BIGGLES SWEEPS THE DESERT
Book First Published in October* 1942 - 208 pages
*The book itself says “October 1942” but the biography of W. E.
Johns says it was “November” 1942. However,
I am told there is a first edition copy of this book showing the date
“September” 1942!
Re-published in 1993 as Biggles defends the Desert
I believe this Biggles book was never serialised elsewhere. If anybody knows differently then please E-MAIL ME
The first edition dust wrapper showing the original price of 5
shillings
CHAPTERS
Click on any chapter for a summary of the events in that chapter or
see the general story summary below
Biggles and his Squadron are sent
to defend the main air route from the West Coast of Africa to the Middle East
and find out what has happened to seven planes that have been lost making the
journey. The team discovers a German Squadron present and they have perfected a
device that makes a compass useless, throwing planes completely off course.
Ginger lands in the desert and foolishly gets lost, only to be saved by
Biggles. The picture on the dust cover of the book shows Biggles finding
Ginger. The Germans are lead by Hauptmann von Zoyton, (who Biggles will meet again in 'Sergeant
Bigglesworth C.I.D.').
Biggles manages to get hold of a German Messerschmitt and decides to use it to
have a look at the Germans' aerodrome. Unfortunately, Ginger shoots him down,
believing the plane to be flown by an enemy pilot. Both sides attack each
other's base, culminating in a major German assault on Biggles' Squadron at Salima with paratroops. The base
is only saved in the nick of time by the arrival of reinforcements. A final
attack on the German base forces them to evacuate and Biggles has a showdown
with von Zoyton, neither of whom has ever been
defeated in a dogfight. No prizes for guessing who wins.
Click here to see the story illustrations from this book
Biggles Sweeps the Desert
Subtitle - A "Biggles" Squadron Story
Publication Details - published by Hodder and Stoughton
Frontispiece
Click on the above to see it in more detail