Richard Hillary

Brief Summary

Richard Hillary by David A Ross is an in-depth biography exploring the life of Richard Hillary, a WWII ace fighter pilot who became a hero during the Battle of Britain. Known not only for his flying prowess but also for his literary talent, Hillary's life is a tapestry of triumph and tragedy. Born in Australia before moving to England, he was educated at Oxford University and later joined the Royal Air Force at the outset of the war. As a pilot, he flew Spitfires for the 603 Squadron and gained fame as an ace during the Battle of Britain. Despite surviving a dramatic shoot-down, Hillary endured severe burns, prompting a long recovery period during which he penned the celebrated memoir The Last Enemy. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1943 under mysterious circumstances when his aircraft crashed. David Ross's biography offers a comprehensive look at Hillary's life, drawing from exhaustive research and archives, as well as interviews with those who knew him.

Main Themes and Topics

The biography delves into several salient themes, including courage and resilience in the face of adversity, the glamor and peril of wartime aviation, and the inner struggles faced by those who survive physical and psychological trauma. Ross also examines the duality of Hillary’s identity as both a celebrated pilot and a literary figure, highlighting his journey from heroism during combat to introspection during recovery. In doing so, Ross sheds light on the price of wartime glory and the personal sacrifices that come with it.

Writing Style and Tone

David A Ross adopts an authoritative and meticulous writing style that engages readers with both factual detail and narrative flow. Ross is careful to balance the portrayal of Hillary as both a public figure and a private individual, giving equal weight to his professional achievements and personal challenges. The tone of the biography is respectful and empathetic, capturing the complexity of Hillary's character while remaining grounded in historical context.

Criticism

Some readers have noted that while Ross’s biography is comprehensive and well-researched, the sheer depth of detail can occasionally overwhelm, especially for those less familiar with military history. The extensive use of archival material, although enriching, may at times slow the narrative for readers seeking a more concise account of Hillary's life.

Awards and Recognition

While specific awards for Richard Hillary by David A Ross are not documented here, the book has been praised for its thorough research and has been recognized as the definitive biography of Richard Hillary, highly appreciated by historians and enthusiasts of WWII aviation history alike.