"He tried to push thoughts and horror images of tonight's op from his mind. He felt like a humble farmer might, if yoked to a wealthy man's plough."
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Reluctant Hero by John Hickman Trafford Publishing
book review by P. Hooper
Hickman's debut book chronicles his father's real-life experiences as a World War II bomber pilot for Great Britain. Growing up in the slums of Notting Hill is anything but idyllic for Bill Honey. His growing sense of dissatisfaction and bitterness is fueled by the bullies who regularly taunt and torture him. Distinctly aware of the inequality among the classes, Bill grows up embarrassed and insecure at his family's lack of class, money and education.
Dropping out of school at age 14 only increases Bill's insecurity, and though cocky and often angry, he desperately wants to be accepted. When World War II begins, he decides to enlist in the Royal Air Force, hoping to become a fighter pilot. Despite his lack of education, he is deemed fit to fly a plane. Thrilled at this sign of acceptance, Bill eagerly studies during his training. Disillusionment soon sets in, though, when he realizes that the authorities—or "powers" as he refers to them—are misguided and sometimes corrupt.
Once assigned as a Lancaster Bomber pilot in London, Bill becomes convinced that the politicians and officers of the Air Force are risking the lives of pilots unnecessarily. Time after time, Hickman recounts accidents in which the authorities make grievous errors in judgment that cost many lives.
Hickman provides a well-researched account of life as a wartime serviceman, highlighting the horror of battle. Often vivid in its detail, this book is suspenseful and illuminating; it sheds light on controversial issues surrounding wartime practices and questions the motives of men in authority.