Fly High, Fly Low

Step into the whirlwind life of Les Colquhoun (1921-2001) a true British aviation maverick whose exploits defy the ordinary. In this gripping biography – part autobiography and part masterful completion by his friend Eric Morgan – we journey through the extraordinary escapades of a man who packed more into one lifetime than most could in ten.

Les, a Spitfire pilot who danced with danger over the Mediterranean skies during World War Two, flying from the besieged island of Malta to capture crucial reconnaissance photos that helped tip the scales against the enemy. His fearless spirit earned him prestigious accolades, including the DFM and DFC. 

Post-war as a test pilot for Vickers/Supermarine, Les transitioned from testing the last Spitfires to pushing the boundaries of early jet aircraft like the Attacker and Scimitar, earning a George Medal in the process for his daring feats.

But Les wasn't one to rest on his laurels. He then took the helm (literally) in the new world of hovercraft, test flying some of the earliest models, starting the first commercial passenger service and ultimately becoming Managing Director of Hoverlloyd, whose cross-Channel operations transported thousands of passengers a year to and from the continent in a fraction of the time taken by conventional ferries and without the dreaded mal-de-mer.

In retirement Les became chairman of the Spitfire Society. 

A figure of undying resolve and innovation, Les Colquhoun's story is not just about aviation; it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit. So strap in and hold tight as you embark on a journey through the skies and beyond with a man who truly lived life at full throttle.

Publisher - Woodfield Publishing Ltd

Language - English

Perfect Bound

Contributors

By author

Eric B. Morgan

Leslie R. Colquhoun

Published Date - 2025-10-26

ISBN - 9781903953556

Dimensions - 23.4 x 15.6 x 1.4 cm

Page Count - 240