The action-packed flying career of aeronaut Charles Green (1785-1870), a working-class Londoner in the infancy of aviation, who defied death in a career of 35 years and over 500 balloon flights to make a unique contribution to world aeronautical history. His decision, in 1821, to use domestic coal-gas to inflate balloons ran completely contrary to perceived wisdom, but his success in doing so revolutionised flying for the remainder of the Georgian and Victorian eras. His innovation set the direction of aeronautics for the next 80 years - until the Wright brothers changed its course again. Inventor, innovative balloon constructor, shrewd businessman, flamboyant showman and a skilled and courageous pilot, he was the first to put into practice the concept of public air travel. Charles liked a 'tipple' in the air - but never compromised safety - and made sure his passengers enjoyed his in-flight champagne hospitality. This earned him not only the status of a national treasure - whose very name was a by-word for all things aeronautic - but also ensured he became an international legend in his own lifetime.
This is the fascinating true story of RAF Sutton Bridge. Between 1926 and 1946, the base saw the development and implementation of a training system that turned inexperienced pilots into Top Guns. 525 graduates and staff fought with The Few to win the Battle of Britain.
The stories of three individual careers combine seamlessly to tell the dramatic story of the RAF from the era of biplanes and into the jet age of the Cold War.
The answer lies in the stories of six teenage volunteers for Second World War aircrew who exchanged school uniform for Air Force Blue and took a giant step into the unknown. They experienced action under enemy fire, wounds, burns and crash-landings, escape and evasion in occupied territory, and the privations of life as a POW.
Since time immemorial ordinary people have flocked to gaze upon daring feats in the hope of witnessing some death-defying or even death-inducing act.
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