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Re: George Beurling--if looks could KILL!
Hi guys
I have been following your discusson on Beurling with great interest, having written about him at some length in 'Spitfires over Malta' - in fact my co-author Frederick Galea and I are contemplating writing a book about him and his exploits (if there's room for another?!). At this point in time, all I would offer is that undoubtedly Beurling was a great natural marksman in the air and on the ground and probably shot down some 25 (substantiated) of his 32 victims, if not more. Few aces' records could stand such scrutiny, in my humble opinion. A note for Nick de Carteret and others - Clostermann's account of meeting Beurling at Catfoss Gunnery School in July 1944 is not correct - Beurling was back in Canada by then and was out of the RCAF!
Regarding Beurling's death at Rome - recent enqueries with the Italian Police suggest that records of the crash incident are no longer available, but Frederick has been given to understand that the initial reports were sketchy and non-conclusive. My own belief, for what it's worth, is that sabotage was a possibility (see my conclusions in 'Spitfires over Israel'). Others disagree.
NickM, to get back to your original point - yes, when I first saw that picture of Beuring I knew I had to use it. As you suggest, the eyes say it all!
Carry on the discussion - its great.
Cheers
Brian
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