Group Captain Duncan Smith flew and fought in front-line operations continuously from the Battle of Britain through the struggle for Malta, the invasion of Italy and the liberation of France. This account presents his dramatic story of the air war from the cockpit of the now legendary spitfire. As a pre-war RAFVR pilot Duncan Smith completed his training during the first year of war. From contact with pilots seasoned over France and in the Battle of Britain, 'Smithy', as he was popularly known, became convinced that effective air fighting required a combination of strong leadership and teamwork. This is the thrilling account if his experiences, flying in formation and solo, written with an immediacy that places the reader in the cockpit along with him.