Lyndon Shubert

‘Brave & Funny; Memories of World War Two by a P-38 Fighter Pilot’, by Lyndon Shubert, is a collection of stories from his time flying a Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft from bases in Italy during the war. I knew I was going to love this book after the first few pages. There are two types of biographies out there; one is very detailed, almost technological, with more information about the events than the person. And then there’s this kind – the one I prefer – where by the time you’ve finished the book, the subject feels like an old friend who you’d enjoy having a coffee with.

Brave & Funny, is an apt description for Shubert. First of all, the P-38, although a great aircraft when first produced, would be far down the list of fighters I’d want to be flying over Europe during the Second World War. With two engines, it was pretty fast, fairly maneuverable, and definitely possessed a heavy armament with four .50 calibre machine guns and a 20mm cannon, but by the time Lieutenant Shubert was flying it on unique weather missions ahead of Allied bombing raids, it was outclassed by the latest Messerschmitt BF-109 and Focke-Wulf FW-190 fighters of the German Luftwaffe. That is definitely where the ‘Brave’ part of the title comes in.

The stories contained in the pages are sometimes poignant and other time hilarious. Shubert certainly led an interesting life and he does not hold anything back. He epitomizes the image of a Second World War fighter pilot, showing on more than one occasion where he had no qualms about speaking up, no matter who he was speaking up to. He also does not hide his thoughts and feelings, as he takes to the air on what many would consider near-suicide missions. Most of the flights were alone or with only one other aircraft along as a wingman. This certainly explains the antics we read about when Lieutenant Shubert was safely back on the ground.

The stories from after the war are certainly an eye-opener into how different people react differently to post traumatic events. I’d like to think that I would be just like him. Anyone with an interesting in military history, Second World War aviation, or frankly, just looking for a good biography that will make you smile and even laugh out loud, will want to read Brave & Funny. I only wish I could have had that cup of coffee with Lynn.

Review by Daniel Lloyd Little – November 7, 2017… (meer)