The Shepherd by Frederick Forsyth
Ойын-сауық
Frederick McCarthy Forsyth CBE is an English author and journalist. He was born on August 25, 1938.
A former RAF pilot and investigative journalist, created the modern thriller when he wrote The Day of The Jackal
He is best known for thrillers like The Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File, The Fourth Protocol, The Dogs of War, The Devil's Alternative, The Fist of God, Icon, The Veteran, Avenger, The Afghan, The Cobra, and The Kill List.
Forsyth's books are often on lists of the best-selling books, and more than a dozen of them have been made into movies. By 2006, more than 70 million copies of his books had been sold in more than 30 languages.
The Shepherd tells the story of a De Havilland Vampire pilot who is going home on Christmas Eve, 1957. On the way from RAF Celle in northern Germany to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, England, his plane loses all of its electricity. He gets lost in fog over the North Sea and is almost out of gas when he runs into a De Havilland Mosquito fighter-bomber that seems to have been sent up to "shepherd" him in.
The main themes of the story are how he is guided to a safe landing and how he tries to find the pilot who saved him.
Forsyth wrote this original piece as a Christmas present for his first wife Carrie, who had asked him to write her a ghost story. The story was written on Christmas Day, 1974, and came out around the same time the next year. The idea came to the author when he was trying to think of a setting that wasn't a haunted house and saw planes flying overhead. Many people have thought that the references were to old RAF stories. Even though Forsyth is a former RAF pilot and could have heard and changed such a story (whether on purpose or not), no references or personal stories have been given to back up such claims.
Since 1979, the story has been told on the Canadian news show As It Happens on CBC Radio One. It is always read by Alan Maitland and is always on the last episode, which is always on or before Christmas Eve. As it Happens had a 50th anniversary special in 2018, and Carol Off, Michael Enright, and Tom Power read lines from The Shepherd to honour the tradition.
On December 14, 2014, in London, at St. Clement Danes, the Central Church of the Royal Air Force, actor Nigel Anthony put on an original version of The Shepherd by Amber Barnfather, complete with music and sound effects. Frederick Forsyth opened the show, which raised money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. David Chilton was in charge of the sound, and the Saint Martin Singers sang a cappella pieces.
John Travolta confirmed in 2022 that he is making a movie version of The Shepherd right now.
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Пікірлер: 168
I served in the RAF, and later l met, and did some work for Freddie. What a truly nice and inspirational man. I never get tired of his stories.
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
Nice to hear this personal connection. It’s a good story
Well done, Skywalker. This reading is a tour de force, an achievement, as it takes superior reading (and acting!) skills to pull off coherently. You breathed the life force into a technically intricate and overly descriptive piece - and you managed to take us for the flight and brought us back safely. Another mission accomplished, Mate!
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed being the control tower
@oilBongu
9 ай бұрын
I wouldn't agree that it's overly descriptive, I think his descriptions are amazingly evocative, it is superb engaging writing!
@denisegiannakis5667
5 ай бұрын
Well said! The technical side was both written and performed perfectly! I loved how the main character went back to his basic training when he realised he was in trouble.
This is very interesting. You learn a lot! My Aunt Trisha had her twin engine license. It’s a very engaging ghost story for for X-RFA men by a man with great storytelling experience. I KNOW this story was specifically written for his wife, but I will back this statement by saying that in 1979, the given time of story set in 1958, & the 1948 of our Sheppard, their were no women who had had access to this experience & understanding like the men folk who gave their service in the RAF. With that said, I personally found it a touching insight into the visceral mental & physical demands of what those young men went through during those years, but I KNOW from experience with a Vietnam Vet Helicopter Pilot this is only the very craft of KNOWING how to drive a plane in highly critical situations beyond the likes of anything I could even imagine. Our Veterans, men & women, give so much to protect & serve. (I only wish more money went to the foot soldiers returning home.) in general I am not a big military story buff, but this one brought me into the tale by the narrator with such grace that the military aspect was more “matter of fact” than the feeling of it being another form of advertising or as a “propaganda tool”, & I think this had a lot to do with the way you presented the narrating character. So, thank you for sharing this story. I am going to share this with my aunt. I think she might really enjoy this lovely, otherworldly Christmas story. 👨🏽✈️🛫🛩🛬
One of my favorites, and a beautiful reading. It just shows how, with talent, you can set a good ghost story anywhere... and you do not need a haunted house.
