Bowyer, Chaz Albert Ball vc

As one of the first flying aces in the first air war in history, the daring exploits of pilot Albert Ball in World War I captured the public's attention. He became perhaps the first celebrity ace, and almost every other pilot vied to match or surpass his growing number of kills. Albert Ball received his wings in January 1916 in the Royal Flying Corps and was first transferred to France in February of that year. He joined the 13th Squadron and was in almost continuous action for six weeks in March 1916, flying the Bristol Scout. When he transferred to the 11th Squadron in May 1916, Ball quickly racked up aerial victories. He had earned a reputation as a tenacious reconnaissance pilot, often flying alone in his Nieuport and always returning to base with his fuel tank almost empty. In August, he returned to the 11th Squadron and soon became the reconnaissance pilot with the most kills at that time. Ball waged his lonely war in the air and became an inspiration to the RFC at a time when its squadrons were badly battered. He ultimately shot down 44 German aircraft and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. This book is a compelling and carefully researched account of this tragic hero, who seemed almost destined to die young, thus immortalizing his own legend as one of the first flying aces.