Going Solo

“Bwana” means “boss” or “master” in Swahili. The Africans whom Dahl encounters all refer to him as “bwana,” even those who are older or more experienced than he is, which shows that the colonial social structure placed Europeans in positions of authority and respect, regardless of their actual experience or qualifications. For example, when Dahl was put in charge of commanding a group of Kenyan troops to stop Germans from leaving Dar es Salaam, the more experienced African soldiers still deferred to him, addressing him as “bwana.”

“Ground-strafe” refers to the military tactic of flying low over the ground to attack targets on the surface with machine-gun fire or other weaponry. This term is used to describe the dangerous and aggressive maneuvers Dahl and his fellow RAF pilots had to execute during their missions. Ground-strafing required flying at very low altitudes, which made the pilots vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire and other ground-based defenses. This tactic was employed to destroy enemy equipment, troops, and installations, disrupting their operations and providing support to ground forces.

The Hawker Hurricane was a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used in World War II. The Hurricane was less glamorous than the Spitfire but was crucial in achieving air superiority due to its reliability and firepower. They were more advanced than Gladiators and Tiger Moths, but Dahl was given a week after recovering from his accident to learn how to fly one.

A log book is a detailed record maintained by pilots to document their flight hours, missions, and experiences. The log book serves as an official account of Dahl’s flights, providing dates, times, aircraft types, and mission details. Dahl’s log book entries offer a glimpse into the daily realities and challenges faced by a wartime pilot. He meticulously records each sortie, noting the weather conditions, duration of the flight, and any combat engagements. These entries provide a structured and factual recounting of his experiences, contrasting with the more narrative and reflective style of the rest of the book.

The Junkers Ju 88 was a versatile German twin-engine aircraft used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. Designed as a bomber, it was also employed for various roles, including dive bombing, night fighting, and reconnaissance. The Ju 88s, with their advanced design and effective defensive capabilities, required precise and coordinated efforts from Dahl and his fellow pilots to counter. The aircraft’s presence in the skies was a constant reminder of the Luftwaffe’s reach and the technological edge they often held.

The Messerschmitt refers to a series of German fighter aircraft designed by the Messerschmitt Company, most notably the Messerschmitt Bf 109, which was one of the primary fighter planes used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. These aircraft were not only capable fighters but also supported German ground operations through strafing and bombing runs.

Swahili is a Bantu language widely spoken in East Africa. When Dahl arrived in East Africa, he learns Swahili to communicate with the local Africans because they were not permitted to learn English. Dahl’s interactions with local Africans in Swahili reflect the colonial context in which Europeans were expected to adapt to some degree to the local customs and languages to effectively administer and operate within the colonies. This adaptation was not purely altruistic; it was a pragmatic approach to maintaining control and ensuring smooth governance. By learning Swahili, colonial administrators and workers like Dahl could issue orders, manage labor, and interact with the local population in a way that reinforced their authority while also demonstrating a superficial respect for the local culture.