The book provides a unique perspective on the war from the cockpit of a fighter plane. Clostermann describes the thrill of dogfights, the camaraderie among pilots, and the harsh realities of war. He also shares his experiences with the RAF and the French Resistance, providing insight into the complexities of wartime politics and alliances.
However, defenders argue that in the chaos of combat, overclaiming was universal among all air forces. Moreover, Clostermann’s official score of 33 is well-documented by French and British sources. The book’s value, they say, is not as a verbatim combat report but as an emotional and psychological truth. Pierre Clostermann Le Grand Cirque.epub