1956 12 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, dated December 1956, features a collection of book reviews covering various aspects of aviation, from historical accounts and personal memoirs to fictional narratives and the intriguing topic of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Book Reviews

The Brabazon Story by Lord Brabazon of Tara

Reviewed by J.B., this book is described as a disappointing read from a purely aviation perspective. Despite Lord Brabazon's reputation, the review notes that only two chapters out of fourteen are dedicated to air matters, with the majority focusing on his "random reminiscences" about his diverse interests, including motor racing, golf, sailing, and politics. While acknowledging his sense of enjoyment and philosophy of life, the reviewer laments the lack of depth on his significant contributions to British aviation, particularly the Brabazon Committee. The review suggests that while Lord Brabazon himself calls it "random reminiscences," a more focused history of his aeronautical impact is still needed.

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

Flying Saucers Come From Another World by J. Guieu

Reviewed by C. H. Gibbs-Smith, these two books tackle the controversial subject of Flying Saucers. Gibbs-Smith notes that detractors can be as unscientific as proponents. He contrasts Ruppelt's book, which presents sober reporting from someone in charge of official investigations, with Guieu's work, which is criticized for indiscriminately collecting "facts, fables and nonsense" without proper sorting. Guieu's book includes bewildering photographs, one of which is deemed clumsily faked. Ruppelt's book, however, is recommended for readers interested in facts and possibilities, as it details explanations for sightings that have defied scientific analysis. The review touches upon 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, suggesting Earth's civilization is relatively young and "second-rate."

No Moon Tonight by D. E. Charlwood

This factual account, reviewed by F.H.S., follows D. E. Charlwood, one of twenty 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 portrayal of misery, comradeship, shared hazards, the beauty of a wartime love affair, and the "swineishness of one in authority." It commends the absence of gratuitous bad language or sex, and the subtle conveyance of danger. The writing is noted for its poetic descriptions of the English countryside, reminiscent of Blunden or Belloc.

The Proving Flight by David Beaty

Reviewed by an unnamed reviewer, this is a fictional account of the proving flight of the new turbo-prop airliner "Emperor." The aircraft is designed for non-stop trans-Atlantic travel. The narrative follows the flight's challenges, including battling weather, a mechanical failure, and the conflicting personalities of VIP passengers and 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

This book, reviewed by an unnamed reviewer, is described as an unconventional and entertainingly written work about a little-known branch of the Royal Air Force. The author, Wing Commander Bullmore, is a pilot with extensive service and civil flying experience, who is presented as a "warrior who fought zealously to save lives."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around aviation history, personal experiences in flight and wartime, and the exploration of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance, as reflected in the book reviews, favors critical analysis and a scientific approach, particularly when discussing UFOs, while also appreciating well-written personal narratives and fictional accounts grounded in operational experience. There is a clear distinction made between rigorous reporting and speculative or unverified claims.