Wings Without Weapons - A Pilot's Adventures with RAF Transport/Ferry Command in Africa, India and Europe during World War Two

In his enthralling autobiographical account, Humphrey Wynn takes us on a journey through the skies of World War II, illuminating his time as a pilot from 1941 to 1946. What makes his memoir particularly intriguing is the fact that he never engaged in combat or dropped a single bomb; instead, his narrative is woven from the threads of transport and logistics, which were critical to the war effort.

Wynn's tenure with the RAF Transport Command and RAF Ferry Command saw him clock an astonishing 1,924 hours and 25 minutes of flight time across an impressive array of 22 different aircraft types. His flights spanned vast distances, covering the diverse landscapes of the UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India. Each journey was not merely a task; it was an adventure filled with challenges and discoveries, as he navigated the complexities of wartime aviation.

One of the highlights of his career was serving on the West African Reinforcement Route in 1941. Here, he played a vital role in transporting aircraft destined for the frontline squadrons of the Middle East Air Force. The route, an arduous 3,700 miles from Takoradi in Ghana to Cairo in Egypt, was fraught with its own set of trials. In Takoradi, aircraft that had arrived by sea were unpacked from crates, reassembled and tested, before embarking on their long journey across the African continent. Wynn's rich experiences during these flights provided him with a treasure trove of stories, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity required to keep the skies alive during such tumultuous times.

Upon his return to the UK in 1945, Wynn's adventures didn't end; he continued to shuttle servicemen between the UK and India, further adding to his repertoire of experiences and encounters. His memories, vividly recounted, serve not only as a testament to his own skill as a pilot but also as a window into the lives of those who served alongside him.

For aviation enthusiasts, World War II historians, and fellow pilots alike, Wynn's autobiography promises to be a captivating read. His detailed accounts of flying some of the most iconic aircraft from the era offer a unique perspective on a war often defined by its combat pilots. Instead, he reminds us that the contributions of transport pilots were equally crucial in the grand tapestry of history, ensuring that the machinery of war was ready and operational.

Publisher -

Language -

Paperback

Contributors

Author

Humphrey Wynn

Published Date -

ISBN - 9781846830549

Dimensions - 23.4 x 15.6 x 0.9 cm

Page Count - 152