of it from the disappearance of Ben Eilson in 1929 & Post/Rogers in 1935 to such other losses & mysteries as PanAm & CPA DC-4s in 1947 & 1951, CPA DC-6 in ’56, Northwest DC-7 in ’63, Capitol DC-8 in 1970, Twin Otter in 1977, etc. Well illustrated with maps & photos. 302pp, sc, biblio, index. $24.95 $22.50 B

[ ] Broken Arrow #1: The World’s First Lost Atomic Bomb Clearwater. Astounding story of a B-36 down in northern BC & its A-bomb dropped off the BC coast. Details of the mission, the accident, search for the crew, then efforts to confirm the bomb’s status. Based on declassified documents, so rumours are debunked. A wonderful piece Canada/US history. Many colour photos of the wreckage incl. recovered A-bomb detonators. Much about those involved. An ace of a book! $14.95 $13.50 B

[ ] A Weary Road: Shell Shock in the Canadian Expeditionary Force 1914-1918 Mark Humphries’ important new title covering a taboo subject. The psychological causes & effects of trench warfare as suffered by 16,000 WWI Canadian soldiers. Graphic case studies (it gets ugly). Much about attitudes & treatments. Notes historian Terry Copp, “a detailed, evidence-based account of combat stress … sets a new standard”. Highly recommended. 460pp, hc, photos, notes, biblio, index. $45.00 $41.50 A

[ ] From the Klondike to Berlin: The Yukon in WWI How the Yukon responded eagerly to the call to arms in 1914. A cross-section of those who fought. All their contributions, fighting units, heroics, etc. A special Canadian book. 266pp, sc, photos, maps, honour roll, notes, index. $24.95 $17.50 B

[ ] RAF Catfirth 1918 Gunn. First RAF air station in the remote Shetlands. What constituted such a complex base 100 years ago + the men & aircraft. The great Felixstowe flying boat (used in Canada after 1918), its construction, engines, equipment, performance & vital U-boat role. Many Canadian incl. Arnold Massey of the farm equipment dynasty. Details of the 1st Catfirth Felixstowe sortie (captained by Massey), routine patrols, demise of the station, and how each pilot fared. Wonderful photos. 96pp, sc, maps, charts, app’x, biblio. $35.00 B

[ ] Aviators and the Academy: Early Aeronautics in Canada Scotland & Soye. A 2015 limited edition celebrating a special exhibit at the U of T Thomas Fisher Rare Books Library. Canada’s huge role in WWI training air and ground crew via the Royal Flying Corps + manufacturing 2000+ Curtiss JN-4 trainers & other types. The postwar scene with Canadians doing exciting air displays. Exclusive coverage of some 40 German war prize aircraft in Canada in 1919 (Fokker D.VII, etc). Collector item for any av’n bibliophile. 106pp, sc, lf, photos, gloss, biblio. $33.50 B

[ ] First to Fly Charles Flood’s fine history of the Lafayette Escadrille with its American fighter pilots fighting for France in WWI. Important look at this aspect of the first great air war (many of these Americans trained in the RFC Canada in Ontario). Essential WWI reading! 266pp, hc, photos, biblio. $30.00 $21.50 B

[ ] Prairie Wings: RAF 34 Service Flying Training School Medicine Hat 1941-1944 David Carter's seminal coverage of one BCATP school from clearing the site to daily Harvard training to closeout. 198pp, sc, lf, photos. $35.00 A

[ ] Exile Air: World War II’s Little Norway in Toronto and Muskoka Baston. From Germany’s 1940 invasion of Norway, how Norway and the UK struggle. RNoAF 1920s Fokkers and RAF Gladiators put up a stout defence. Then, a Norwegian training plan (“Little Norway”) is established at Toronto Island Airport. Growing pains to training, housing, contracts, administration, accidents, sports, social life. Little Norway expands to Muskoka, where pilots train on Cornells. Graduates soon man RAF sqns flying Spitfires, Catalinas, etc. Many personal profiles. 240pp, lf sc, photos, maps, notes, biblio, index. $32.00 A

[ ] 430 Silver Falcon Squadron Marc-Andre Valiquette’s latest title covering in spectacular fashion this great RCAF squadron. From WWII with the Tomahawk, Mustang and Spitfire mainly in the recce role, all the sqn’s WWII achievements before, during and after Normandy. Photos are wonderfully shown on the book’s large, landscape-format pages. On to the jet age with the F-86 chiefly in NATO (45 pages alone) to the CF-104 in the “nuke” role. Finally, 430s modern era with tactical helicopters. A beauty of a major Canadian aviation book (it’s well worth having the whole wonderful Valiquette series). 264pp, hc, lf, photos galore, app’x. $50.00 $25.00 A

[ ] Je Te Plumerais Valiquette & Girouard. Covers another top RCAF sqn -- 425 "Les Alouettes". From the Wellington in Bomber Command the story progresses to the Halifax & Lancaster. Postwar come CF-100, CF-101 and CF-18. “The real deal”! 248 pp, lf, hc, 100s of photos, app’x, index, $40.00 $25.00 A (425+439 for $40.00 A)

