The typewritten script of a First World War pilot’s diary with a large number of photographs was submitted to the publishers William Heinemann and published by them in 1933. Heinemann stated on the book’s jacket that the diary contained no names, dates, or anything that could reveal the identity of the writer or the squadron in which he served. The publishers understood that the diarist was killed in action in 1918 and that it was in deference to the wishes of those who were close to him that his diary should be published.So remarkable were the photographs that their veracity was immediately questioned, but no proof of their authenticity or otherwise could be ascertained. It was not until 1983 that a collection of documents, photographs and artifacts was presented to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Some of the photographs were recognized as being those of the mystery diarist and the truth was soon revealed. The author was Wesley Archer, an American with Canadian parents who served with the RFC in the First World War, and the photographs and diary had been faked.

Death in the Air: The War Diary and Photographs of a Flying Corps Pilot

Archer, Wesley D.

Greenhill Pr

Biographies & Memoirs

Leaders & Notable People

Frontline Books

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Archer, Wesley D.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Archer, Wesley D.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Archer, Wesley D.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Death in the Air: The War Diary and Photographs of a Flying Corps Pilot

Death in the Air: The War Diary and Photographs of a Flying Corps Pilot