Sigh for a Merlin – The testing of the Spitfire

‘In the last war the Spitfire struck not only a physical blow but a strange psychological terror in the heart of the enemy.’

When war broke out in 1939 Alex Henshaw, flying ace and holder of the record to Cape Town and back, was determined that his peacetime flying skills should be put to the best possible use. He was appointed Chief Test Pilot at Castle Bromwich, the giant Spitfire factory near Birmingham, and under his leadership the flying programme continued from dawn to dusk, despite the

often appalling weather conditions. Sigh For A Merlin is a tale of daring and courage: a blend of superb flying descriptions, moments of deep tragedy, the battle to overcome inertia and inefficiency and, above all, irrepressible high spirits. It is a must for all flying enthusiasts, and even those who aren’t will find the story of this remarkable aviator compulsive reading.