Adrian Smith is Professor of Modern History at the University of Southampton, UK. His many publications include a history of the early New Statesman, a portrait of his native city Coventry, a study of the Ministry of Defence, and a biography of Admiral Lord Mountbatten. Like Mick Mannock his formative years were spent in Canterbury.

Map: Mick Mannock's Western FrontIntroduction to the Second Edition 1. Introduction 2. A Pre-war Education, 1888-1914 3. Preparing for War, 1914-1917 4. 40 Squadron, 1917-1918 5. 74 and 85 Squadrons, 1918 6. Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index

Mick Mannock, Fighter Pilot is the authoritative life story of Britain and Ireland's most successful fighter pilot of the First World War; a working class hero and staunch socialist who in the skies above the Western Front combined engineering prowess, tactical initiative, and grim determination to become an inspirational squadron commander.