FROM his years as an experienced RAF pilot, to working with scientists on top secret projects and inventing his own instruments, a 100-year-old author has published his memoirs.
Group Captain E.E. ‘Tubby’ Vielle has launched his book, ‘Almost a Boffin,’ which charts his life which has involved several different careers.
Captain Vielle celebrated his 100th birthday in April. As he explains in his first chapter of the book, “To my 15 great-grandchildren I am a relic of a bygone age. They regard me rather like an ancient monument – Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, for example – except that, when prodded, I can still talk.
“Nevertheless, they (and their parents) express interest in my life…. hence these memoirs.”
But as well as descriptions of his childhood, Captain Vielle includes previously unpublished revelations about his work on the ‘special duties list,’ with scientists. He explains that, after discovering sabotage at a high level in the 1930s, it is only now that he deems it safe to publish.
He also took to inventing his own instruments, and, as demonstrated by the book’s subtitle ‘How I invented the cruise missile,’ worked on early versions of the missile.
It is not Captain Vielle’s first book, having written a number of novels, but admits he found his memoirs harder to write. “I had to go over everything and check all the details,” he said.
“One is never fully satisfied [with a book], but I’m pretty pleased with how it’s come out.”
Last week Captain Vielle launched the book with a signing for fellow residents at Chantry Court, where he now lives. Another signing is expected to take place in the coming weeks, which will be open to the public.
