Roald Dahl - Pilot, Seducer and Author - WW2 Biography Special
World War Two・7 minutes read
Roald Dahl, a mischievous and rebellious individual due to his strict upbringing, served as a pilot during World War II, where he engaged in aerial combat and achieved six aerial victories before retiring from active service. After the war, Dahl transitioned to a successful career as a children's author, publishing his first novel in 1942.
Insights
- Roald Dahl's rebellious nature stemmed from his strict upbringing in boarding school, influencing his later adventurous pursuits in flying and combat during World War II.
- Despite facing challenges and injuries, Dahl's determination and courage led him to achieve significant success as a pilot, marking the beginning of a diverse career that eventually saw him become a celebrated children's author.
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Recent questions
Where was Roald Dahl born?
Wales
What was Roald Dahl's occupation before military service?
Worked for Shell oil company
How did Roald Dahl become a pilot?
Qualified in Baghdad
What happened during Roald Dahl's first solo flight?
Crash landing in Egypt
How many aerial victories did Roald Dahl achieve?
Six
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Summary
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Roald Dahl: From Pilot to Author
- Roald Dahl, born in 1916 in Wales to Norwegian parents, had a mischievous streak and a rebellious attitude due to his strict boarding school upbringing.
- Dahl worked for the Shell oil company before being conscripted into the King's African Rifles in 1939 at the age of 22.
- Despite his tall stature causing complications during flight training, Dahl qualified as a pilot in Baghdad in May 1940.
- Dahl's first solo flight in Egypt in September 1940 resulted in a crash landing, leaving him with severe injuries and a six-month hospital stay.
- Dahl actively participated in aerial combat during the Greek campaign in 1941, shooting down enemy planes and facing intense battles.
- After completing numerous missions, Dahl retired from active service in June 1941 with a total of 264 hours and 55 minutes of flying time and six aerial victories.
- Following his military service, Dahl pursued careers as a diplomat, secret service agent, and eventually a renowned children's author, with his first novel published in 1942.
