Part of the inspiration for the novel was the story of František (Frankie) Truhlář, a member of Guinea Pig Club, No. 311 Squadron RAF gunner and later No. 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF pilot.
Inspirație parțială a subiectului din roman a fost povestirea lui František (Frankie) Truhlář, un membru al clubului Guinea Pig, mitralior la No. 311 Squadron RAF ulterior pilot la No. 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF.