BIGGLES 'FAILS TO RETURN'
Book First Published in October 1943 - 223 pages
(The first edition book actually states inside
“August 1943” but delay was caused by war time paper shortages, no doubt after
the printing plates were set)
I believe this Biggles book was never serialised elsewhere. If anybody knows differently then please E-MAIL ME
The first edition dust wrapper showing the original price of 5
shillings
The cover picture was redrawn as an internal illustration and used
on page 481 of “The First Biggles Omnibus” in 1953. Note the different position of Biggles’ legs.
CHAPTERS
Click on any chapter for a summary of the events in that chapter or
see the general story summary below
XVIII – HOW THE RENDEZVOUS WAS KEPT
Biggles goes on a secret mission
to rescue a Princess from Monaco and doesn't return. Algy, Bertie and Ginger,
knowing nothing of his secret mission, find out about this when they go to quiz
Air Commodore Raymond. The last known information about Biggles' whereabouts
was that he was shot whilst fighting a rear-guard action to allow the Princess
to board a plane. This rear-guard action is the event that is depicted on the
dust cover of the book. Algy, Bertie and Ginger ask for, and get, permission to
go after him. With the help of Henri Ducoste, a local who is fighting with the
free French, Biggles' three friends parachute into Southern France and then
split up in the hunt for Biggles. Their various adventures lead them to a
mysterious Cafe called Chez Rossi and the even more mysterious waiter, Mario.
Eventually, all three follow clues to the deserted village of Castillon, where
(on page 165) they finally find Biggles. The Italians capture Henri after his
plane crashes and Ginger rescues him. However, unless he surrenders or is
handed over, the fascists will execute his family. Biggles devises a plan that
will get all of them away from Monaco and back to England. However, the plan
involves stealing an Italian flying boat from right under their very noses.
(There is an interesting continuity error on page 111 where Ginger is referred
to as Algy).
Click here to see the story illustrations from this book
Biggles 'Fails to Return'
Subtitle - A Biggles Adventure
Publication Details - published by Hodder and Stoughton
Frontispiece
Click on the above to see it in more detail
The “Children’s Book Club” edition reprint – click on the above
picture to find out more details