The men who flew in the Army Corps squadrons were the unsung heroes of the Royal Flying Corps, yet little has been written of their exploits. Flying two-seater aeroplanes that were no match against the scouts of the German Air Force, they were the "Eyes of the Army" despite suffering heavy losses. In pioneering the use of airborne wireless, they also changed forever the way in which wars would be waged.
For God, England and Ethel is the true story of Fred Johnstone (my grandfather), a young and talented pianist torn between his personal convictions and the call of his country in its greatest hour of need. Spurred into action, he enlists in the Royal Flying Corps and within weeks is posted to Number Six squadron on the Western Front. Set against a back-drop of squadron life where even in times of war, dreams can come true and unlikely friendships forged, the book honours the passion, courage and resilience of a generation of young men, fighting on foreign soil for their God, their Country and their loved ones.
Click here to view a short video of a British WW1 aircraft under attack by German Anti Aircraft guns
For those who are interested, I have also included sections of background narrative, previously unpublished facts on Number 6 squadron as well as numerous footnotes.
