A story of a working-class boy's determination to fly, and of a fighter pilot's valour during the early years of World War II.Although a work of fiction, Sergeant Pilot is sympathetic to the historical events and social attitudes of the period. It will appeal especially to those with an interest in aviation, the wartime RAF and the air battles of Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and the day offensive over Northern France. Francophiles may also find the latter chapters of the novel 'a good read'.Harry Steed is as an apprentice aircraft mechanic at a small English flying club as war clouds gather. He joins the RAF Volunteer Reserve as a sergeant pilot, and sees action for the first time in his Hurricane fighter over the beaches of Dunkirk. Social attitudes in Britain are changing, accelerated by the war, but there is still an underlying class structure within society. There is an unmistakeable difference too between RAF officer and sergeant pilots.

The Luftwaffe proves to be a well-equipped and professional force, and the RAF pilots must learn quickly or die.The air fighting continues during the Battle of Britain and later during the RAF's day offensive over France. Eventually Steed's luck runs out when he is shot down by the deadly FW-190s over France. On the run from the Germans, Steed receives help from French patriots, but he also discovers that not all Frenchmen are sympathetic towards Britain.