Dave Dawson with the Eighth Air Force

"Dave Dawson with the Eighth Air Force" by Robert Sidney Bowen is a historical adventure novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows the exploits of Dave Dawson, an American fighter pilot, as he navigates the challenges and dangers of aerial combat during World War II, particularly while serving with the Eighth Air Force in England. The opening introduces not only the main character but also sets a tone of camaraderie and tension as he deals with the unpredictable nature of war and machine failures. At the start of the narrative, Dawson finds himself in a test flight of a Lockheed Lightning, grappling with malfunctioning engines that leave him questioning the aircraft's reliability. Amidst this, he learns that his friend, Freddy Farmer, is also in trouble, struggling to land his plane due to a jammed landing gear. The two pilots face a series of mishaps which reflect a sense of foreboding about their assignment with the Eighth Air Force. As they begin to delve into the core of their experiences, they unknowingly become entwined in a larger plot involving mistaken identities and Nazi agents operating in London. This setup promises a mix of thrilling air combat and espionage as the story progresses.