Moral Fibre: A Bomber Pilot’s Story by Helena P. Schrader is a continuation of the story of Flying Officer Kit Moran, who had been classified as LMF (Lacking Moral Fibre) after the death of his best friend and skipper Don Selkirk, following a raid over Europe, while Kit was a Flight Engineer on the Lancaster Bomber. Kit had refused to fly just a few hours after his friend had guided the Lancaster back to base but was found to be dead at the controls. After being declared not mentally disturbed by the doctors, Kit was given a second chance and offered the opportunity to learn to fly and return as a Lancaster pilot, in the future. Feeling he owed the debt to Don, Kit jumped at the opportunity, especially since pilot training would be in South Africa. His missionary parents were stationed in Nigeria and training in South Africa would give him the opportunity to see them again. As Kit begins his new career as a Lancaster pilot, he must begin to understand and come to terms with the idea of being a leader of men and making tough, split-second decisions that can affect the lives of many. Also, he begins to understand that he has feelings for Georgina Reddings, his former skipper’s fiancée, who has been nothing but supportive of him since his classification of (LMF). He is afraid to tell her of his love for fear of putting her through the same grief she went through when Don was killed. Pilot Officer Moran is convinced he will not survive this war and he has no right to hurt Georgina all over again by getting himself killed.

I was fortunate enough to have read the first installment of Kit Moran’s story before reading Moral Fibre but I can assure readers that this iteration stands perfectly well on its own. Author Helena P. Schrader does a superb job of outlining the history that leads up to Kit being discharged from the assessment center and certified as fit for training as a pilot. The style of the narrative beautifully combines a sweet, romantic love affair, amidst the horrors of war, coupled with a detailed narrative of life aboard a Lancaster bomber. This is especially perilous for Kit Moran and his crew as they were chosen to be one of the few who were selected to join 617 Squadron, colloquially known as “The Dam-busters”. Because this particular squadron was often pressed into use when the targets were the hardest to reach and breach, plus the most highly protected by flak batteries and enemy fighters, life for the aircrew of these planes was perilous, to say the least.

The author wonderfully combines the fear and courage of the airmen with the fortitude, dedication, and love of those left behind to create a story that is so much more than a straight war story. The thoughtful conversations between the members of Kit’s crew and between Georgina’s minister father and Kit were very much a highlight of the story from my perspective. I particularly appreciated how the Reverend’s faith was challenged by the atrocities committed during the war, particularly by, but not limited to, the Nazi regime. This gave the entire story a well-rounded and well-thought-out dimension that many war books lack. I loved this book and place it extremely high on the list of books I have read this year. I can highly recommend this read.

Moral Fibre: A Bomber Pilot's Story by Helena P. Schrader follows the journey of Flying Officer Kit Moran. After the death of his skipper and friend Selkirk, Kit struggled with getting back into a plane and serving his country. Posted LMF (Lacking in Moral Fibre) or labeled as a coward in simple terms, Kit’s biggest challenge was to prove he was worthy of his position as a flight engineer. Dr. Grace believed Kit was ready, but Kit was skeptical. However, before he could get back into action, he needed to figure out a few things, especially his unresolved romantic feelings for Georgina. It was all about raising his morale and joining the other men to serve his country. But was Kit ready for it? Or was he making the biggest mistake of his life?

In Moral Fibre: A Bomber Pilot's Story by Helena P. Schrader, Kit was conflicted about getting back to duty, to say the least. Getting the seal of approval from Dr. Grace was a great feeling, but the uncertainty settled the moment he boarded the place wearing an RAF uniform. From there on, Kit struggled with accepting his survivor’s guilt, that his feelings for Georgina might never be reciprocated, and he needed to get back to his job before he lost everything. Kit was a soldier first and foremost. It took him a long time to realize it, and when he did, he accepted his job with valor and respect. The narrative was intense, the story was packed with action, and the author made sure every relationship had a chance to bloom naturally. The dialogues were fun, and the descriptions were vivid. What else could a reader want?