Geoffrey Wellum…..First Light.

Many reviews claim to make you feel as though you are in the cockpit with the pilot whilst reading the book, but as Seafuryfan said, Geoff Wellum really does pull this off.
The account of the flight when Geoff became separated from his wingman and was temporarily unsure of position near Manston was so absorbing I felt as though I’d experienced it myself.

Can anyone help me get in touch with Mr. Wellum in Cornwall. I am researching the history of Spitfire X4555 ex No. 92 Mk I Spitfire. This aircraft flew with No. 92 Sqd from Oct to Nov 1940 until it was shot down. It was later repaired and converted to a Mk V then a Mk PR VIII Type G. It was sent to Canada in Feb 1943 and flew with No. 13 Photo Sqd until 1947. This aircraft along with three other Spitfires were transferred to the RCN Fleet Air Arm. Her demise still remains a mystery.

Currenlty seeking any information on this aircraft while it was flying with No. 92 Sqd. Can anyone help me find Mr. Wellum?

All the best of the new year.

Lee Walsh
[email]walshlee@hotmail.com[/email]

Doing a power search on Amazon,revealed that it’s available for as little as 1p!!!!

ISBN number:0141008148.

Ken.

. . .and there’s the rest of his flying career ! Geoff says himself that’s another book altogether. It would be a blessing if he could do it. 🙂

A Great Book

What a co-incidence, I’ve just finished reading ‘First Light’ which was bought for me for my birthday.

It’s a cracking read. What I particularly enjoyed about it was how Geoffrey made the reader feel as he was actually there with him, sharing his experiences. Not just the exciting stuff, like the dogfights, but also his observations (such as when the rain was really lashing, he describes the rivulets running down the fuselage, over the roundel there, and how it dispersed over the wing as the airspeed increased). And his account of hitting the runway light during his first night solo, with the accompanying uncertainty about what was happening, and subsequent disbelief that he was actually still here afterwards. So lucky…

If you read this, Mr Wellum, thanks for publishing your memories, they have been avidly devoured by many 🙂

Found it on a car-boot type market stall yesterday in mint condition for 60p.

And when you’ve read it,post your thoughts about it on here.

Ken.

I was amused by the sign at Dux yesterday.

‘Veteran Aircrew Signing Today’

The thought of scribbling my signature on an eighty-year old hero’s arm sort of tickled my sense of the absurd.

Moggy 🙂

It makes me smile when I see ‘Hand shredders’ (VERY painful 😮 ) or ‘Home laminators’ (how do you get out of the house :confused: ) on sale.

Geoff.

Found it on a car-boot type market stall yesterday in mint condition for 60p. 😀

I’ll get stuck into it in the next day or so.

I was amused by the sign at Dux yesterday.

‘Veteran Aircrew Signing Today’

The thought of scribbling my signature on an eighty-year old hero’s arm sort of tickled my sense of the absurd.

Moggy 🙂

A most excellent read indeed chaps!! I bought it after talking to the guys at Merlins Over Malta and I must say I read it cover to cover.

Mr Wellum is very much alive and well down South and will also be signing the Merlins Over Malta “Collectors Edition” Corgi Aviation released diecast models certificate along with three other veterans too.

🙂

I have to admit that I found I couldn’t put it down and it was with great reluctance that I put it back in my bag when packing up at the end of a night shift. Excellent reading.

And on that Amazon note,I’ve just submitted my review of it,and I would think that after it has been looked at,it will be published by Amazon.

Ken.

Did a search on Amazon.co.uk and could not find this title, can one supply the ISBN number and complete title with publishing house…thanks !

BlueNoser352

First Light – Amazon.co.uk

😉

Did a search on Amazon.co.uk and could not find this title, can one supply the ISBN number and complete title with publishing house…thanks !

BlueNoser352

Is this the same RAF pilot as seen in “Spitfire Ace”? I enjoyed his comments and his views on his time in the RAF! Sounds like a great book and have to get it !

Thanks !
BlueNoser354 !

Hi Quinny

By funny coincidence my father and I had lunch with him exactly 2 years ago in Mullion.

Really nice guy – quite unassuming – a gent I guess you could say. He signed both our copies of First Light.

Like you say a cracking read…

If you would be so kind as to ask him my 2 questions above next time you contact him,and let me know,then I would be grateful.

Ken.

He was at Duxford last May signing with CCB, but can’t see his name down with anyone for next week though.He is OK though as I only just corresponded with him last week.By the way, asigned first Ed. copy of First Light was on sale at CCB for over £100.

Errmmmm,as someone who has the BBMF brochure,I guess I should look at it more closely……

Ken.

Yes he is still alive, and if you have a BBMF brochure read the intro, by the man himself. Yes and I agree it is a cracking read.