“This book holds the memories of a young Spitfire Pilot of World War II. It begins with his earlier days, days of a young country lad and how his life was changed because of the war. Some of these pre war anecdotes are later entwined in the story as the reader will see. The story is taken from the Pilot’s diary and log book and is very informative and descriptive. Informative about the types of aircraft, training etc and descriptive about the many different towns and countries this pilot was stationed in, and his time as a prisoner of war.”

The author kept a detailed diary throughout his service.

Allen Stening joined the RAAF training initially at No 4 VTS Victor Harbour South Australia. Further training in Australia was carried out at No 1 EFTS Parafield No 2 SFTS Wagga and No 7 SFTS Deniliquin. He transferred directly to England and flew with 167 Squadron Ludham, Digby, Hornchurch and Westhampnett. Then was sent to Africa and on to Italy with 253 Squadron.
On May 4th 1944, he was shot down over Yugoslavia and
was taken POW.
He had up to this point flown 547 hours.

“I found this to be a great read with the author adding every little detail about training, flying Spitfires to his diary.”

The book was published by his wife (married before his war service) from Allen’s Diary, log book.
Allen died in September 1995.

Royal Australian Air Force. RAAF and RAF 158 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 25 cm. First Edition. Signed by Author.

Ch. 1. My early life Ch. 2. RAAF training in AustraliaCh. 3. To EnglandCh. 4. Training in England Ch. 5. To 167 Squadron Ch. 6. Action in Algeria Ch. 7. Advanced Flying Unit Setif Ch. 8. To 253 Hyderabad State Squadron Ch. 9. Invasion of Italy Ch. 10. Naples Ch. 11. Foggia Ch. 12. Prisoner of war Ch. 13. Free at last Ch. 14. Coming home.

“Royal Australian Air Force, service history, 416625, Stening, Allen, airman fighter pilot, 1941-45”

Includes Ruth Stening’s account of her war years (p. 133-158)

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?subject=Fighter%20pilots%20–%20South%20Australia%20–%20Biography.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?subject=World%20War,%201939-1945%20–%20Aerial%20operations,%20Australian%20–%20Personal%20narratives.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?subject=World%20War,%201939-1945%20–%20Personal%20narratives,%20Australian.