Reluctant Hero

John tells the true story about his dad, Bill's involvement in the Second World War. Bill grows up in the slums of Notting Hill, London and leaves school at fourteen. Despite his insecurities, while still in his late teens, he becomes a pilot of Lancaster bombers. He wants to belong to the 'establishment' but rebels against the powers-that-be when he realises they think he is expendable. Loss of life and planes is horrendous and to Bill's mind largely unnecessary. His attitude towards death in combat changes after he meets and marries John's mother to be, Alice.

After the raid over Dresden in February 1945, he becomes angry at the cover-ups, corruption and myriad of lies. Authorities dispute claims that British planes carried out machine-gun attacks on the civilian population but Bill knows otherwise! Against all odds he survives the war but is dreadfully scarred emotionally. After serving his country he is penalised, dismissed without a commission or job. Even told he is unfit to fly!

Julia Beaven, Submissions Editor, Wakefield Press (Australia) wrote; "Congratulations, John, on publishing your book. Reluctant Hero is that rare creature, a book not afraid to be honest about war, but immensely readable and entertaining as well. I hope you sell many copies so others can share the story."

Part of a review posted by Lawrence B. Moniz (USA); "For those looking for an exciting, thrill-filled war story, this isn't the book. For those who want a window into history, Reluctant Hero fills the bill (pardon the pun). Reluctant Hero clearly conveys the heartache, tumultuous emotion and inner seething rage fuelled by economic and societal frustration of a Brit thrust from boyhood to air combat veteran in just a few short years."

Morrie Melcer, (Author) wrote; "Reluctant Hero is a book that transports the reader into a stream of sub- subconsciousness; the pleasurable state that a reader attains from a book he finds and can't put down. Through strong characters and a rise and fall in tension smattered with humorous, original simile. A must read for all. Congratulations John."

Part of a review posted by Garrie R. Love; "I have just finished reading Reluctant Hero. I was hooked from the first page. Absolutely brilliant read. You must have had a very open relationship with your dad. I appreciated the personal touches and his sense of right and wrong. Thank you."

Nil bastardi carberandum! (Don't let the bastards grind you down!)