In 1940, Nazi air strikes had Britain on her knees. The RAF was desperate for planes and their supply of US aircraft, sent on ship convoys, had been sunk in the icy Atlantic by relentless German U-boats. In response, a remarkable decision was made to fly the planes across the unforgiving ocean. Because of US neutrality, a message went out through the aviation grapevine only that a secret operation in Montreal needed experienced civilian pilots. The benefits were irresistible a vital and important job, a chance to fly the latest aircraft, and a large paycheck but the risks were colossal. These cowboys of the air are forgotten heroes of WWII, men who embodied the improvisational spirit that was key to Allied victory. Flying the Secret Sky tells the story of passionate, risk-taking young men braving treacherous winter skies over the North Atlantic in primitive, unarmed aircraft. Told by the flyers themselves, including an American civilian pilot who ferried Winston Churchill, the film uses never-before-seen home movies and rare footage of Ferry Command aircraft and crews to reveal one of the great unknown stories of WWII and of aviation history.
E**R
WWII Ingenuity and Heroism Revealed
The lonely, frigid, dangerous work these ferry pilots did was not reported or even acknowledged for too long, since the pretence of American neutrality would have been torn away and since exposing their routes to German air patrols would have meant disaster. In their case, secrecy meant forgetfulness, and the immense contribution they made to Britain's ability to hold off Nazi invasion was overlooked in nearly all histories of the conflict. This film brings them back to life, explains their mission and recognizes their bravery. A wonderful film on a very worth subject, with the director's personal crusade adding depth to the presentation.
J**K
Ferry Command
Having now watched this DVD twice it is the first time I have properly understood the role of Ferry Command and Return Ferry Command as my Dad would never talk much about it, despite spending from 1940 to 1949 in Montreal with BOAC as a Flight engineer, intially with Return Ferry Command. The introduction places the activities of Ferry Command in the context of the war and the development of aviation. It has left me with a much better appreciation of what risks all the aircrew took in playing their roles and I would thouroughly recommend it to anyone with an interest in this operation.
P**G
Great book, received promptly in good condition
Received "Flying The Secret Sky" promptly in excellent condition. I have enjoyed reading about the life of Winston Churchill's pilot, an d his many wartime flights. After the war, he was the chief pilot for Johns Manville, and flew a fellow croquet player around the country when she was 10 years old, letting her sit in the copilots seat. ( Sandy Brown Knox-Johnston)
D**L
A Peek at a Little Known Corner of the War
Excellent storytelling of a little known effort, early in World War Two, to get airplanes from North American factories to Great Britain in those desperate days when she stood alone against Nazi Germany after all the other western European nations were under Hitler's regime. What may surprise viewers is the extent of American involvement in what was labeled a Royal Air Force program. This documentary was made be the son of one of the program's most influential and respected participants. Highly factual and entertaining.
W**Y
This has taught me to appreciate my history
my father was a Navigator for the RAF ferry command he met my mother in Montreal while flying out of Dorval This really gave me a true understanding of the hardship his group endured he 90 Years old and he still talks about his friends he lost. thank you for allowing me learn i will be making sure his grandchildren also learn Bill Fry Long Sault Ont
C**E
First person accounts by Ferry command veterans and lots of ...
First person accounts by Ferry command veterans and lots of interesting footage of the aircraft of the day make this DVD a worthwhile addition to any aviation enthusiasts library.
S**N
extremely well done documentary
my father served in the RCAF during WW2. He flew planes from North Carolina to Gander Newfoundland which were picked up by the RAF Ferry Command for delivery to Europe.we are also from Montreal (now living in Atlanta GA.) and the combination of the RAF FC and the scenes of Montreal created a memorable viewing.A must see for World War ll history buffs.
D**K
Flying the secret sky
I'm a little bit biased since my dad is the DVD, but still and all It was well written and very exciting to watch all the Lancs. flying around. I learned stuff maybe my dad didn't even know.Watching this movie brought back all the stories my dad used to tell me as we'd have a few cocktails on Saturday nights.
R**M
Never seen fottage
Well done considering the age of the film.Far better than the other film we purchased.
B**L
A remarkable chapter in the history of WWII stories. ...
A remarkable chapter in the history of WWII stories. A must see. I would call it "Flying by the seat of their pants".
M**L
good interviews, good footage historical and new
Very well done, good interviews, good footage historical and new.
I**T
Absorbing Recounting of a Little-Known Wartime Activity
As a lifelong aviation enthusiast, I found this film very stimulating, telling as it does the story of a little-known operation. Some claims are questionable, for instance, if memory serves Churchill used an Avro York as personal transport in the latter stages of the War, not a Consolidated Privateer as stated. However, this does not detract from the main story which is enhanced by the testimony of Bill VanderKloot, the pilot of the Liberator "Commando".I was personally intrigued by the still picture of the first group of airmen; as a very young boy I can recall seeing this picture in a newsreel in 1940!
Trustpilot
3 days ago
2 weeks ago
