1956 00 00 Journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society - Vol 60 No 552 - C H Gibbs-Smith

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Volume 60, dated December 1956, features a collection of book reviews covering a range of aviation and related topics. The journal is published by the Royal Aeronautical Society and is in English.

Book Reviews

The Brabazon Story by Lord Brabazon of Tara

Reviewed by J.B., this book is described as disappointing from an aviation perspective, despite containing much of interest. Lord Brabazon reminisces about his many interests, including motor racing, golf, sailing, and politics, with only two chapters dedicated to aviation, covering ballooning and early flying up to the death of the Hon. C. S. Rolls in 1909. The reviewer notes the absence of any mention of the Brabazon Committee. While Lord Brabazon calls it "random reminiscences," the reviewer feels it misses an opportunity to capture the atmosphere of British aviation history that only he could provide.

The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects by E. J. Ruppelt

Reviewed by C. H. Gibbs-Smith, this book is contrasted with "Flying Saucers Come From Another World" by J. Guieu. Gibbs-Smith criticizes the latter for indiscriminately gathering "facts, fables and nonsense" and for including a poorly doctored photograph of a saucer over Paris. Ruppelt's book, however, is recommended for its sober reporting as he was in charge of official investigations. The reviewer highlights that Ruppelt does not offer explanations for inexplicable phenomena but presents interesting accounts from respectable observers that have defied scientific explanation. Gibbs-Smith also includes points for the reader to consider, such as the possibility of interplanetary origins for some saucers, the nascent science of electro-gravities, the proximity of space travel, and the vast number of potentially inhabited worlds in the universe.

Flying Saucers Come From Another World by J. Guieu

This book is reviewed alongside Ruppelt's and is largely dismissed by C. H. Gibbs-Smith for its unscientific approach and inclusion of folklore, including a doctored photograph. It is recommended only as "in-the-bath reading" for those interested in aeronautical folklore.

No Moon Tonight by D. E. Charlwood

Reviewed by F.H.S., this factual book recounts the experiences of Charlwood, one of 20 men who sailed from Australia to join the R.A.F. and survived his tour of 30 raids. The review praises the book for its understated conveyance of misery, comradeship, the beauty of wartime love affairs, and the swineishness of authority, without resorting to unnecessary language or false heroics. The reviewer states that if allowed only one war book for a desert island, this would be it.

The Proving Flight by David Beaty

Reviewed by an unnamed reviewer, this is a fictional account of the test flight of a new turbo-prop airliner, the "Emperor," designed for non-stop trans-Atlantic travel. The flight encounters mechanical issues, adverse weather, and interpersonal conflicts among VIP passengers and the crew. The author, an ex-B.O.A.C. trans-Atlantic pilot, draws on his operational experience, making the book exciting and readable.

The Dark Haven by F. T. K. Bullmore

Reviewed by an unnamed reviewer, this is described as an unconventional and entertainingly written book about a little-known branch of the Royal Air Force, written by a pilot with extensive service and civil flying experience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a critical and discerning approach to aviation literature, particularly evident in the reviews of books concerning Unidentified Flying Objects. While acknowledging the public's fascination, the journal emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor and factual reporting, distinguishing between serious investigations and speculative folklore. The reviews also highlight the enduring appeal of personal narratives from wartime aviation and the exploration of diverse aspects of aeronautical history and experience.