My favourite Roald Dahl character is actually a group of characters known as The Gremlins. They appeared in Roald Dahl’s first book published in 1943. I read about it a long time ago but could never find a copy. I spent years scouring book markets, flea markets, jumble sales and car boots but was never able to track it down. With the advent of the internet, I started searching online, and there were a few 1st edition copies to be had but at ridiculous prices. As much as I wanted to read about these little creatures, I could not justify that kind of expense so put it out of mind.
On a recent visit to family in Australia, I walked into a second-hand bookshop in Adelaide, and there it was. A 1943 1st edition in reasonable condition at a price I could afford. I can’t tell you how excited I was when I handed over my money and skipped out of the shop! Since then I’ve read it many, many times.
For anyone who might not know, the gremlins are little creatures responsible for mechanical failures on aeroplanes. Roald Dahl tells the story of Gus a World War II RAF pilot who while patrolling in his Hurricane at 18,000 feet, sees a little man no more than six inches tall drilling a hole in his plane’s wing! It’s a great book, and I urge you to read it if you haven’t already. Republished in 2006 it's much easier to find now.
John Healy has resigned as Defence Secretary
