My grandad (Wg Cdr F J French OBE DFC AFC AE) was a pilot throughout the war. He started as a instructor on Ansons and Oxfords in the Cotswolds then moved to Catalinas. He served on 190 and 210 Squadron. He and his crew sank a Uboat and rescued the crew of a Liberator that was shot down looking for Tirpitz.
I have spent the time since he died (tragically early in 1986) editing his memoirs and selecting some of his lovely photos.
To me and my family’s delight, the book, Catalina over Arctic Oceans, will be published by Pen & Sword in Oct/Nov. If anyone is interested, please pm me, or watch out for its publication.
It is important to me to get his story out there as a tribute to these unsung and modest heros who (although not flying the more glamorous fighters) did wonderful things in inhospitable and dangerous conditions.
I hope I am allowed to put this post here by the mods (but Andys book on P9374 and Mark12’s Spitfire books have had lots of coverage – I just ask for one teeny thread please!!)
By: Rocketeer - 6th February 2013 at 22:14
cheers Andrew
By: Andy Wright - 6th February 2013 at 22:11
Way to go, Tony. I’m waiting on a high res cover image from P&S and then it’ll be going up on ABR. I’ll PM you.
By: Rocketeer - 6th February 2013 at 21:22
I hope to be there but it depends on work! Thanx guys
By: thedawnpatrol - 6th February 2013 at 21:20
Well done Tony, that’s great news, please put one aside for me at Shoreham.
Julian
By: Arabella-Cox - 6th February 2013 at 20:45
Well done!
I’ll be getting a copy. Why not bring a stack to Shoreham for signing??
By: Rocketeer - 6th February 2013 at 19:11
Cheers Richard, much appreciated!
By: RMAllnutt - 6th February 2013 at 18:56
Many congratulations Tony… I’m sure your grandfather would be thrilled to know his story is finally being shared with everyone. You must be overjoyed to have been able to honor him so… I look forwards to reading the book!
Cheers,
Richard
By: Rocketeer - 6th February 2013 at 18:37
I am delighted to say that the book is published! I was delighted to receive my copy this morning!!
It is available from lots of sources and on-line stores as well as direct from Pen & Sword!
By: Rocketeer - 30th August 2012 at 10:17
Cheer Andy, replied to your pm! Will be good working together
By: Andy Wright - 30th August 2012 at 00:57
Very well done, Tony. Big congrats are in order and what a way to start 2013!
By: Rocketeer - 29th August 2012 at 21:41
The publishing date is now Jan 2013….
I have set up a facebook page….hope it works !!!!
By: Rocketeer - 10th May 2012 at 20:04
Thanx Anna.
Like most publishers, Pen & Sword have asked for a list of interested people to pre-order for 20% off…
I am hoping to get a book of his phots published too….the attachment is one of my favs….not staged!!
By: Rocketeer - 10th May 2012 at 20:04
Thanx Anna.
Like most publishers, Pen & Sword have asked for a list of interested people to pre-order for 20% off…
I am hoping to get a book of his phots published too….the attachment is one of my favs….not staged!!
By: Flygirl - 10th May 2012 at 19:30
Brilliant Tony will certainly be buying a copy of this . 🙂
By: Flygirl - 10th May 2012 at 19:30
Brilliant Tony will certainly be buying a copy of this . 🙂
By: Rocketeer - 9th May 2012 at 22:28
cheers all. I think I got my collecting streak from him!
By: Rocketeer - 9th May 2012 at 22:28
cheers all. I think I got my collecting streak from him!
By: DCK - 9th May 2012 at 21:34
As an author I truly support other authors coming into the frame with new books, and I will for sure purchase this one.
Well done to you and your grandfather!
By: DCK - 9th May 2012 at 21:34
As an author I truly support other authors coming into the frame with new books, and I will for sure purchase this one.
Well done to you and your grandfather!
By: bazv - 9th May 2012 at 21:29
Great news tony…i look fwd to reading it 🙂
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May 8, 2012 at 10:16 pm