The Canadian tradition comes from a brilliant reading done by "Fireside" Al Maitland many years ago. His reading is re-broadcast year after year for old foggies like me who remember the truly golden age of Canadian public radio. I must say while Fireside Al has the benefit of high production value that can only come from something like the CBC, you're performance here is absolutely fantastic and includes a good deal of material edited from his. Great job and I'll be back to hear it again next Christmas.
How true you are for I enjoyed and learned so much on aviation and felt like I was flying with the pilot.
**possible spoiler** If I ever die a tragic or violent death and I become a ghost, I want to be the kind of badass spirit that saves people from tragedies and certain death! Great, as always, Tony! ❤
And so, I liked that story.....lol! Awesome job, Mr. Walker!
Great story.
Cheers Alison as well!!!
A fantastic story
@tanguyvandaele9390
8 ай бұрын
A nice story...thx
Top quality... brilliant story. 5+ stars
Bittersweet. He's still out there saving his brothers.
Brilliant story, the best for some considerable time
Love this story. An old boss of mine used to fly Vampires. He loved the aircraft and often yarned about it. Brilliantly read, many, many thanks.
Excellent. Really enjoyed this Christmas miracle
Brilliant Story ,,, Brilliant Story Teller 👏
I was in that cockpit..I could see and hear and feel. Thank you for a wonderful rendition Tony!
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
That's a lovely reading. It brings back a lot of memories. I listened to it for years on CBC at Christmas.
One of the best I've ever heard.
Excellent. Well read.
Superb story beautifully read. Thank you.
This was amazing and gave me chills!
Wonderful! Merry Christmas!
Thank you that was a great story
This gave me BIG feels!
A superlative story in every way. Phenomenally good. I'm so glad I heard this uniquely suspenseful Christmas story.
Not many have the right voice over. This gentlemans voice is soothing
Wonderful story and reading! Thank you
What an awesome story - head and shoulders over what I’ve been listening to lately!❤
I really enjoyed this story. Military folklore usually has some truth within it. I can attest to that; Not all things are easily explained away…
Just listen to this while crafting, I actually crying and wiping my tear stains glasses well done, reminds me of my grandfather who was in the RAF during WW2 I sadly never got to meet him.
As an ex RAF Airman I can say with confidence the description of the characters was close enough for me to picture Officers I knew as well as the Steward. His description of the mess reminded me of staying for 3 nights at RAF Cardington in the old Mess whilst visiting the museum reserve storage that used to be held there in the early 1990's. Loved this telling of the story thank you Charlie 🇬🇧
I absolutely love that. Never heard it before. WW2 airfields are one of my favourite explores, of derelict places and I could envisage the whole thing. Brought the tears to my eyes too. Fabulous stuff, thank you Tony. :)
@mq9893
Жыл бұрын
That is indeed a great exploration, literally, & as a whole. There are several WWll yt explore folks that have great content. 🗣🕵🏾♂💥🪖⛑🫖😀📡🔝 👨✈🔭🏚👍🏾 🛫🛩🛰✈🛩🛬 🤍☺🤓🎉🔬🎩🍻
I’m crying like a baby!!! What an awesome story, completely brilliantly read Tony!!!!!!!!❤️💥
A lovely story and a beautiful reading. Really fun with all the insights into technical details, which make a story doubly fascinating.
Really enjoyed that.
Listened to this last night. What a wonderful, heartwarming story. I think it's possible my favourite of all the classic ghost stories. Beautiful read too. Thank you.
@ClassicGhost
4 ай бұрын
+@marjie012000 thanks for being here
I never tire of listening to this tale. The reader is terrific. Thanks again
So good, Tony. I was in the plane w the pilot and my belly in knots! Such a great short story. Thank you!!
Great Story! I was on the edge of my seat
Absolutely brilliant story! Held me spell bound, thank you. Merry Christmas.
I simultaneously wished with all my heart to know with urgency every next detail of this story whilst wanting it to never end. I was on tenterhooks. Magical.
superb - brought tears to my eyes - also thanks for the commentary at the end
Wow. What a story, mate. Fantastic, Tony. Merry Christmas!
Excellent, thank you
Amazing story. Every second amazing. Thank you so much for your reading. Such a beautiful performance. I hope one day I'll be able to support this channel 🎉
This is an absolutely wonderful story, which I have somehow never managed to read. I didn't place him as an author until you said, "Day of the Jackal". Your accents, as always, are spot on.
@misterwhipple2870
5 ай бұрын
Read his short stories. They're great.
That is an incredible tale! Love that it pays homage to the flyers who were so brave and selfless. It's really touching. Oh, and well read too!
