Spitfires & Spots

Jeff West was a New Zealand fighter pilot in the RAF Tangmere 616 squadron, serving in Malta, Sudan and Egypt, from 1941 to 1945. This book is his personal, unedited diary from that period. Of course it was never kept with a view to publication, that decision was made by his grandson, who took the effort to transcribe the tiny hieroglyphic text in the small books (a photo of these is included at the front of the book).

As much as anything, these diaries explain the often mundane experience of being at war. Much time is spent in preparation, and in downtime – much more than time spent (in the case of a pilot) flying, and even less flying in combat.

The diary is written as one might expect with an even pace, it doesn't build to a climax, and if anything the excitement of combat peters out. It is a stark reminder of how communication was limited, seeing the significant amount of correspondence in the form of letters and for more urgent matters telegrams were used. West kept in close contact with his large family, writing far more often that would have been the norm. He obviously valued the communication with family and friends a lot to have put in so much effort. That and his passion for Spitfires, of course.

For a kiwi there are some good New Zealandish comments, the tagline on the title being one. There is also an occasion where he hits a tree at the end of a runway, his mates call him ‘Pranger West'. At the end of the diary, on his return to New Zealand they disembark at Christchurch for a time, and visit ‘Warners Hotel', and old hotel in a historic building on ‘The Square'. This was the favourite bar of my youth, now demolished after the 2011 earthquakes, so it was nice to see mention of that from so long ago. As well as the cover, there are also a couple of photographs and a helpful map, along with a glossary for all of the abbreviations used throughout.

From a historical perspective it is important to record these types of diary – to preserve the thoughts and actions of men who dedicate themselves to the values fought for. It is at times, perhaps not the most lively of reads, but there is no doubt it is realistic and gives a careful account of the times at war.

It is an unusual concept rating someone's diary, given its purpose for others to read. Based on how much I enjoyed reading it, it was 4 stars.