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MWSA Review
In The Drums of War, T.C. Corbett takes readers on a poignant journey through the tumultuous landscape of World War I and its aftermath. Edited by his son, William Corbett, this autobiographical narrative offers a rare glimpse into the life of a young pilot, Cy Corbett, as he navigates the exhilarating yet perilous world of early aviation, which had a higher death rate than that of soldiers at the front.
Set against the backdrop of 1918, Corbett delves deep into the heart of his experiences, chronicling his rigorous flight training, filled with adrenaline-fueled flights, forced landings, and a brush with death. Despite the inherent dangers, Corbett finds solace in the thrill of flight, only to have his aspirations abruptly halted by the sudden end of the war before he has a chance to deploy to Europe. The transition to civilian life proves to be a tumultuous one, marked by confusion, loss, and the enduring specter of trauma. The Drums of War serves not only as a chronicle of early military aviation but also an unfiltered glimpse into Cy Corbett's world. His commitment to transparency and honesty underscores the genuine nature of this autobiographical work.
Through sections of prose that sometimes flow like poetry, Corbett captures the essence of his journey, offering readers an intimate portrayal of his innermost thoughts and emotions. His narrative oscillates between moments of exhilaration and despair, providing a nuanced exploration of courage, adversity, and the enduring human spirit.
The Drums of War stands as a testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. It is a narrative that weaves together history, aviation, and personal introspection, offering readers a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served.
Review by Elvis Leighton (March 2024)
Author's Synopsis
The Great War is replete with stories about war hero pilots who fought overseas. But little has been told of the 11,000 Americans who trained to fly and never made it “over there.” Then, one cadet died for every eighteen pilots who lived to earn their wings.
In The Drums of War, former pilot and newspaperman T.C. “Cy” Corbett relates his experience of a hundred years ago through original flight journals, diaries, and reflections written decades later, assembled and edited by his son, who discovered the writings after his father' s death.
The author's personal journals contain reflections not only about his sixteen forced landings and one bad crash, but about his undiagnosed injuries--both mental and physical--that plagued him throughout his life. Though at the time 'shell shock' was widely recognized, little was known about other deleterious effects of strenuous flight training. It is evident from the author's writings that he most likely suffered from a form of PTSD long before the condition was recognized to exist.
Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle
Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography
Number of Pages: 246
Word Count: 67,000