The Best of Lives

After growing up in rural North America in the 1920s and 1930s Wilf Burnett (known in his family as Bamp) left Canada to join the RAF in 1937. This book tells the story of his decorated and distinguished 31 year career in the Royal Air Force. He flew on three operational tours during World War II. After the war and a secondment to BOAC on long-range flying boats he flew a wide range of piston and jet military aircraft. He undertook exploratory flights to the North Pole and led the first V-bomber (Valiant) squadron into action during the Suez Crisis. After commanding a V-bomber base his later career took him to senior posts in India and Aden. In retirement he continued to live a full life pursuing his many interests. He often commented on how lucky he was to have had The Best of Lives.