Yes Powell sounds like Forsyth too, the same gravelly precision. I can't even relate it without tears. It's a universal story for anyone who's ever flown, even non-professionals just getting a licence. I try rationalising it. 1977 flying in Chipmunks tutored by ex wartime Mosquito pilot Fl Lt Dring prone to mad gestures, with my blessing turned engine off at 1800 - too low to bale out, Russian roulette, and got me to dead-stick till 100ft when he took over. We could have crashed or landed anywhere but he got us just over the perimeter. A year earlier at 618 Gliding School Learned to fly mainly T31s. Third solo, altimeter issue, stuck, but mainly sudden crosswind whilst I was up had grounded everyone else but me out of a thermal then had to land in it. Jammed ailerons and rudder to port to stop being flipped over. Hairy. But sets you up for life doesn't it? They were mostly glad I'd not damaged the plane but said cheerfully they expected me to get killed.These two experiences pus the dead Vampires, Victors, Vulcans Javelins and a solitary Meteor F8 at West Malling's graveyard (I broke in and sat in them, took pics) must be one reason I can't read The Shepherd without tears welling up. At 17 - and this must be a common experience amongst cadet contemporaries - I too was stuck however briefly without instruments no radio, nothing, landing in a sudden cross-wind, and I too was gently guided down a year later by a Mosquito pilot.
I have an audio book version on tape read by Richard Todd but this is better and without music between each chapter.If you enjoyed the story it is worth searching out the hard copy of the book, many of the editions are nicely illustrated with artwork of the Vampire and Mosquito.Most of East Anglia wartime airfields have now been ripped up and reverted to agriculture.
Much prefer this version (which I have on cassette tape) to the Al Maitland version. The difference between the reading by an actor versus a radio announcer. The English accent also lends authenticity not present in the Canadian version. Wonderful story, in any event.
Yes Powell sounds like Forsyth too, the same gravelly precision. I can't even relate it without tears. It's a universal story for anyone who's ever flown, even non-professionals just getting a licence. I try rationalising it. 1977 flying in Chipmunks tutored by ex wartime Mosquito pilot Fl Lt Dring prone to mad gestures, with my blessing turned engine off at 1800 - too low to bale out, Russian roulette, and got me to dead-stick till 100ft when he took over. We could have crashed or landed anywhere but he got us just over the perimeter. A year earlier at 618 Gliding School Learned to fly mainly T31s. Third solo, altimeter issue, stuck, but mainly sudden crosswind whilst I was up had grounded everyone else but me out of a thermal then had to land in it. Jammed ailerons and rudder to port to stop being flipped over. Hairy. But sets you up for life doesn't it? They were mostly glad I'd not damaged the plane but said cheerfully they expected me to get killed.These two experiences pus the dead Vampires, Victors, Vulcans Javelins and a solitary Meteor F8 at West Malling's graveyard (I broke in and sat in them, took pics) must be one reason I can't read The Shepherd without tears welling up. At 17 - and this must be a common experience amongst cadet contemporaries - I too was stuck however briefly without instruments no radio, nothing, landing in a sudden cross-wind, and I too was gently guided down a year later by a Mosquito pilot.
The best version. Robert Powell lends a gravitas to this story that few could match. Thank you for this...
This is a very nicely read and written short story... not at all what I would have expected from Frederick Forsyth. Thanks for sharing this...
I have really enjoyed this book read by my hero, Robert Powell. Refreshing to listen to a book set in England read by an English man.
I have an audio book version on tape read by Richard Todd but this is better and without music between each chapter.If you enjoyed the story it is worth searching out the hard copy of the book, many of the editions are nicely illustrated with artwork of the Vampire and Mosquito.Most of East Anglia wartime airfields have now been ripped up and reverted to agriculture.
Wonderful story.
its a plesure to listen 😻
is the shepherd leading you to water? or leading you to death?
Leading him to the airfield so he can land safely.
Find I like the Al Maitland version , it seems much more in person and real
Much prefer this version (which I have on cassette tape) to the Al Maitland version. The difference between the reading by an actor versus a radio announcer. The English accent also lends authenticity not present in the Canadian version. Wonderful story, in any event.
Agreed. I used to have the cassette too.
Yup. One of my Christmas traditions is to listen to Robert Powell tell this story. Too bad my cassette got eaten by the machine last year.
I couldn’t agree with you more.
I agree, respect to A Maitland, but you need the well spoken English accent for this story.
RadioReasearcher, Powell doesn't hold a candle to Maitland. Different universe.
I read that Forsyth was a fighter pilot in the RAF and the details in this story confirms it brilliantly.
The youngest to get his wings, apparently.
Powell is such great narrator.
Wonderful. I have a Vampire pod in my driveway which I am restoring. The cockpit smells
really special...
This brings back some memories. I used to have this on cassette when I was kid.
Excellent!