A Day with von Tirpitz

Set during the First World War, ‘A Day with von Tirpitz’ sees Billy Best and Tam returning from a bombing raid, where the German naval commander is staying.

When engine trouble and fog bring their aeroplane down, they need to work out whether they are behind enemy lines. However, their investigations lead them to an unexpected encounter.

A taut short story, ‘A Day with von Tirpitz’ is shot through with humour and offers a fascinating insight into life in the British army, during the early 20th Century.

Born in London, Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.

Leaving school at the age of 12, Wallace made his first steps into the literary world by selling newspapers on the corner of Fleet Street.

He worked as a war correspondent after joining the army at age 21, which honed his writing abilities. This led to the creation of his first book, ‘The Four Just Men.’

Wallace is best remembered as the co-creator of ‘King Kong,’ which has been adapted for film 12 times - most notably directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts.

However, he leaves behind an extensive body of work, including stories such as ‘The Crimson Circle’ and ‘The Flying Squad.’