As an airforce brat I remember listening to this story growing up it still personifies Christmas for me.
Around Christmas time every year, CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corp.) Radio’s daily news-feature program “As it happens” includes a re-broadcast of Frederick Forsyth’s classic novella “The Shepherd”, as read by the late Alan Maitland..
I was recently reminded of this story by Dave O’Malley’s article on the Vintage Wings of Canada site.
It’s about 30 minutes long. But it’s a lovely story – apparently a Christmas gift from Forsyth to his wife. And the way Alan Maitland reads it – more than a mere nod to the sheer magic of radio.
Get yourself some hot cider/mulled wine/other traditional seasonal drink, sit back, and listen to The Shepherd
Merry Christmas to all.
By: Lion Rock - 24th December 2010 at 10:08
The Shepherd
Wieesso:
PLease accept my apologies for the delayed thanks, much appreciated.
Merry Christmas to you all
By: Deskpilot - 15th December 2010 at 01:44
A brilliant story and well read.
By: wieesso - 14th December 2010 at 15:04
By: bazv - 24th December 2008 at 09:59
Thanks T21…that is the other book I was trying to remember…also a very good read.
cheers baz
By: T-21 - 24th December 2008 at 05:03
Another great night flying book is “Stranger To The Ground” by Richard Bach.
It put’s you in the cockpit of a F-84 jet flying from Wethersfield to Chaumont dodging a thunderstorm en route.
By: bazv - 23rd December 2008 at 18:50
I prefer Bourbon (no ice or water, of course), but the idea is sound.
Me..I would go for a wee glass of Lagavulin 16 yo single malt with a dash of water 😀
Thinking about it I am happy enough with a few bottles of nice czech pilsner.
:D:D:D
regards baz
By: Corsair82pilot - 23rd December 2008 at 15:30
Brilliant book. Definitely a magic read for Christmas Eve with a glass of Scotch to hand.
Contributors under the legal age for drinking alcohol should not try this at home 😉
Moggy
I prefer Bourbon (no ice or water, of course), but the idea is sound.
By: Wessex Fan - 23rd December 2008 at 15:26
I concur with all the aforementioned remarks; I purchased my first edition back in 1975 when it was first published, the retail price at that time was £1-50. These day’s first editions in good condition complete with dust jacket, have gone for prices in the region of £18-00.
Changed times!
WF
By: Newforest - 23rd December 2008 at 15:00
Concur, cannot say more than that! My copy is well thumbed.:)
By: Peter - 23rd December 2008 at 14:55
I belong to the ranks of those that have the book The Shepherd as well. It is so well written the reader feels like he or she is sat in the cockpit with the pilot!
By: pagen01 - 23rd December 2008 at 12:38
A truely excellent short story book, the version I have is accompanied by really good pencil illustrations aswel.
By: T-21 - 23rd December 2008 at 09:38
A lovely enduring story. I have often thought the Norfolk airfield is RAF Swannington,where I enjoyed caravan holidays in the sixties. In those days alot of the old Nissen huts were still overgrown and we had a great time exploring through the brambles.
By: megalith - 23rd December 2008 at 08:27
I must admit I’ve always thought this would make a great TV special, perhaps for Xmas eve.
Steve
By: Moggy C - 23rd December 2008 at 07:46
Brilliant book. Definitely a magic read for Christmas Eve with a glass of Scotch to hand.
Contributors under the legal age for drinking alcohol should not try this at home 😉
Moggy
By: G-ORDY - 23rd December 2008 at 07:23
It’s quite odd but there was an almost identical story – even down to the ghostly Mosquito – published in “The Aeroplane” in the December 24, 1954 edition, well before Forsyth’s story was published. I don’t know if he wrote it under a different name or it was a sheer coincidence. The story is called “A Christmas Story” and is attributed to R. Leach. (Pgs 932 – 933 if you have access to a copy)
By: Corsair82pilot - 22nd December 2008 at 22:50
I have the book. It is a great read. I try to read it at least once a year. I also lend it out to my aviation minded friends, under penalty of death if it is not returned.
I still get a chill up my spine every time I read it. It is so much better than listening to the radio broadcast.
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December 21, 2008 at 4:54 pm