BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The Air Force Association (AFA) Far North Coast Branch is proud to announce the release of Memoirs of a Test Pilot, an autobiography by the late Group Captain Milton Cottee AFC.
This compelling book, now available for purchase, offers a vivid account of Cottee’s remarkable career and contributions to aviation, meticulously brought to life through the dedication of AFA Vice-President Richard (Dick) Wills BEM and SQNLDR Owen Bartrop AFC (Retd).
Milton Cottee, a distinguished RAAF officer, flew over 100 aircraft types, from P-51 Mustangs in the Korean War to all three V-bombers during his time as a test pilot at Boscombe Down, UK. As Chief Test Pilot at RAAF Laverton and the final project manager for the F-111’s introduction into the RAAF, Cottee’s exceptional flying skills and engineering brilliance pushed aviation boundaries. His autobiography details the precision and courage behind each test flight, revealing a relentless pursuit of excellence.
After Cottee’s passing in 2018, Dick Wills, a former Flight Engineer and close friend, took on the challenge of publishing Cottee’s unfinished manuscripts.
Despite no prior publishing experience, Wills collaborated with Owen Bartrop, an accomplished author, to complete the project over 12 months.
The result is a testament to Cottee’s legacy and a gift to aviation enthusiasts and RAAF members alike.
Priced at $35 (including postage), Memoirs of a Test Pilot is available through the AFA Far North Coast Branch. All profits after publishing and distribution costs will be donated to the AFA NSW Ad Astra Foundation, supporting veterans and their families. To order, make an EFT payment to Greater Bank (BSB: 637 000, Account: 780392819, Reference: [Your Surname] Book) and email your delivery address to Dick Wills at 2rcwills@gmail.com.
For further inquiries, contact Dick Wills at vp.wills@raafansw.org.au or 0414 618 793. As Milt would say, “Smooth Landings!”