First Light cover art

First Light

Original Edition

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First Light

By: Geoffrey Wellum
Narrated by: Andrew Brooke
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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of First Light by Geoffrey Wellum, read by Andrew Brooke.

Two months before the outbreak of the Second World War, eighteen-year-old Geoffrey Wellum becomes a fighter pilot with the RAF...

Desperate to get in the air, he makes it through basic training to become the youngest Spitfire pilot in the prestigious 92 Squadron. Thrust into combat almost immediately, Wellum finds himself flying several sorties a day, caught up in terrifying dogfights with German Me 109s.

Over the coming months he and his fellow pilots play a crucial role in the Battle of Britain. But of the friends that take to the air alongside Wellum many never return.

©2018 Geoffrey Wellum (P)2018 Penguin Audio Military Veteran War Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Aviation Air Force

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Critic reviews

Vivid, wholly convincing, compelling. One of the best memoirs for years about the experience of flying in war (Max Hastings)
It took him 35 years to turn his notebooks into a narrative, and the result is a highly personal account of what it is like to face mortal combat, day and night, and what it does to a man who is barely more than a boy (Ben Macintyre)
All stars
Most relevant  
No other words than to listen to this story...an absolute hero of our time. His story is a great example from the Battle of Britain.

A must listen

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A far cry from the (sometimes) jingoistic WW2 memoirs. An honest and introspective account of a young man on the front line of the air war.
The narration seems a bit slow at first, but you soon get used to it and it really suits the book.
The reader sounds not unlike Simon Schama in both tone and style. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Superb

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A excellent story of a pilot experiences in the battle of Britain and beyond. Works for flying enthusiasts and non enthusiasts alike.

Excellent

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Beautifully written and narrated - tension delivered in a believable and typically English manner. Recommend to all.

Interesting entertainment

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Loved the book. Easy to listen to. Excellent to listen to. Good narrator. Highly recommended.

Excellent, highly recommended.

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Amazing true account of one of the youngest Battle of Britain pilots that has sadly just departed into the clouds he so loved to fly amongst. RIP “Boy” I wish I’d read your book before now.

Totally Amazing

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A really moving and understated record of a battle of Britain pilot. i would highly recommended it to anyone.

brilliant and moving

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THE BEST RAF FIGHTER PILOT AUTOBIOGRAPHY YOU'LL EVER HEAR!!! I've read so many things about RAF pilots going through initial training, fighting in the Battle of Britain, and onwards into leading their squadrons through "fatigue", but nothing comes close to the superb penmanship of Geoffrey Wellum. He completely captures what it is like to fear for your life in impossible flying conditions, and (by the Grace of God) to make it home. Also, like no other author, we feel what Battle Fatigue really feels like. I cannot recommend this audio-book too highly. (But, be cautioned, it starts slowly! Stay with Geoffrey, and your patience will be more than rewarded!) For myself, I was once an RAF pilot under training (albeit I'm very inexperienced). I've also driven military vehicles in absolutely terrifying, atrocious conditions, where a seemingly interminable journey had me fearing for my life. I thought I was dead. Only Geoffrey Wellum's penmanship has ever taken me back to those feelings of fear and desperation I felt. He is truly a superb author. If, like me, you want to truly know what an RAF pilot went through during the Battle of Britain, and onwards as he became a flight commander and a CO, then this is simply the best book you will ever hear. Just such a shame the author has passed away, as I'd truly have loved to thank him for penning the best ever WW2 Figher Pilot autobiography. Thank you, Geoffrey Wellum, may you rest in peace, and thank you for your service.

SUPERB. SIMPLY, THE BEST RAF AUTOBIOGRAPHY

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Moving, quality recollections of history. Humbling emotional account of wartime flying.displaying genuine love of aviation and true bravery.

Really worthwhile read.

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Probably the best audiobook I've listened to. Brilliant narration, excellent story. Very real. Excellent.

10/10

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