WGFF: Hornet's Sting.

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 05-15-2013 08:45

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Book Title:

Hornet's Sting.

Author:

Derek Robinson

ISBN:

978-0-85705-225-4

Category:

Fiction

Format:

Paperback

Summary:

This is the prequel to Goshawk Squadron, and has just been reprinted after being unavailable some time. It continues the adventures of members of the RFC in their quest for air supremacy during 1917. They are initially equipped with the Sopwith Pup, but are upgraded onto the new Bristol Fighter during the course of the story. This brings with it all the hazards of learning how to handle the new machine realistically, and not in the way that HQ. suggests. Interwoven in the story is the way that the strain of war effects each pilot in a different way, and the constant bickering with authority and its Red tape.
Once again Robinson tells it how it was, and not in an adventure story mode. It does have its lighter moments, however, such as the attachment to the Squadron of an eccentric Russian Duke and his aide, or the constant battle against rats under the floor boards.
All in all a spiffing good read.
Rob.

**Nightbomber** · 05-15-2013 12:07

With recommendation like that I will search for the book on Ebay

Thanks Rob.

**AlgyLacey** · 05-15-2013 12:33

Derek Robinson's website is worth a look too - Nice quote there on 109s:

" I came across an old letter from Ernest (I know not where) who said good things about my books and urged me to keep going, which was rewarding since it came from a man who had flown Hurricanes, Spitfires and even the Me-109 ('an uncomfortable gadget, designed for nasty midgets,' he said, 'which changed its response from agile to impossible to handle, depending on the flight envelope. I loathed it.') "

http://www.derekrobinson.info/

**Nightbomber** · 05-15-2013 12:37

Searching for his books today I came across "A Piece of Cake". I remember a TV series of that title I was watching in 80-ies or 90-ies: It took place in France 1940, I liked the series A LOT! Did you chaps read that book? Was the series based on Robinson's book or this is a coincidence?

**Nightbomber** · 05-15-2013 12:41

Thanks for the head up and the site address, Dave

Have you chaps read "Goshawk Squadron"? Your opinion about it?

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 05-15-2013 13:14

I believe that Baldrick has done a review of it here Andrzej.
Yes I have read it and it is just as good.
Rob.

**Baldrick62** · 05-15-2013 14:57

Originally Posted by Nightbomber

Have you chaps read "Goshawk Squadron"? Your opinion about it?

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...shawk-Squadron

Originally Posted by Nightbomber

Searching for his books today I came across "A Piece of Cake". I remember a TV series of that title I was watching in 80-ies or 90-ies: It took place in France 1940, I liked the series A LOT! Did you chaps read that book? Was the series based on Robinson's book or this is a coincidence?

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...-Piece-of-Cake

**Jager** · 05-16-2013 05:23

In the pile to be read. One question: isn't this book a prequel to Goshawk Squadron?
Karl

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 05-16-2013 06:40

You are quite right Karl. The preface in Hornet's Sting has the quartet down in this order
Goshawk Squadron.
Hornet's Sting
War Story
A Splendid Little War.
but by Time Line they should be:-

War Story
Hornet's Sting
Goshawk Squadron
A Splendid Little War.

Rob.

**Jager** · 05-17-2013 06:03

I'll need to pickup "A Splendid Little War" sometime. Sadly, my local library has none of Robinson's work

Karl

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 05-17-2013 08:09

Maybe we can do somthing about that Karl.
Amazon may still have some in stock.
I'll check.
Yes they have an offer on. I can get you all three for £8.99 about the price of an Ares Spitfire I would say.
Rob.

**Lt. S.Kafloc** · 05-17-2013 09:21

Picked up Hornet's Sting and War story for £5 yesterday. Great bargain at a local garden centre. They had a few copies of each. I have read Goshawk Squadron and that's what attracted me to these two. I am reading the War Story now and it is written in the same light as Goshawk.