Following the recent publication of Julius Fireheartius, I’m pleased to announce another of Fireheart’s historical incarnations. Originally published in 1944, “The Adventures of Captain John Fireheart and 404 Squadron” was a boy’s own adventure that transcended the genre. It was widely credited with boosting morale of the allies immediately prior to the D-Day landings. We’re proud to present an extract from the opening chapter.
Captain John Fireheart reached into the jacket pocket of his immaculate RAF uniform and pulled out his car keys. As he tossed the keys playfully in to the air, he couldn’t help but admire the pristine Triumph Dolomite, in British racing green. The car had been an extravagant gift from his fiancée, Lady Agatha Nartsi-Simpathiser; and appropriately, the good Captain treated the throbbing engine as he would a lady.
He drove the auto with gusto, yet great precision around the air base, RAF Londonbury. It was only a short distance from the barracks to the CO’s office, but John loved to drive at any opportunity. He pulled to a halt with a trademark skid, and tooted the horn in acknowledgement of his good friend, Basher Barnes, one of the leading lights of 404 Squadron. John hopped from the car with gay abandon and headed towards the office building.
‘Goodness,’ said the Captain, running his fingers through his brylcreemed black hair, ‘I love this bally country.’
He strode purposefully into the building, the office girls swooning at the sight of such a masculine and imposing figure. He smiled playfully at them as he passed and raised a suggestive eyebrow. He finally reached the office of Air Marshal Dingleberry, and was met by two sentries, Privates Biffen and David.
‘Morning chaps,’ said John, as he returned their salutes, his face carved with a characteristic smirk, that let the men know who was boss. It was common knowledge around the base that Captain Fireheart was the finest pugilist in the whole RAF, so the Privates didn’t need to be reminded. He rapped briskly on the office door and confidently entered the room; he knew that his commanding officer wanted to see him asap.
Air Marshal Dingleberry sat wedged behind a small wooden desk he had owned since prep school. John knew from personal experience that despite his corpulent frame and advancing years Dangerous Dingleberry was still a formidable fighter, flier and lover. The Captain knew that he had been summoned to the office to take part in another of the CO’s suicide missions, and his mouth watered at the prospect.
‘Ah Fireheart! Good to see you old boy, come in, come in,’ said the Air Marshal.
‘Thank you sir, it’s jolly good to see you too,’ said Johnny as he saluted the rotund man, and took a seat. Dingleberry asked John to join him in smoking a cigarette and he heartily accepted; the men sat and enjoyed the aroma and taste of the vitalising tobacco, for a few seconds, before getting down to business.
‘Now John, I’m not going to beat around the bush, I need you and 404 Squadron to fly what could be your most dangerous mission yet. It’s tremendously hush hush, so mum’s the word I’m afraid, old bean.’
‘Discretion is my middle name, as you know, sir. Parents had a ruddy strange sense of humour,’ joked the Captain. ‘Now, what can I do for you?’ Tension grew in the air as John waited for his answer. Dingleberry seemed reluctant to answer, and this uncharacteristic hesitance made Fireheart nervous. Finally the answer came, with the full force of a jolly good carpet bombing of Dresden:
‘I want you to steal Hitler’s mother.’
Fireheart dropped his cigarette to the floor.
[...] Fireheart! In History – The Adventures of Captain John Fireheart and 404 Squadron – You’d love to read a story about a version of Fireheart set in the second world war? [...]