Stormy Life: Memoirs of a Pioneer of the Air Age

Author: Ernst Heinkel
Publisher: USA USA
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover w/Dust Cover
Published: 1956
History
Dr. Ernst Heinkel (January 24, 1888 - January 30, 1958) was a German aircraft designer, 

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Synopsis: B.A. Stait's detailed local history provides comprehensive coverage of RAF Rivenhall's role during World War II as both a fighter station and glider training base that contributed significantly to Allied air operations over Europe. This meticulously researched work reveals how a typical wartime airfield served multiple operational roles while examining the human dimension of air base operations through detailed coverage of personnel experiences and community relationships. Stait's extensive use of local records, personal memoirs, and operational documents creates definitive coverage of an airfield that exemplifies the massive infrastructure expansion that enabled Allied air supremacy. The book begins with examination of Rivenhall's construction as part of the massive airfield building program that created the infrastructure necessary for strategic bombing campaigns and tactical air operations against Nazi Germany. Stait demonstrates how rapid construction under wartime conditions created functional facilities while revealing the engineering challenges and resource constraints that influenced design decisions and operational capabilities. The author provides detailed coverage of the various aircraft types and operational units that used Rivenhall throughout the war, showing how changing tactical requirements and strategic priorities influenced base missions and organizational structure. Through examination of daily operations and administrative records, Stait reveals how air base personnel maintained complex aircraft and equipment while supporting flying operations under demanding operational conditions. The work extensively covers fighter operations conducted from Rivenhall, including escort missions for bomber formations and offensive sweeps over occupied Europe that helped establish air superiority over German-held territory. Stait's analysis of glider training operations shows how the airfield contributed to preparations for major airborne operations, including D-Day assault planning and execution. The author provides detailed coverage of base construction and infrastructure development, revealing how rapid wartime expansion created functional facilities while illustrating the massive resource commitments required for effective air operations. Through examination of personnel records and personal memoirs, Stait demonstrates how military and civilian workers cooperated to maintain operational effectiveness while building community relationships that persisted long after the war ended. The book includes extensive coverage of aircraft accidents and operational losses, honoring those who gave their lives while revealing the inherent dangers of military flying even during training operations. Stait's research reveals how local communities adapted to massive military presence while supporting air operations through various forms of civilian assistance and cooperation. The work examines post-war conversion of military facilities to civilian use, showing how wartime infrastructure investments continued benefiting local communities decades after military operations ended. For local historians and students of air base operations, this detailed study provides valuable insights into how typical wartime airfields functioned while illustrating the massive organizational efforts required to support effective air operations.

Stormy Life: Memoirs of a Pioneer of the Air Age, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.