Norman: A Most Unforgettable Character

An exciting, true story about triumph over tragedy. Norman was a unique man, always seeking new adventures. Born in England, he moved to Chile with his family but was educated in Scotland and England in the 1920s. At fourteen, Norman became a translator for the president of Chile, and at sixteen he was a copilot for Panagra Airways. He fought briefly in Spanish Civil War (1937), then joined the Royal Air Force and flew fighters in the Battle of Britain (1940). Wounded in both legs, he recovered and later led a daring escape flight just before the fall of Singapore. He was also a personal pilot to General Charles DeGaulle, an airline pilot with British South American Airways (BSAA), and flew in the Berlin Airlift. Norman later lost both legs due to complications from his Battle of Britain wounds. Nevertheless, he trained as a master carpenter and learned to walk without a limp. Norman was also a travel agent, movie set builder, boutique owner, builder and operator of three pubs, band manager, and partner in an aircraft trading firm. Norman’s motto was NEVER GIVE UP.”Blackburn, James is the author of 'Norman: A Most Unforgettable Character', published 2007 under ISBN 9781424170586 and ISBN 1424170583.