{"product_id":"the-great-war-ace-the-red-baron-and-beyond-the-life-and-achievements-of-air-marshal-sir-brian-baker-kbe-cb-dso-mc-afc-9781399058315","title":"The Great War Ace, the Red Baron and Beyond: The Life and Achievements of Air Marshal Sir Brian Baker Kbe, Cb, Dso, MC, Afc","description":"\u003cb\u003eCelebrating Sir Brian Baker's illustrious RAF career, from World War I flying ace to post-war Air Marshal, highlighting key roles like the Berlin Airlift and Operation CORK.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom Rifleman to Air Marshal, Sir Brian Baker excelled in every role. Having transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and learning to fly in record time on a Maurice Farman Longhorn, he progressed to a Bristol Fighter on the Western Front. A natural pilot, he became a 'Flying Ace', chasing the Red Baron down and accounting for twelve Fokkers and Gothas in quick succession, earning several gallantry medals. Brian's close shaves were legendary.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBetween the wars he was Commander of the famous 'Cock Squadron' at Biggin Hill followed by being attached to the Royal Navy, pioneering the training and use of aircraft carriers. His many key appointments during the Second World War included commanding the RAF's North Atlantic defences and Coastal Command. His role in the planning of Operation CORK ensured that not a single U-Boat reached the Channel throughout the D-Day landings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePost-war Sir Brian, now an Air Marshal and CinC Transport Command, master-minded the Berlin Airlift with singular success. His career achievements were recognised by decorations from allied nations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA keen sportsman, Brian captained the RAF Cricket team at The Oval and organised a farewell tour of ten countries.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCelebrating the achievements of one of the RAF's most illustrious characters, this overdue biography will be welcomed by aviation enthusiasts worldwide.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Pen and Sword Aviation\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 11\/30\/2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781399058315\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 256","brand":"Jacquie Buttriss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44752274030773,"sku":"9781399058315","price":33.96,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/files\/img_b0c8f987-06ad-44ba-b4c0-6fa54f96f05c.jpg?v=1730214600","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/the-great-war-ace-the-red-baron-and-beyond-the-life-and-achievements-of-air-marshal-sir-brian-baker-kbe-cb-dso-mc-afc-9781399058315","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}