Signed with Their Honour

First US edition
(publ. Book League Of America)

Signed with Their Honour is a 1942 novel by Australian author James Aldridge. It was set during World War II in Greece.[1][2] The novel is a fictional depiction of the activities of 80 Squadron during the British intervention in Greece. It is dedicated to the Commonwealth Ace of Aces, Pat Pattle, and Squadron Leader Hickey.[3] The title is derived from a 1933 poem by Stephen Spender titled "The Truly Great."[4][5]

It was much acclaimed in the US on publication.[6]

Film Version

Producer Paul Sofkin bought film rights in 1943.[7] Rank Studios commenced work on the film in 1944 with Vernon Sewell as director and Osmond Borradaile as cinematographer. Filming of the aerial sequences took place in Shrewsbury and at Denham studios, using Gloster Gladiator biplanes (which were featured in the novel). However the production was then cancelled due to budgetary restrictions and the loss of three aircraft in accidental crashes during filming.[8][9] In 1946 Ealing announced they were considering making the movie[10] but this did not happen.

References

  1. ^ "AUSTRALIAN'S GREEK SCENES IN NEW BOOK". The Courier-Mail. Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 24 July 1943. p. 4. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  2. ^ ""RANDOM HARVEST" OFFERS A CHALLENGE TO "MRS MINIVER"". The Argus. Melbourne: National Library of Australia. 11 December 1943. p. 6 Supplement: The Argus Week-end Magazine. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  3. ^ Aldridge, James (1942). Signed with Their Honour. Book League of America. p. iv.
  4. ^ Aldridge, James (1942). Signed with Their Honour. Book League of America. p. ii.
  5. ^ Stephen, Spender (25 April 2018). "The Truly Great". Poetry Foundation. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
  6. ^ "NOVEL HIGHLY PRATSED". The Sydney Morning Herald. National Library of Australia. 14 September 1942. p. 6. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  7. ^ "MR MENZIES WARNS ON COMMUNISM". The Argus. Melbourne: National Library of Australia. 3 July 1943. p. 4. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  8. ^ "Mystery of lost war film". 3 April 2017.
  9. ^ Borradaile, Osmond & Hadley, Anita B. Life Through a Lens: Memoirs of a Cinematographer. McGill-Queen's Press 2001. p-148-151
  10. ^ "British Move In on Aussie Motion Picture Making: Will Have 2 Units There Before 1947" Pope, Quentin. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963) 30 June 1946: e7.


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