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Life's Too Short to Cry

The Compelling Story of a Battle of Britain Ace

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Life's Too Short to Cry

By: Tim Vigors
Narrated by: Roger Davis
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About this listen

A newly discovered “exhilarating and moving memoir” of an RAF fighter pilot in World War II (Daily Mail).

It is not often that a long-hidden gem of a manuscript is published, bringing a moment in WWII history to vivid life for today’s audiences. Geoffrey Wellum’s First Light was one example. The memoir of Timothy Vigors is another.

Born in Hatfield but raised in Ireland and educated at Eton and Cranwell, Vigors found himself in France in 1940 flying Fairey Battle bombers. After the Fall he joined the fighters of 222 Squadron, with whom he saw frantic and distinguished service over Dunkirk and persevered through the dangerous days of the Battle of Britain, when he became an ace.

Vigors transferred to the Far East in January 1941 as a flight commander with 243, then to 453 Squadron RAAF, and on December 10 of that year he led a flight of Buffaloes to cover the sinking Prince of Wales and Repulse. Dramatically shot down, burnt, and attacked on his parachute, he was evacuated to Java, and from there, to India. As he describes these experiences in his handwritten account, the author provides a fascinating and valuable record, a newly discovered personal narrative of air combat destined to be seen as a classic.

©2008 Tim and Diana Vigors (P)2018 Grub Street Ltd Air Forces Armed Forces Europe Great Britain Military Military & War World War II England War Memoir
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Most relevant  
A well written story which seemed to finish in the middle of the war. Kept me listening right to the end

Ended too early

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From his early childhood through to RAF selection and eventual combat in two theatres of war, it’s a gripping tale that is full of the small details that place in the scene rather than reading like a history book.

Vigors keeps you enthralled from start to finish

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I enjoyed the humour and the way it was written. The speaker didn’t seem to get in the way or colour the story too much.
I was sorry when it ended and will have to do a bit of research to follow up.
It is an incredible story full of people and events of WW2 that are well known. Terrific to see from a personal perspective.

Well written captivating story

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