One of the Few

New and updated edition: the original autobiography is enhanced by the addition of family photos and extracts from unpublished letters and writings by the author, and a moving and informative new introduction and epilogue by Alexandra Kent, Johnny Kent's daughter, who presents the father she knew, not only a distinguished and brave war hero but a man who suffered with the scars of war. 'I turned into the attack ... The German formation split up and a general mêlée ensued, grey shapes with black crosses on them flashed past only feet away, next the brown and green of a Hurricane flashed across the sights ... so confused was the fight that one had little or no chance to see if one's fire had taken effect before having to take wild evasive action to avoid either the enemy's fire or a collision.'

Group Captain Johnny Kent joined the RAF in the 1930s and went on to become a flight commander of one of the most successful fighter squadrons of the Second World War. In this role, he helped the famous 303 Polish Squadron play a decisive part in the Battle of Britain, and this earned him the highest Polish military award, the Virtuti Militari, as well as the affectionate nickname 'Kentowski'.

Group Captain Kent's fascinating memoirs, originally published in 1971, tell the story of his life in the RAF, from his struggles as a boy on the Canadian Prairies to get into the air, detailing his experiences as a test pilot in Farnborough and his constant efforts to excel at what he did. In this new edition, alongside the classic tale of derring-do, Kent's daughter provides supplementary material that places his extraordinary story into the broader context of his life as a son, husband and father. Poignant questions are raised about what it meant to be 'One of the Few' - for both the men themselves and those to whom they were closest.

Auteur

Johnny Kent grew up in Winnipeg and became the youngest licensed pilot in Canada when at just 17. He grabbed experience and flying hours wherever and whenever he could and was constantly on the lookout for a career in flying. His chance came when he was offered an RAF commission in the 1930s and the rest is history. He published his memoirs in 1971 and died in 1985.

Résumé
Johnny Kent grew up in Winnipeg and was bitten by the flying bug at an early age. He grabbed experience and flying hours wherever and whenever he could and was constantly on the lookout for a career in aviation. His chance came when he was offered a short service commission with the RAF in the 1930s. He shot down ten enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain and became the leader of one of the most successful fighter squadrons of the conflict - the famous Polish No. 303 Squadron. It is a story of triumphant achievement in combat and of a man whose air force career certainly picked him out as 'One of the Few'.