Books & Biographies

Why I Write These Stories

I've always believed history is best understood through the lives of those who lived it — not just the generals and the headlines, but the ordinary men who did extraordinary things when it mattered most. That's what drew me to biography: giving a voice to those whose service, sacrifice and humanity deserve to be remembered properly, not just footnoted.

Each of the men I've written about faced challenges I recognise from my own RAF career — duty, fear, leadership, hardship — and their stories have stayed with me long after the research was done. These books aren't history lessons. They're personal journeys, full of courage, humour, flaws and grit — the kind of detail that doesn't make it into the official records, but is exactly what makes someone feel real.

If you've got a relative whose wartime story deserves to be told — and you have material to support it, like diaries, letters, photographs or service records — I'd genuinely love to hear from you. These lives matter, far more than time tends to allow, and I'd be honoured to help make sure they're not forgotten.

Signed copies of my books are available direct from the publisher, Fighting High Books, and unsigned editions can be found in all good bookshops and online.

'The author has made a superb job of telling Lidsey’s story; All excellent stuff'.
Cross And Cockade

'Well done to author Andrew White for this absorbing book. A fine tribute'.
Britain at War Magazine

'Meticulous level of detail; 'Flyer' is a worthy and comprehensive account'.
Flypast Magazine

Extremes of Fortune

The First World War Diaries of Jack Lidsey – From the Trenches to the Red Baron

Fire-Step to Fokker Fodder

Flyer

From the Great War to the Great Escape – The Story of Herbert Martin Massey

The Extraordinary Life of Don Finlay – Spitfire Pilot and Olympic Medallist

Jack Lidsey was one of the first to volunteer in 1914. He fought in the trenches at Ypres and the Somme, led his men into unspeakable danger and somehow survived it all—until he swapped the mud for the sky and joined the Royal Flying Corps.

He flew with No. 16 Squadron against all odds, facing off with none other than the Red Baron himself. And he kept a detailed diary throughout it all—right up to the day before his death.

Reading Jack’s words felt like hearing a voice across time. I knew I had to honour that voice with a book.

“A magnificent biography… very highly recommended.” — Stand To

“Highly recommended for gripping accounts of trench warfare and air combat.” — Over the Front Magazine

Martin Massey was shot down by the Red Baron in WWI, wounded again in the Palestine Emergency and finally captured during a Thousand Bomber Raid in WWII. As Senior British Officer at Stalag Luft III, he authorised the Great Escape and carried news of the murdered escapees back to Britain.

I came across Massey’s story while researching another project—and I couldn’t believe it hadn’t already been told in full. What he endured, what he led and what he stood for deserved more than a footnote. So I told it.

“Thanks to the humbling efforts of noted author Andrew White, Massey’s remarkable life is now the stuff of legend.” — FlyPast Magazine

“A fine tribute to an unsung hero… fascinating reading.” — Britain at War Magazine

Donald Finlay was a hero in every sense—Britain’s greatest athlete of the 1930s and a decorated RAF fighter pilot. He was a double Olympic medallist, Empire and European Champion hurdler and led the British athletics team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, right under Hitler’s nose.

At the same time, Don was flying Spitfires in the Battle of Britain, commanding squadrons, being shot down, recovering and flying again. Later, he led a fighter wing in Burma and ended the war with both the DFC and AFC.

Don was driven, disciplined and complex—and when the war ended, he went back to athletics and started winning again in his 40s. His story was an honour to write.

“A remarkable athlete and an even more remarkable pilot—Don Finlay’s story is long overdue, and Andrew White tells it with skill and insight.”

Got a Story That Should Be Told?

If you’ve got a family connection to someone who served—particularly in the RAF, Army or wartime civilian services—and you’ve held onto their letters, photos or diaries, I’d love to hear from you.

Often, the most powerful stories come from the quietest corners.

Let's Talk History

enquiries@andrewwhite.org.uk

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You bring the interest. I’ll bring the maps.