It has been a terrific couple of months for Fighting High – notably with the publication of the widely acclaimed 'Bomber Command: Failed to Return', and the launch of '1st Bedfordshires: Part One – Mons to the Somme', which heralds our first venture into publishing the stories of the 'Soldier Lads' who fought during the First World War. 2012 looks like it will be an exciting year. We have commissioned some excellent books, details below, and we will also be involved in numerous launch and fundraising events throughout the year.
Bomber Command: Failed to Return
Excellent reviews: Bomber Command: Failed to Return has been subject to some excellent reviews of late. It was 'Book of the Month' in Britain at War magazine. WWII Connection website described it as 'a well presented and fascinating collection of stories' and Aeroplane Monthly called it 'a captivating new book' and a 'moving tribute'.
Salute to Bomber Command Banquet: On 8 November 2011 the prestigious Salute to Bomber Command Banquet was held at the National History Museum – to raise further funds for the national Bomber Command memorial currently under construction at Green Park, London. Fighting High supported the event – the 400 guests at the banquet each received a special edition copy of Bomber Command: Failed to Return, sponsored by Rolls-Royce.
British Military Tournament signing: On 3 and 4 December we will be supporting the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund at the British Military Tournament at Earls Court with a couple of veterans joining us to sign copies of Bomber Command: Failed to Return.
Signed copies still available: We do still have a few veteran signed copies of Bomber Command: Failed to Return available. See below and please contact us for further details
1st Bedfordshires: Part One – Mons to the Somme
The first book in Steven Fuller's excellent history of the 1st Bedfordshires is now available. This is our first 'Soldier Lads' book and we hope to expand the list in the next few years with further books detailing the experiences of those who fought during the Great War. One reviewer has already commented that this is 'an excellent book and a more than welcome addition to the library of the Great War.' For further book details please go to our website. Author signed copies are available – please contact us for further details.
Forthcoming books
We have finalised our list for 2012 – current details as follows.
Pathfinder Cranswick: Next March we will be publishing a 50th anniversary edition of Michael Cumming's classic 'Pathfinder Cranswick'. Alec Cranswick, DSO, DFC was a true hero of the RAF, and was sadly killed on his 107th bombing operation. Michael's book is a dramatic and captivating account of Cranswick's extraordinary story. The book includes new material and we intend to hold a launch event in March/April 2012 with Pathfinder veterans in attendance.
They Gave Me a Hurricane: We are pleased to announce that we have just signed contracts with Gill Palliser, the daughter of 'Ace' fighter pilot Charles 'Tich' Palliser DFC AE. The book is written by 'Tich' himself and we consider it a privilege to be able to publish the extraordinary account of his service life fighting the Battle of Britain and defending the island of Malta. Earlier this year it was with great sadness that the aviation community heard that 'Tich' passed away. We will work hard to ensure that 'They Gave Me a Hurricane' is a fitting tribute to this outstanding airman and well respected veteran. Publication will be early next summer.
Battle of Britain: Failed to Return: Respected author and Battle of Britain expert Andy Saunders has signed contracts with us and has already started work on 'Battle of Britain: Failed to Return'. Similar in style to 'Bomber Command: Failed to Return' this book will tell the story of around a dozen or so 'lesser known' Battle of Britain pilots who lost their lives in the summer and autumn months of 1940. The book will be illustrated throughout with previously unpublished documents and photographs. Publication will be in the summer of 2012.
Bomber Command: Failed to Return II: Work is already underway on our second book telling the stories of some of the airmen who became casualties serving with Bomber Command. Publication is planned for the early autumn and again we will look to run a veteran signing event to launch the book.
1st Bedfordshires: Part Two – Arras to the Armistice: Steven Fuller is already working hard on the second book detailing the experiences of the 1st Bedfordshires during the First World War. Publication is planned for November 2012.
Special Offers
If you are looking for ideas for a Christmas gift then look no further. We are pleased to offer the following signed books – many of which are at a considerable discount.
Bomber Command: Failed to Return
Signed by 5 veterans (2 of whom feature in the book), F/Lt Roger Nichols (current pilot of the BBMF Lancaster) and some of the authors - £30
Signed by 3 veterans (1 of whom feature in the book), F/Lt Roger Nichols (current pilot of the BBMF Lancaster) and some of the authors - £25
Great War to Great Escape
Signed by author Laurence Green and 2 Bomber Command veterans - £20
On Wings of Fortune with a bookplate signed by authors Wing Commander Richard Pinkham DFC and Steve Darlow - and also signed by Bomber Command veterans Doug Fry and Harry Irons. 1/3 discount - Reduced from £17.99 to £11.99
Fighting High Volume 1
With a bookplate signed by three featured veterans. 1/3 discount - Reduced from £36.98 to £24.65
With a bookplate signed by three featured veterans and a further 18 veterans signatures in the book. 1/3 discount - Reduced from £60 to £40
Fighting High Volume 2
With a bookplate signed by three featured veterans. 1/3 discount - Reduced from £36.98 to £24.65
With a bookplate signed by three featured veterans and a further 9 veterans signatures in the book. 1/3 discount - Reduced from £40 to £26.66
The Battle of Britain: Portraits of the Few
Veteran signed editions of Christopher Yeoman and David Pritchard's excellent tribute to some of the 'Few' are still available via the Rabbit Squadron website. Please contact them direct for further details (
http://www.rabbitsqn.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/news.htm). Unsigned copies are available direct from Fighting High.
In addition, and exclusive to our e-mail distribution list, we are also pleased to offer all our other books (unsigned) at a special 1/3 discount. Have a look at our website to see what's available and then when you make contact please quote 'November Newsletter Offer' to get the discounts.
With our best regards
Out Now: Great War to Great Escape - the thrilling story of Great Escaper F/Lt Bernard Green MC
The Battle of Britain - Portraits of the Few
Bomber Command: Failed to Return
1st Bedfordshires Part One - Mons to the Somme
