19 With a Bullet (56 page)

Vlamgat
is a gripping account of these pilots and their deeds of bravery; their experiences are authentically related with accuracy, humour and pathos—by the author, himself a
Vlammie.
As Willem Hechter, former Chief of the SAAF, says: “
Vlamgat
deserves a place of pride in the long history of this, the second oldest air force in the world.”

“… Perhaps it is the early morning chill that awakens them. They are mostly young— but combat is a maturing process that can change a youth into an adult overnight.

… At last they are suited up and have completed the briefing. The weapons are loaded and the aircraft are serviceable to fly. The pilots forget the anxieties and tension of the early morning hours.

… The peace of the morning is shattered by the rising crescendo of the engine noise.

… Then they are rolling into a steep dive upon the waiting target. Their hands inside their gloves are sweating; their mouths are dry.”