...The
sky was lightening with the fast approaching dawn and although Branse thought
that he might manage to hit his quarry, he was all too aware that his own exhausts
were equally visible. He needed to close in to ensure success and when his Mosquito
was 150 yards away from the Messerschmitt Me410, he blasted out a 7 second burst
of cannon fire. He knew he had scored a hit since there were two very bright flashes
in the starboard engine of the enemy aircraft, which burst into flames and continued
to burn steadily. Oil streamed back over the Mosquito windscreen which made it
even more difficult to see through the dimness around them. Even so, they could
see that the Messerschmitt seemed to be flying on, weaving erratically, and losing
height because of the bonfire in its starboard engine. Branse positioned himself
behind it and tried to fire a further burst but the guns would not respond because
they had become overheated... A
new biography to celebrate the life and achievements of Branse Burbridge 108
pages Black
and white illustrations Previously
unpublished source material A
cultural snapshot of the 20th century Price:
£9.00 plus £1.00 per book postage and packing Please
make your cheque payable to G. R. Warson or
buy on-line
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Branse
Burbridge was brought up a Christian and a staunch pacifist. At the outbreak of
World War II, after anguished soul-searching, the 20-year old finally decided
that it was his duty to fight for his country alongside other young men of his
age. Branse trained as an RAF pilot and became the most successful night-fighter
of the war. At the end of the conflict, however, the dashing young air-ace turned
his back on what promised to be a glittering RAF career to devote the next 50
years to the service of God. This is the fascinating story of Branse Burbridge
and his struggle to reconcile his Christian faith with his patriotic duty. Gillian
Warson has written a thoughtful and affectionate study exploring how the irrepressible
Branse channelled his charm and energy into the task of bringing young Christians
to a deeper knowledge of themselves and of God. |
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