Frederick Forsyth: Life as a thriller writer, fighter pilot, journalist and spy

Getty ImagesFrederick Forsyth, who has died at the age of 86, wrote meticulously researched thrillers which sold in their millions.A former fighter pilot, journalist and spy, many of his books were based on his own experience.He wove intricate technical details into his stories, without detracting from the lightning pace of his plots.His research often embarrassed the authorities, who were forced to admit that…