LETTERS FROM A FLYING OFFICER
Rothesay Stuart Wortley
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, 1937
WW1 Bristol Fighter ace Rothesay Stuart Wortley was educated at Eton and Oxford and joined the Hampshire Yeomanry in the summer of 1914. The son of a British General, he initially served on his father's staff. In 1917 he joined the Royal Flying Corps and was posted to 22 Squadron. After scoring six victories flying the Bristol Fighter (between September 1917 and January 1918), he returned to England to command 44 Squadron until September 1918. He then returned to France where he commanded 88 Squadron until the end of the war. He was awarded the Military Cross. Post-war, Stuart Wortley spent three years writing articles on flying in an effort to interest the youth of Britain in aviation. Stricken with diabetes, he died in 1920. His citation for the M.C. stated: "Capt. Rothesay Nicholas Montagu-Stuart-Wortley, Yeo., and R.F.C. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On each of three occasions, when on offensive patrol, he has attacked and brought down in flames one enemy aeroplane, in addition to which he has sent down out of control three other hostile machines. He has displayed great courage and determination as a patrol leader."
The main characters in Letters From a Flying Officer, Enderby & Merrivale, are fictitious, but the events described in the book (from August 1914 to 1918) are supposedly based on Wortley's own experiences and recollections of aerial combat in the R.F.C. The book includes some vivid and memorable descriptions of dogfighting over the western front. With an introduction and brief memoir by John Buchan and Duff Cooper, who described Wortley as "a gallant and lovable gentleman."
Condition:
In good condition. The boards are in good condition, with some marks and minor signs of wear. The binding and hinges are very good and secure. The text is in very good condition. The photographs are in very good condition.
Published: 1937
Illustrated with b/w photographs
Blue illustrated boards
Dimensions: 140mm x 195mm
Pages: 207
