Of the 16 men in Dahl's flight training class, how many died within the next two years?

In "Going Solo," Roald Dahl reflects on his experiences during flight training and the subsequent dangers that many pilots faced during that era, specifically in World War II. The statement that 13 out of the 16 men in Dahl's flight training class died within the subsequent two years highlights the perilous nature of flying at that time and serves to illustrate the high mortality rate among pilots during the war.

This fact underscores the significant risks associated with aviation during a tumultuous time in history and adds a somber layer to Dahl’s narrative. By providing the statistic regarding the fatalities, Dahl conveys the stark reality that many of his peers were not only faced with the hardships of training but ultimately with the possibility of their lives being cut short. This detail serves to deepen the reader's understanding of the context in which Dahl was training and the challenges he and his comrades encountered, reinforcing the themes of survival and the fragility of life that permeate his writing.