Rutherford G. (Rutherford George) Montgomery
A Yankee Flier in the Far East
"A Yankee Flier in the Far East" by Al Avery is a wartime adventure novel written in the early 1940s. The book follows the story of three pilots—Stan Wilson, Bill O'Malley, and March Allison—as they navigate their service in the Royal Air Force in Singapore and later join forces to support the Chinese Air Force against Japanese aggression during World War II. At the heart of the narrative is the camaraderie, conflicts, and challenges that these aviators face in a foreign land. At the start of the story, the characters are introduced in the Royal Air Force mess hall in Singapore, where they are enduring the oppressive heat while lamenting their lack of action. Lt. Stan Wilson is eager to join the fight, which sparks a discussion about their future. O'Malley expresses frustration over their "rest cure," while Allison remains more laid-back. As they discuss the deteriorating situation in the region, Stan learns about an opportunity to assist the Chinese Air Force, prompting them to seek releases from their current posts. The chapter sets a tone of adventure and urgency, paving the way for their recruitment into a critical mission against the Japanese forces and showcasing the personalities and dynamics of the main characters.