Albert Ball, VC

Abingdon: Purnell Book Services Ltd, 1977. Book Club. Very Good +/very good +. Although 18 other WWI pilots were awarded VCs, none had captured the public imagination so much as Albert Ball. At a time when morale was low, when the war and its casualties seemed never-ending, Ball became a symbol of hope; his individuality and his insistence on fighting alone set him apart from other successful fighter pilots. His unique method of fighting alone, his invincible courage, and his utter determination made him a legend not only in Britain but also amongst his enemies, to whom the sight of his lone Nieuport Scout brought fear. He was killed in circumstances still not completely resolved 60 years ago on May 7th, 1917 aged only 20, having risen from obscurity to the top rank of contemporary fighter pilots in only 15 months. In that period he had been awarded the MC, DSO and two bars, Russian Order of St George, French Legion d'Honneur, and was officially credited with at least 44 victories. Immediately after his death came the posthumous award of his Victoria Cross. Mylar cover;green boards with writing to spine. some bumping and rubbing. clean pages and tight binding. dj not price clipped. First Edition AB71