Shropshire Blue - Ron Powell

A flight with the Red Arrows sparks in Ron Powell a desire to tell the story of his early life and 32-years in the Royal Air Force, from engineering apprentice to group captain (full Colonel) pilot. The result is Shropshire Blue: A Shropshire Lad in the RAF. This first volume opens with him growing up in Ludlow, a historic town on the English/Welsh border, where his interest in the RAF is sparked by a headstone in a local cemetery. He joins the Service as a Halton apprentice, suffering under a harsh regime preparing him to parade before HM The Queen just five weeks later. It's a duty he performs another ten times during his three year apprenticeship. On graduation, Ron works on Vulcan nuclear bombers that are poised to fly into the heart of the Soviet Union. He conveys the power and menace of these amazing aircraft, while painting a vivid portrait of life on a Cold War airbase. After selection as a potential pilot, he begins officer training. Once again, the regime is harsh, but he knuckles down, relating many, often humorous, episodes on the way to gaining his commission. If you enjoyed Ron's Battle of Britain novel, Wings Over Summer, you'll enjoy Preparation For Flight. The cover design is by Martin Butler. You can find out more on Ron's website, http: //www.ronpowell.co.uk.