BIGGLES LEARNS TO FLY
First Published in the Boys' Friend Library Issue No. 469 - dated 7th March 1935
and republished in 1955 - 192 pages
The 1955 version contains sixteen chapters, each of which is virtually a short story on its own, although they do flow together and sometimes one carries on from the previous one. Originally published as
BIGGLES LEARNS TO FLY in 1935 with 12 stories and subsequently republished in an amended form in 1955. Two of the stories in the original publication were left out of the 1955 edition as they had already been reprinted in BIGGLES OF 266 (also published in 1955) the amended 1955 version contains:-
AUTHOR'S NOTE
(a short essay by W. E. Johns containing explanatory notes)
FIRST TIME UP!
Biggles is taken up by an instructor who gives him his first ever flight in an aeroplane.
LANDED - BUT LOST
Biggles' first solo flight results in him getting hopelessly lost. After 15 hours he gets his 'wings'.
THE BOAT FOR FRANCE
Sent to France to serve in 169 squadron, Biggles meets Mahoney of 266 on the boat over.
BATTLE
Biggles faces Arial combat for the first time, with his experienced gunner, Mark Way.
PLOTS AND PLANS
After a week's experience, Biggles and Mark go on an important recognisance mission.
LATE FOR DINNER
Returning from the above mission, Biggles and Mark have to ditch in the sea.
A DARING STUNT
Attacking an aerodrome, Biggles is again shot down. He and Mark escape from No Man's Land.
SPECIAL MISSION
Major Raymond sends Biggles on a special mission, to deliver and collect a spy.
EYES OF THE GUNS
Biggles does artillery observation for ground guns. When they can't hit the target, he bombs it.
THE CAMERA
A Bristol Fighter replaces Biggles' F. E. aeroplane. His temporary gunner, Harris, is killed.
THE 'SHOW'
Biggles and his squadron lend major support to a large ground attack over a number of days.
DIRTY WORK
When Phosphorus flares set their plane on fire, Biggles and Mark crash again.
THE PUP'S FIRST FLIGHT
Biggles transfers to 266 squadron and flies a Sopworth Pup. He captures a German Rumpler.
CAUGHT NAPPING
Biggles plans a major attack on a German 'circus'. Seven German Triplanes are destroyed.
THE YELLOW HUN
Now equipped with Sopworth Camels, Biggles seeks to avenge his old friend, Mark Way.
THE DAWN PATROL
Biggles lands and rescues Mahoney after he is shot down.
The dust cover of the 1955 version of the book shows Biggles in the cockpit of his plane at night.
There are no story illustrations in the reprint of this book.
Biggles Learns to Fly
Publication Details - originally published by the Boys Friend Library - No. 469 (dated 7th March 1935)
Cover of the 1955 edition
Click on the above to see it in more detail