Silvered Wings The memoirs of Air Vice-Marshal Sir John Severne KCVO OBE AFC DL John Severne joined the RAF in 1944 and subsequently had an unusual flying career in that he flew a wide variety of military and civil aircraft and served in several different operational roles.   He twice served the Royal Family, first as Equerry to The Duke of Edinburgh and, before retiring, as Captain of The Queen's Flight. He married Katharine, the daughter of a Naval officer, in 1951 and they have three married daughters. This is the story of an enthusiast.   As The Duke of Edinburgh says in his foreword: 'John Severne is a very lucky fellow.   There are not many people who have a single-minded ambition about what they want to do with their lives; who manage to realise that ambition, and then turn out to have a real talent for it'. The author paints an informative picture around some of the many aircraft he flew, linking them with historical or political associations.   He achieved his boyhood ambition of not only flying in the King's Cup Air Race, but of actually winning it. His infectious enthusiasm for the sheer joy of flying oozes from every chapter. John Severne joined the RAF in 1944 and gained his wings two months after WW2 ended.   This book captures the author's great passion for flying, whether it be in jet-fighters, light aircraft, helicopters or making model planes and gives details of his long I illustrious career. His first posting was to No 264 Night Fighter Squadron flying the de Havilland Mosquito.   On a flying instructor's course at the Central Flying School, he flew a Lancaster, Spitfire and his first jet - the Vampire. Posted to Germany as a flight commander on a Venom squadron, he was awarded an Air Force Cross for landing an aircraft that had caught fire.   As a Squadron Leader, he became Equerry to the Duke of Edinburgh.   Then followed a period as chief instructor on Britain's first supersonic fighter, the English Electric Lightning.   Later he became Wing Commander Ops' at the joint HQ of Middle East Command where he was involved in counter-terrorist operations in Aden.   As Station Commander of RAF Kinloss, he was responsible for the introduction of the Nimrod in 1971 and at the height of the Cold War when these new anti-submarine aircraft were a vital part of Britain's defence.   The author became Captain of the Queens Flight in 1988 and was also a winner of the King's Cup Air Race. The foreword has been written by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Publishers: Pen & Sword Books Limited.   Hardback Illustrated Pages 254 ISBN 978-184415-559-0 £19.99.00 from Pen & Sword Books Limited, Freepost SF5, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2BR Tel: 01226-73455 Fax: 01226-734438 www.pen-and-sword.co.uk