A collection of mission chronicles from Biggles' very first days as a pilot.

The book provides a series of short stories showing how Biggles learnt to fly and then honed those flying skills in a series of adventures and scrapes. It also provides a fascinating look at how the air conflict was waged during the First World War.

The book is also notable for introducing Colonel Raymond, then Major Raymond, who involves Biggles in some of his espionage war effort. It is clear where Biggles interest (and skill) in undercover/stressful work originates.