AL DEERE ~ Special Author’s Edition

The authorised biography of Air Cdre Alan Deere DSO OBE DFC* AFC

This Special Author’s Edition (46/50 copies) has been signed by:

Wing Commander Johnny Checketts DSO DFC ~ 611 & 485 Squadrons
Squadron Leader Douglas Brown ~ 485 Squadron
Flight Lieutenant Pierre Clostermann DFC ~ 341 FF Squadron
Flying Officer Glen Niven ~  602 Squadron
Flight Lieutenant Jack Rae DFC ~ 485 Squadron
Squadron Leader Nigel Rose ~  602 & 54 Squadrons
Flying Officer Howard Squire  ~ 54 Squadron
Air Commodore David Strong CB AFC ~  104 Squadron
Squadron Leader Harvey Sweetman DFC  ~ 485 Squadron
Mr John Deere  (Alan Deere’s son)
Mr Richard Smith (Author)

On the title page is a bookplate signed by Al Deere in blue ink

Published by Grub Street, 2003.    224 pages and lots of photos.

Fine condition hardback book and Fine condition dustjacket. Nearly as new and it feels unread.

After having joined the RAF in 1937, New Zealander Al Deere was in the thick of action right from the start of the war. He served with great distinction over France and Dunkirk in May and June of 1940. After surviving a crash-landing during a head-on attack he helped defend London during the Battle of Britain. As a result of his numerous escapes from tight combat situations he gained the reputation of having nine lives, which became the title of his autobiography.

Al went on to be a flight commander in 602 Squadron, to lecture in America, to command the Kenley and Biggin Hill Wings and then to lead 145 French Wing in France. Post-war saw him take up many more significant postings including Station Commander of North Weald, and Aide de Camp to HM the Queen. If it could be said that he ‘had a good war’,  he enjoyed an even better peace.

Richard Smith had the full co-operation of family, friends and colleagues in researching the source material to write the biography of this fascinating and exceptional man. The book also includes many of Deere’s letters and papers on the tactics and strategy of combat, and his hitherto unpublished story entitled ‘Escape’ based on the exploits of his friend Johnny Checketts who also contributed the foreword to this book.

A nice posthumous biography of one of the most famous Battle of Britain pilots which complements his own classic book ‘Nine Lives’.  Plus a great set of signatures including Checketts and Clostermann which are both hard to find in books.