Spitfire Final Flight

The Incredible Story of 36 Burmese Spitfires and the Extraordinary Plan to Steal One

By: DG Leigh

Narrated by: Graham Mack

Inspired by actual events. Suffering from the later stages of Alzheimer's, Captain Tom “Winkle” Brown is a retired RAF test pilot and World War 2 veteran approaching his century year.

When 36 pristine Spitfires are discovered buried deep within the Burmese jungle, he gets a surprise visit from Grant Global Industries, with a most intriguing proposition.

Author's note: In 1987 an amateur pilot Mathias Rust (18 years old) flew his Cessna F172 through Soviet air defense during the height of the Cold War. He successfully touched down his tiny aircraft in Moscow's Red Square.

Imagine what a seasoned fighter pilot could achieve? South American drug runners outfox US coast guards all the time and land on Florida's lush golf courses at night.

Ask yourself a question: Could a highly trained Spitfire veteran dog-fight MiG-29s?

Frontline heat-seeking missiles won't lock on to a low emission piston engine. Most air-to-air engagements take place over 25 miles away, ruling out the need for cannon ammunition to be loaded (some Eurofighter Typhoons actually have their guns removed).

The Spitfire is a weapon, not a weapons delivery platform like today's fighter planes. Modern jets stall at around 120 mph; a Spitfire is still effective at speeds below 80 mph. You'll be surprised what she's capable of in the right hands.

©2016 DG Leigh (P)2020 DG Leigh

Memorable

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

My grandfathers were pilots and this brought back so many wonderful memories. Them telling me their war story adventures and me flying around like the kids in this books. I loved this book. The pilot in this book is a WWII pilot. He is an elderly man now in his 90’s and suffering from Alzheimer’s. The thrill of his last flight is shared with you and it’s funny and heart warming all that the same time. I definitely plan on listening to this book again.

Tally-ho!

A wonderful story! Simply beautiful in its strength, determination, and love of flying. Frank “Winkle” Brown was a true aviator, and he fulfilled his life doing what he loved most. Great short story! I only wish there was more to tell. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Endearing, realistic tale.

This is the first book I have read/listened to by this author. I am unsure what the true story is that this was based on. Despite, this was an endearing tale. I love how the Captain’s nurse gets involved. I am involved in skydiving and aviation and this is a believable story - something I could see people I know doing.

This is the third book I have listened to by this narrator ( Graham Mack ) and I would listen to another. His voice is clear. He gives each character a voice. Not all are overly distinct, yet the characters are distinguishable and pleasant to listen to.

There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence, or swearing. This is definitely a feel-good type of book that’s suitable for teens and above.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.

Old Pilots Never Die

If you're a Warbird fan, you're sure to love this feel-good story about an old Spitfire pilot the plot to steal one of the last great ladies of WWII.
The characters are well portrayed, particularly the panache and hell-for-leather determination of the aging Tom Winkle Brown. The will they or won't they suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat as the team faces one setback after another in getting the priceless plane out of Burma and safely back to the west.
This is the most heart-warmingly fun story I've found in a grim 2020 and the fine narration of Graham Mack pulls you into the action so well it almost feels like you're in the jungle or soaring in the skies in an aviation classic.

An amazing story

LOVED IT. I wasn't sure the book was to be my liking but after listening to the narrator I was hooked. I've been around WWII planes and several of the pilots and this would be exactly how I see them enjoying the flight in a spit fire. I would remind everyone age is just a number, your brain is a muscle that also needs a good workout at any age, and memories are truly a gift from God. ( I received this book free for this review )

Fantastic fiction

I don't know what to say - This book is a beautiful piece of fiction. It brought tears to my eyes in places.
Loved it, loved it.
I received a free copy of this audio book at my own request and voluntarily leave this honest review..