Bryan Davies

The book “Whispering’ Duke Schiller: The Forgotten Hero of Early Aviation” by Tom Douglas is a compelling tribute to Clarence Alvin “Duke” Schiller, an under-celebrated pioneer in the field of aviation. It spans Schiller’s early life in Canada, detailing his journey from his birth in Iowa to his family’s resettlement in Cooksville, Ontario, and outlines his significant contributions to early aviation, including his time as a bush pilot and his service in multiple air forces. The narrative also delves into his adventurous career, marked by harrowing missions, daring rescues, and notable achievements in aviation that captured the public’s imagination during the 1920s, ’30s, and early ’40s.

Douglas’s book is structured to highlight Schiller’s life and aviation exploits through detailed chapters, each focusing on pivotal moments of his career and personal life. These include his contributions to the Royal Air Force Ferry Command during World War II, his innovative work as a bush pilot, and his various brushes with death, including confrontations with rumrunners and rescues at sea. The foreword, written by a family member, adds a personal touch, emphasizing the familial pride in Schiller’s legacy.

The book does not merely recount Schiller’s life; it also explores why his name has faded from public memory despite his considerable contributions to aviation and heroism during both world wars. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Douglas aims to rectify this historical oversight, presenting Schiller’s story as not just a series of daring feats, but as a testament to the spirit of early aviation pioneers whose bravery and innovations laid the groundwork for modern air travel.