BLACK CROSSES off my WINGTIP

Signed on the title page by

Squadron Leader I.F. ‘Hap’ Kennedy DFC*

General Store Publishing House. First (and only) edition 1995.  183 pages and well illustrated with photos.

Very Fine condition card cover book.  Clean, bright, practically as new and unread.  An outstanding copy.

Irving Farmer ‘Hap’ Kennedy was the epitome of the Second World War fighter pilot. With matinée-star good looks, exceptional shooting and flying skills, good luck and a friendly disposition, Kennedy was much loved by his fellow fighter pilots.

Joining the RCAF in 1940, Hap was sent to England and joined 263 Squadron flying the Westland Whirlwind and then Spitfires before being sent to Malta in 1942.  He flew with 249 Squadron rapidly becoming an ace and he took part in the invasion of Sicily.  Returning to England in 1944, he became the Commanding Officer of 401 Squadron before being shot down over France in August.  He evaded capture and returned to Canada.

After the war, he resumed his medical studies and was a country doctor in Canada for 37 years before enjoying an active retirement until his death in 2011.

An interesting and scarce signed aviation autobiography.