Anyone familiar with Flight Fantastic: The Illustrated History of Aerobatics will recognise the name of author Annette Carson, who has mis-spent the past few years writing biographies and finding the lost grave of Richard III. Now she’s had the good sense to concentrate on the story of one of our own: the legendary Captain Armstrong, First World War genius of the Sopwith Camel who was declared the greatest aerobatic pilot of his day, bar none. Over 170 illustrations, stunning action paintings by Lynn Williams, and eyewitness descriptions of Armstrong’s astonishing performances (“he would come streaking across the field, thump his wheels on the turf and flick roll”). 

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Echoing down the years since the First World War, the name of Captain Armstrong still resonates in piloting circles as the greatest aerobatic pilot of his day, bar none. To aero historians he was Flight Commander of ‘A’ Flight, No. 78 Squadron (Home Defence) and No. 151 Squadron (Western Front) in 1918. Fighter ace and pioneer of night intruder operations with the Sopwith Camel, he was in demand by the British, French and American forces as instructor and demonstrator of night combat techniques crucial to that stage of the war. But the immortal reputation he carved for himself was not just for boosting morale with his wonderful flying: he was the most graceful and skilful exhibition pilot, and one who developed his own unique repertoire of aerobatic manoeuvres. His forte was ultra-low level aerobatics – “he would come streaking across the field, thump his wheels on the turf and flick roll” – when many onlookers swore his wingtip touched the grass. One such scene is captured on the front cover by acclaimed aviation artist Lynn Williams, whose artworks bring to life other moments of Armstrong’s unforgettable feats of airmanship. 

Author Annette Carson is a non-fiction writer with a preference for history and biography, whose credits include the definitive history of aerobatics, Flight Fantastic. In this all-new biography you will find copious extracts from her personal copy of Armstrong’s wartime photograph album, along with eyewitness accounts of his life, his war, and his dazzling virtuosity in the air. This is the story of a young airman often described as “legendary”, but until now known chiefly from old pilots’ tales, from snatches of fleeting recollection, and from escapades often misremembered. It’s time to meet the real Captain Armstrong, and he is guaranteed not to disappoint.

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