| TITLE | ROUND THE BEND | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Published: | 1951 Heinemann | |
| Setting: | Post War / 1948 - 55 | |
| Story: | Starting with one small DH Fox Moth, Tom Cutter an aviation workaholic sets up his own air taxi/freight service in the Middle East. He employs local native mechanics and pilots as his business expands. Connie Shaklin is a dedicated Engineer whose unconventional religious beliefs spread to become a cult that ensures safety and high maintenance standards throughout the region. | |
| Locations: |
Southampton
Bahrain and the Gulf Bali and Cambodia |
|
| Main Characters: |
Tom Cutter
Connie Shaklin and his sister Nadezna Sir Alan Cobham (air Circus) Gujar Singh (Indian pilot) |
|
| Flying Episodes: | Throughout the book as noted below. | |
| Aircraft: |
Air Circus - South coast then The Gulf
Tiger Moth, Hornet DH Fox-Moth, Proctor Basingstoke Air Truck, Plymouth Tramp, Cornell Air Carrier |
|
| Flying Characters: |
Tom Cutter
Gunjar Singh, Arjan Singh, Hosein Dwight Schafter |
|
| Aviation Location(s): |
Southampton
Bahrain - throughout and beyond the Gulf Bali Cambodia |
|
| Aviation Activities |
Air Circus
Solo flight Southampton to The Gulf Air Taxi/freight in Middle East Air Freight - Indonesia via Karachi & Singapore Operation of an ex-gun-runner's air freighter |
|
| Additional Comments: | One of the very best of Shute's books combining a developing aviation theme, in the Middle East, with an insight into his fascination with religion and mysticism |