[ ] Fangs of Death: 439 Sabre-Toothed Squadron Valiquette & Girouard If you enjoyed “Les Alouettes”, ditto for “Fangs”. The same in-depth treatment, from 439 as a WWII Typhoon unit, to the Cold War with Sabres and CF-104s, into modern years with CF-18s and, lately, Griffon choppers. 264 pages, hc, lf, 100s of photos. $40.00 $25.00 A (complements 441 Squadron, both books $50.00 A)

[ ] Bagotville: 75 Years of Air Defence Author Valiquette blends in both languages in his attractive and seamless layout. Begins in WWII with Bagotville training fighter pilots (Harvards & Hurricanes). Famous aces instruct, many students go on to stellar careers. Postwar? Vampires, Sabres, CF-100s – all the historic sqns incl. 440 & 432. 440 goes overseas, 413 forms, there’s a stream of NORAD exercises. CF-100s give way to Voodoos (410 & 425), then the tactical world arrives with the CF-5 (433). Finally come the Hornet years with 425 & 433. Incl. Base Flight/439 Sqn – T-33 to Griffon. Much else in this huge colour production, from DEW Line helicopter times to Air Cadets & airshows. 512 pages, hc, 1600 photos, 30 paintings & colour profiles, etc. No one will be disappointed! $60.00 $40.00 A

[ ] Chatham: An Airfield History Lee. Chatham’s beginnings as a WW2 training base with Fleets & Ansons plus “ops” (Hudson U-boat patrols). Postwar with Vampires, then Chatham as the RCAF Sabre training base and home to the Golden Hawks. Voodoos & CF-5s follow - 416 & 434 sqns. Tracadie Range & satellite tracking base. Chatham closes 1988 … what does the future hold? Essential for any respectable RCAF library. 116pp, sc, lf, photos, maps, app’x. $24.50 A

[ ] POW - Behind Canadian Barbed Wire Carter. Alien & POW camps in Canada. Internment of European Canadians in WWI + German POW camps in WWII. Fascinating history from which all will learn. How German POW's in Canada were a law unto themselves. Life & death in remote camps, great escapes, cemeteries, etc. 254pp, sc, photos, app'x. $25.00 B

[ ] Skippers of the Sky: The Early Years of Bush Flying Bill Wheeler (CAHS No.5, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame) has assembled a wonderful collection of flying adventures. All the great bushplanes + a host of well-known aviators from Gord Ballentine to Jack Caldwell, Tommy Fox, R.H. Fowler, R.S. Grant & Jack Hunter. 248 pp, hc, photos, chron, gloss, index. A book to treasure! $24.95 $23.00 B

[ ] Millardair and Me: A Young Man’s Journey from Turbulence to Triumph Dennis Chadala covers his years at Toronto’s Millardair. He flies the Beech 18, DC-3, C-117 and DC-4 on cargo missions all over North America and becomes (as he puts it) Carl Millard’s “Golden Boy”. This is no love story – it bluntly tells how young pilots fly rickety planes, heading daily into the unknown, since the boss doesn’t lose sleep about the weather, cockpit checklists, etc. and is at war with Transport Canada. 242 pp, photos. Hardcover ed’n $40.00 B

[ ] Bush Hawk Revised 2nd ed’n Rick Found details the history of Canada’s famous Found Brothers Aviation. From early years to the late 1940s and the FBA-1 “Green Hornet” prototype, then on to FBA-2C production starting in 1963. Sales are difficult and FBA is forced to close. New management brings the FBA Centennial 100 -- a dud. Found revives in the 1980s, produces the outstanding Bush Hawk, morphs into the Expedition company, fades again in the 2000s, then resurfaces in New Zealand. Talk about far out Canadian aviation history! Highly recommended. 204pp, sc, photos. $33.50 A

[ ] Alberta Forestry Helicopters in Wildfire Management Petite. Important new history of how Alberta embraced the helicopter in the 1950s. Early forestry contracts with such operators as Associated Helicopters, then how Alberta adapted the Bell 47 to help control annual forest fires. Beautifully produced, fastidious in detail, important for any aviation bibliophile. 124 pp, sc, lf, photos. $30.00 A

[ ] Battle of the Atlantic: How the Allies Won the War Dimbleby. As it says, highly detailed and all-encompassing, esp. re. the U-Boat war in which the RCN played such a key role. How the battle began so badly for Great Britain, then the gradual progress made against the enemy’s U-Boats and surface fleet. Much about technology and tactics, also the politics. 530pp, pb, photos, notes, biblio, index. $22.00 $19.50 B

[ ] The Royal Navy and the War at Sea 1914-1919 Grehan & Mace. Important 21st Century retrospective covering all the great battles, ships, tactics. From Heligoland & Jutland to Zeebrugge & North Russia. 204pp, hc, map, photos, glossary, index. $49.95 $18.50 B (Dimbleby+Grehan $35.00 A)

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