Book Review (WWI Pilot experiences)
From The Lookout (CFB Esquimalt base newspaper)
Title: Open Cockpit
Author: Arthur Gould Lee
The author, Arthur Gould Lee, was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air
Force from early 1916 until the end of the war, having transferred from
an initial stint with the infantry.
His autobiography encompassing his period of training and operation-
al flying is an engaging and enlightening window into the early years of
military flying. His intent is not to glorify or romanticize the role of the
fighter pilot, but rather to provide insight into the lives and challenges
of a line pilot in the cauldron of the First World War.
He is a gifted writer and his work conveys his story to the reader in a
casual yet compelling way. Indeed, one could easily imagine the author,
with a brandy and cigar, sitting across from the reader in his library relat-
ing the story of a particularly notable period of his life.
Gould’s discussion of the training he received is of particular interest.
The casual, almost haphazard method that young pilots were intro-
duced to the mysteries of flight is both shocking and comical. In today’s
technological world of aviation, it is hard to imagine sending up novice
pilots with a couple hours training to solo without even understanding
the basics of how to recover from a spin (and, in fact, the powers that
be did not know the answer to this question until well into the war).
The fact that pilot training was, in many respects, as dangerous as
combat, further deepens ones respect for those early pilots who took
up the challenge of flight.
I was particularly taken with his descriptions of patrols. Typically
these lasted for two to three hours and as his aircraft, the Sopwith Pup,
handled better at higher altitudes, 18 – 20,000 feet was not uncom-
mon. As a rule of thumb, any sustained operation above 10,000 ft today
requires the use of oxygen in an unpressurized environment. Imagine
if you will, operating at 20,000 ft without oxygen or heating in open
cockpits for two to three hours. Now add the stress and challenge of
potential combat onto that, and without parachutes.
Modern aviation medicine tells us it is incredibly hard, both psycho-
logically and physically, to sustain this kind of undertaking. It boggles
the mind that these men were expected to do it two to three times per
day, every day.
Gould’s reminisces of these events leave the reader shaking their head
in wonder.
The author does discuss his thoughts on the courage of the fighter
pilot compared with other elements of the air force (such as observa-
tion and reconnaissance aircraft), and the army. His views are poignant
and balanced. In effect, he acknowledges that each of the branches had
stressors uniquely theirs and so one may not, with any degree of legiti-
macy, suggest that one group was braver than another.
In his view, the main challenge for the fighter pilot was centred upon
the fact that he was alone. In the air, he did not have the support of
being able to overcome/dilute his fear through the close proximity of
his peers and friends.
He comments that a significant part of his maturity and develop-
ment as a pilot occurred during a scrap with a Albatros D-III. The
German and Gould were alone facing each other, and the German’s
aircraft was overall a far superior one to the Pup that Gould was flying.
Nevertheless, the German broke contact and retreated to his own lines.
It was at that moment, Gould recounts, that he realized his adversaries
were as scared, and therefore as human, as he.
The quality of the aircraft, while important, was not the only factor
in survival in the air. Psychologically, the balance was made more even
for Gould because of this realization.
Grub Street publishing has produced yet another high quality book.
The production value is first rate and well worth the money.
Overall, I have to say this was one of the most enjoyable books I have
read about the experiences of a First World War combatant. Gould is a
top notch author who is able to tell his tale without being overly dra-
matic or gruesome. A thoroughly engaging read; I had trouble putting
the book down. I highly recommend it to those looking for a story that
entertains and educates concurrently
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As you explore this site you will find that there is a book review section in the 'Hobby Room' part. Perhaps someone can transfer your review there (?).
Originally Posted by Naharaht
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