Edward Bagot’s memoir offers a unique personal perspective on World War II, combining his experiences as a Pathfinder pilot with his aristocratic heritage and deep religious convictions. Edward joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during the latter part of the Second World War. He became a member of Bomber Command and a Pathfinder pilot. Intensely religious, Edward, who believed he had a premonition of his death, flew without fear, his faith sustaining him throughout his wartime experiences. His story is meticulously drawn from his diary, which he began at the age of fifteen, and the letters he sent to his family from England. Edward’s wartime experiences, while reflective of many young Australians of his time, stand out due to his unique personal background and story. His heritage traced back to an aristocratic English family from the era of William the Conqueror, allowing him to spend his leave visiting his ancestral home and engaging in a remarkable social life among nobility and theatre celebrities in London’s West End. Set against the relentless march toward war in Europe, Edward’s narrative is one of patriotism and bravery. His personal accounts offer a unique perspective on the devastating yet transformative impact of the war, showcasing the fearlessness of young men like him who played crucial roles in shaping history.