I listened to this a year ago, and couldn't get it off of my mind. But I had forgotten the title. I've gone crazy searching You Tube for it. Thank goodness I had written the title down on an old notepad I just found today. Between the fantastic writing and mesmerizing narration, I felt as if I was actually there experiencing the whole story. I couldn't get out of my mind the chilling emptiness and isolation of that dimly lit mess hall! Thank you for bringing this wonderful story to life. I'm looking forward to searching your channel for more offerings.
I was going to put on my hypnosis for sleep and then I saw this and it tempted me too much even though life is going back to normal tomorrow! Well as normal as MY life gets…… not very!🙉 Thank you Tony- I know it’s going to be good because it always is on this channel! Take care☯️💜☮️
@susanmercurio1060
Жыл бұрын
This is how Tony stole my attention away from my meditation sleep hypnosis!
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
I should have made a career in hypnosis
Absolutely Fantastic Story ! Once again your mesmerizing and captivating voice is what brings these stories to life. ❤
Well done! Bravo ! Loved this story. Going to re listen , it had me on the edge of my seat. thank you very much ,great reading! ♥️♥️♥️🇺🇸
Wow ....... nicely done.
Simplemente Fantastico 👏
My son recently got his pilots license. This was incredible and thrilling! Thanks Tony! The details were mesmerizing.
Love this story. Great job reading it, too.
ditto ditto ditto this time around. Thank you for all of your hard work, Tony.
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
Much appreciated
This was great Tony!!!🎤 Thank you for another brilliant and beautiful reading!!🖤🖤
1 Damn good movie of the mind loved it from a guy who grew up on radio 👍👍
I love this story. I read it when I was a kid in Kentucky and then forgot it. I listen to it every Christmas now and share it with anyone I think will enjoy it.
Great story! Thanks!
Beautifully read, great story. Thank you.
One of my favorite ghost stories, although you don't actually realize that it is a ghost story until the last line.
Thank you for a year of great tales and looking forward to the next! I appreciate you so much. Happy New Year All.
Bravo!!you are a superb story teller!👏👏👏👏👏👏
@ClassicGhost
9 ай бұрын
+marilynbiondi you are very kind
Very enjoyable
I wept when the shepherd appeared
What a great listen. Love the story! Being a pilot myself, I felt all the feels of what he was going through. Thank you!!
Well read! Yes, short stories translate more readily into cinema. Thank you.
I’ve been listening to this for years. For all who enjoyed this, the experience is amplified by driving alone on a dark country road late at night. To a very minor degree it gives you the feeling that the Mosquito pilot feels, all alone in the cockpit.
@ClassicGhost
5 ай бұрын
+@equinoxproject2284 sounds very atmospheric and appealing
Never heard this story before, fantastic! Thanx very much and all the best for the New Year
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
I can not thank you and Alison enough for bringing us this absolute gem of a tale, utterly superb and beautifully told by yourself (as always) I've heard of Forsyth but have never read/listened to any of his work, this marvellous introduction has definitely encouraged me to try one of his novels. Does anyone have a suggestion as to which book would be my best 1st read? I hope everyone had a good Christmas, wishing a new year of peace and prosperity to all 🌠❤🌠
Laws, I'm becoming distracted now thinking about my Father and history as an R.A.F pilot during WWII. I've got his training books, he trained in Canada, the information was minimal 😱. I'm wondering if the first technique was what Dad used to land an aircraft with one engine working and the plane on fire at 22 years of age. Anyway! He obviously survived, as did his crew, and here I am, a Nana . Not that will be interested in my ramblings. Good Wishes Everyone for the New Year when it comes.
@-Reagan
Жыл бұрын
Wow that’s a good question - amazing that he was able to do that! All of your family, who were born after, and all of the family members of his crew, too smh. He couldn’t even have known how many people he was saving, some of them not even born, yet! Miracles do happen in real life. Merry Christmas to you and your family and happy New Years!
@susanmercurio1060
Жыл бұрын
My dad was a Army Air Corps fighter pilot in WWII. I was interested in your ramblings.
This is a great story. I appreciate your reading of it! Merry Christmas to you.
Really enjoyed this. Thanks Tony. Beautifully narrated.
Oh I LOVED!!!! This story. I’ll come back …looking for the Hill House pt7
Great story. Thank you so much ❤️
Wonderful story.Really enjoyed your excellent narration.
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
I cant wait so long for him to land.....
Loved it ❤
Superb
Loved this story and your terrific narration that brought it to life. Of course ghost stories are my ultimate faves as well. I'm a wee bit tardy, but I hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas indeed, Mr. Walker!
