Goldfish Caterpillars and Guinea Pigs: Second World War Aircrew Who Experienced Life Saving Events

This meticulously researched and extremely readable book provides vital insight into the world of these Second World War heroes.

Once again Colin has come up trumps with a delightful read. A great style packed with relevant information but still a very good read Colin's superb quality research and first hand personal knowledge of individuals within the book paint a vivid picture of the story behind membership of these three amazing "Clubs" within the RAF in WW2.Highly recommended to anybody with an interest in the RAF in WW2.

An absolutely inspiring book, recounting individually illustrated factual stories of incredible heroism and survival in the midst of disaster. The courage and tenacity of these Second World War pilots and air crew are an example to us all.

If you are in to WW2 books this one is for you, heart warming without missing the important bits.A must read and a great gift.

Really wonderful stories from a group of men that experienced life in all its worst moments. I take my hat of to them.

This is an incredibly well researched book that is a fitting tribute to those who joined these clubs. These men experienced situations where their life could literally be held by a silken thread. For some their ordeal was over in minutes, but for others there were hours or days spent in open dinghies, and often years spent in hospitals and Prisoner of War camps. Life changing injuries brought stories that can now be told. Thanks should go to Colin Pateman for all his work in bringing this collection of stories together with a solid background on each club.

I bought Colin's first book about airbourne animals and cockpit companions so I was really pleased to see two more publications from him - this book and 'Unwanted Hero'. I bought them both! Colin writes his books with such great insight into the operational life as it was in the RAF during world war two and in this book, what events took place that enabled individuals to join the unofficial clubs. These factual accounts must never be forgotten. Each one is fascinating and so well written. This book would appeal to all ages and the images are terrific. Highly recommended to all. Can't wait for your next publication Colin - Unshackled Spirit, due out 2013.

This book is brilliant and the accounts of aircrew show just how fragile the men clung to life and did whatever they could to survive. I didn't really know much about the unofficial clubs but this book has really explained them with real life accounts. Informative, interesting and so well written with great images. It has been produced on high quality paper and the cover is incredible. You won't be disappointed.