Al Deere Obe Dso Dfc & Bar

About the Author

Al Deere OBE DSO DFC & Bar was a legendary New Zealand fighter pilot whose extraordinary wartime exploits and literary contributions have left an indelible mark on aviation history. Born in 1917, Deere joined the Royal Air Force at the outbreak of World War II, rising to prominence during the Battle of Britain where his daring maneuvers and unyielding courage earned him numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Service Order and Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar. After the war, he channeled his experiences into writing, offering vivid, firsthand accounts of aerial combat that blend high-stakes adventure with poignant reflections on camaraderie and survival. His memoir 'Nine Lives (Fighter Pilots)' stands as a testament to his resilience, detailing nine miraculous escapes from death and capturing the raw intensity of dogfights over Europe. Deere's later years were spent advocating for aviation heritage, passing away in 1995, remembered as a hero whose words continue to inspire generations of readers and pilots alike.