1940

Enlistment in the Royal Canadian Air Force

Poet involved

What happened

In 1940, Magee made the pivotal decision to enlist in the Royal Canadian Air Force instead of accepting a scholarship to Yale University. This choice was driven by his desire to serve in World War II and his passion for flying, marking a significant shift in his life and career. Magee's enlistment reflected his commitment to defending Britain, his mother's homeland.

Literary impact

Magee's military service profoundly influenced his poetry, particularly in his reflections on flight and camaraderie among pilots. His experiences as a fighter pilot would later inspire the creation of 'High Flight,' a poem that encapsulates the beauty and exhilaration of aviation.

Source: Wikipedia

Poets alive in 1940

132 poets

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