"I do not think that Malan could join a squadron without improving it,
however good it was. Not by sword-waving, but by a strength of mind and
integrity that are at once recognizable and effective...he was the best
pilot of the War"
- Air Commodore Al Deere, C.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C.
Malan was thirty years of age during the Battle of Britain, old for a
fighter pilot, but his maturity gave his leadership a firm authority.
The Battle of Britain produced many airmen of great skill and
accomplishment; high achievers who made their mark in one of history's
most memorable and demanding campaigns. But only a few of these men
distinguished themselves in such a way as to become legends in their own
lifetimes. Among the greatest of these was Sailor Malan.
Here is the story of this talented man, eloquently told by Philip Kaplan
who manages to strike a balance between objectivity and reverence in
order to commit Malan's story to paper. Featured too are a series of
evocative black and white illustrations which supplement the descriptive
text and work to create a real sense of the character of the man,
flourishing as he did in this dramatic wartime context. As Malan
continues to inspire young Aviators, this record looks set to preserve
his legacy for a new generation of pilots as well as hardy Aviation
enthusiasts.