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent story Tony. Happy Christmas 🎄 thank you
That was a fantastic reading. If I can say it here - if you go to BBC Sounds and look for Between The Ears: The Shepherd, you'll find a very effective dramatised version with a choir singing carols and the sounds of a real Vampire jet engine! It's so great to hear the story with all the bits that aren't in the drama.
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
I am hankering to do audio dramas, and I love them.
Thank you so much ! A wonderful story brilliantly read. My Father-in-law was a Squadron Leader & Pathfinder - I wish he was alive today, no doubt he would have known this story - I stumbled across this but did not know the subject was RAF (actually thought sheep as previous story had a shepherd in it) related & have never heard this story. Although a girl, I was always fascinated by John Crispin's "tales of daring do" Last night I actually came across his flight record & copy manuscript of his exploits during the war -. Strange coincidence hey !! Thanks again - I'll look into Forsythe as I enjoyed his descriptive writing & John Travolta's movie of this story - funny Their all Johns. !! Thanks again - hear you soonx
One of my favorites💖 thanks so much for your wonderful rendition as always. Still gives me goosebumps at the end there✨
I volunteer at an aviation museum and I've been restoring a Vampire. I came across this story reading up on the aircraft and this version in particular looking for it read in an English accent. Thank you for making this, was very atmospheric listening to it walking under the stars tonight. Fantastic!
@ClassicGhost
7 ай бұрын
i think it’s coming up to its anniversary on the channel
Excellent! 👍
I loved this one!
Remember reading this years ago , wonderful narration , thanks for this 👍🎄
@ClassicGhost
5 ай бұрын
thank you again. It's great to read your comments so thank you for doing them.
Since you "knew" it was a ghost story.. You could anticipate the plot.. But it hat that m critan feeling where you were learning somet... Either in a conscious strain or Jurassic pArk. The lure or hook is the knowledge. We bring the emotion if lead into the situation artistically
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
Yes that’s right . Forsyth always teaches up something practical
As a plane buff, this was fun! Thanks!
I think this is your best recording!
Had to google the vampire…. One funny looking plane/jet. We have a popular museum of flight here. Boeing & all…. I’ve never been. Should probably go. Thanks as always!
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
The vampire was an odd one. When I was a kid I was really into military planes. I saw a vampire only once or twice
@Bbergster
Жыл бұрын
@@ClassicGhost my gf and her dad are so nerdy they like to listen to the engine noises from different planes. 🤷 I like that Leslie Howard movie about the guy that invented the spit fire. Was he a casualty of the war? The actor. There is one of his last films where, in the end, he gives an awesome speech about why fascism would always fail. Wanted to sample it!
Wonderful! I read this one about 30 years ago from my father's library and have recently tried to find it again - couldn't remember the name of it though. What a wonderful listen. Thank you!
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
You are very welcome 🙏
Really amazing story.
I’m ashamed to say I only became aware of this story via the new Disney adaptation. When I saw it was from a Frederik Forsyth novella I wanted to know more as I knew some changes would have been made to make the film. I was moved by the film but even more so by this wonderfully narrated version. I was in the RAF in the 1980s & recognised so much that was so vividly described. I wore the same gloves & helmet. I remember the feel of the cold skin and rivets of the aircraft during the walk around. I remember the smell of the mask and the cockpits of the aircraft, not Vampires alas, but they all had similar instrumentation & that tight, claustrophobic feel. This brought back memories of the night flying phase, picking out the towns and cities from the pattern of their lights, the blackness of the sea and rivers that sometimes glinted when they reflected the moonlight. Although it was peacetime we still managed to lose pilots, pilots we drank and laughed with in the all too familiar officers messes full of echo’s from the war & of course, ghosts. A wonderful story, so well read, one I have shared now many times. May we all have a shepherd in our lives to lead us home when we need one the most. Thank you & Merry Christmas 🎄
@ClassicGhost
5 ай бұрын
What a lovely comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Merry Christmas !
Great narration of a great story, also liked the Psychomania dialogue in the intro 👌
@ClassicGhost
5 ай бұрын
You knew it :)
Wonderful tale! Thank you so very much! Being Canadian, I’d never heard of it. Great narration! 🙏
@ClassicGhost
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! A Canadian and never heard it , amazing
@mq9893
Жыл бұрын
@@ClassicGhost Extraordinary indeed, extraordinary.. ...Just Extraordinary😄... Extraordinarily 🙂