In 1915, young Leo Walmsley left the Royal Army Medical Corps to become an observer with the newly-formed RFC, soon to become the Royal Air Force. From an early age he was influenced by the many facets of his surroundings, observant of even the smallest details-an ability that was to serve him well. For the young people who joined the armed services during the First World War, it was to be a "great adventure," but it is doubtful that when they signed on they could have envisaged what was to befall them. East Africa was considered a "side show" by many in the military who were mainly concerned...