SHORT SORTIES
First Published in May 1950 - 202 pages
Republished
in paperback by Norman Wright in 2006 – as “Short Sorties & Sky Fever” - 269 pages (Short Sorties
ends on page 147)
This book contains 20 short stories written by W. E. Johns
FORWARD (a
short passage about how and why these 20 stories were written by W. E. Johns)
WHAT HAPPENED TO MARCUS?
Flt/Lt. Osmond Gale finds himself explaining to Mr. Vasey, the
father of an old friend, how his son Marcus came to disappear in the Libyan
Desert.
Shades of 'Biggles
Flies South' in this story.
WINE WITH A LADY
When two strangers find themselves seated together at the
Restaurant du Midi in Piccadilly during the Second World War,
they soon realise that both are not what they seem.
This was
first published in “Collier’s Magazine” in the USA, 23rd May 1942
and then in Australian Women’s Weekly, 19th December 1942
L'AMOUR PROVENCAL
A Group Captain tells the writer of the story about Jean Tavan from Provence in France and how he came to be
fighting with the Free French in England
and how he brought his beautiful wife with him.
MOTHER IN ARMS
What would prompt Prudence Valerie of the Women's Air Transport
Auxiliary to get into a Hurricane and fight like a demon against a formation of
German bombers?
INTERNATIONAL SETTLEMENT
When Lieutenant Roy Winton, an American, crashes on a remote
island in the Pacific where various nationals are living in complete ignorance
of the War,
he finds himself having to lie.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Czech pilot, Captain Rumbolt has a new
co-pilot for his mission, a man called Kenton.
They are both surprised when a German spy turns out to be on their
plane and further surprises are in store.
This was first published in “Illustrated” magazine, issue dated 25th
April 1942 and then later published in “Commander Story Annual” in 1956 – find
out more here
NOCTURNE AERONAUTIQUE
Brian Gray lands his hurricane to answer a signal by Morse code
for help. Surprised to find an American lady,
there are further surprises in store when Helen Cardell helps Gray
out later.
This was later published in “Open-Air Adventure Stories for Girls”
in 1965 – find out more here
A THING TO BOAST ABOUT
Private Mazrak Mahomet loves the
beautiful, crocodile-hide suitcase of the officer to whom he is batman.
When that officer comes down in a haboob, Mahomet
volunteers to help get him back.
BIG BUSINESS
Leofric Tallebois and
Isaac Soloman both have a family history going back
many, many years. After saving each other's lives,
they find out even more about each other when they have to deal
with the difficult situation they find themselves in.
This was first published in “Britannia and Eve” magazine in March 1942
– find out more here
SOME GO IN DARKNESS
Who is the mysterious Joan Barton, whose photograph is in the
cockpit of a Wellington bomber?
MISCHIEVOUS MELODY
Jerry Hardleigh hears a memorable tune
in Germany in the early thirties. When he hears the same tune during the Second
World War, it leads him to a spy.
However, the charming Jennifer Page complicates things.
INTERMEZZO
Major Jeff Quinton is faced with a dilemma when a beautiful
Italian spy is caught, particularly as he has met the lady before.
PERSEUS FLIES AGAIN
The hero of this story, Nigel Deane, has the same name as the hero
of 'The Unknown Quantity'. When Deane lands in the field of Colonel
Rusby and meets his daughter,
Joan, he learns of certain problems they are having with
Lieutenant Rudolf Leffens, problems that Deane is
able to solve.
This was first published in “Britannia and Eve” magazine in July
1941 – find out more here
POTPOURRI
Captain John Broughton has had a book belonging to Priscilla Grey
virtually all his life. When he travels from America to England he finds he has
an opportunity of returning the book and solving a mystery. He then discovers
that the Broughtons always come home.
THE QUEST OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE
Shades of 'Affaire
de Coeur' (the famous Biggles
story, in ‘The
Camels are Coming’,
where he falls in love) in this tale. The hero even has a description that
parallels that of Biggles. This time the story is told with an unexpected
twist. Flight Lieutenant Cedric Delane is asked by a
beautiful French girl to drop a message to her father over in France. Delane is happy to drop the message, but for someone else.
This was first published in “Britannia and Eve” magazine in January
1941 – find out more here
HUNTER'S MOON
Desmond van der Rande is intrigued by
the mysterious Morse code signals he sees when he flies over Holland. His
Commanding Officer has an idea that will solve his fascination, but all does
not go as planned.
MARS SHAKES A COCKTAIL
Squadron Leader Eric "Buster" Stanbush
does not want to fall in love with the beautiful Stella Garton, but fate may
have other plans.
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS
Bill Tyson is a hen-pecked husband who decides not to comply with
his wife's wishes for once.
This was first published in “Britannia and Eve” magazine in March
1941 – find out more here
TEAK-WALLAH
When a Group Captain sees the attractive Mrs. Hatheray
at the annual Staff College dance, he has an interesting story to tell her. The
story is about his experiences in Burma and an attempt to stop the Japanese
advance using Elephants and teak. You can see the twist coming a mile off.
INTERCEPTED
A Squadron Leader is shot down and badly wounded. The Doctor who
saves him discusses with him the implications of fate and the magic of the
words "if only".
This story was a reworking by W. E. Johns of his short story, 'Encounter' which had originally been published in the
Daily
Express on 17th February 1934.
Short Sorties
Subtitle - none
Publication Details - originally published by Latimer House
First Edition
My own first edition of this book has the above inscription from
W. E. Johns in it