Diary entries of French pilots makes for fascinating reading

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Reading diary entries written by soldiers during time of war can be fascinating, educational and heart-breaking all at the same time.

The tales they share are so down-to-earth, so normal, with none of the Hollywood glitz expected of a war movie.

They summon images of young men, often little more than boys, being thrust into a world of blood and smoke and tears, when they would rather be at home with their families.

Graham du Heaume, a volunteer at Shoreham Airport Museum, has published a volume of diary entries from the Second World War, which includes many such tales.

It is called Silence, On Vole! – which means Silence, We’re Flying! – and is made up of diary entries written by the men of 345 Squadron, based at Shoreham.

The men were all French fighter pilots and members of the 11/2 Berry group, created in January 1944 to fight within the RAF.

Their words not only describe the likes of the D-Day landings, and the fears such an event brought, but also the fondness they felt for their adopted British home.

Mr du Heaume said: “This book is a record of the emotions, pleasures and fears of a group of French fighter pilots of 345 Squadron during the Second World War.

“The original was published in 1946 and we at the Shoreham Airport Museum were presented with a copy in 1993.

“As a volunteer at the museum, I became aware of the texts a few weeks ago and the resulting book is a translation of those writings.

“I am delighted with the result as it portrays the daily life of these brave boys.”