There are a wealth of Bomber Command recollections out there but have any of you got ones you can recommend for me? There are loads of Lancaster crews but any of the other bombers as well? My recommendation to you.
I can recommend two: Bomber Pilot - Leonard Cheshire VC Journeys into night - Don Charlwood Sorry both Lancaster crews.
They had this in my local library until they flogged it in the sale before refurbishment for about 10p, which was annoying because it wasn't me who bought it. Not strictly a recollections book but it is very good though. The Whitley Boys: 4 Group Bomber Operations 1939 to 1940 by GL Donnelly
Thanks guys. I should read the Jack Currie again as it was one of the first Bomber Command books I read.
Like to suggest Enemy Coast Ahead by Guy Gibson.....written befroe the Dambusters raid and I think he flew lots of operations in Whitleys and various other dodgy aircraft......say this as I saw the DB film was on ITV4 again today....
"Only Owls ands Bloody Fools Fly at Night" By Tom Sawyer. Only Owls and Bloody Fools Fly at Night: Amazon.co.uk: Tom Sawyer: Books Halifax material , as far as I can recall this gent flew with 158 Squadron.
How about Bomber Boys by Patrick Bishop The problem you face is that a lot of crew came through the Hampden, Wellington and Whitley squadrons on to the Manchester then the Lancaster or Halifax
"G-FOR-GEORGE" A Memorial to RAAF Bomber Crews 1939-45 by Michael V. Nelmes and Ian Jenkins The dust jacket of this 240 page hardcover book features the recent Robert Taylor painting of "G" for George. The book includes every operation flown by "G" for George, full crew lists, results of the operations, 460 Squadron and RAF losses, and relevant Luftwaffe losses of nightfighter aces on those operations. All royalties go to the refurbishment of "G" for George, which needed a great deal of attention after standing for 44 years in the Aircraft Hall at the Australian War Memorial. "G" for George was re-installed in the AWM in late 2003 as the centrepiece of an exhibition on the air war over Europe. Price of the book post free within Australia will be $38.50 (includes $3.50 GST) Details here: "G-FOR-GEORGE" STRIKE AND RETURN by PETER C. FIRKINS The story of the exploits of No. 460 R.A.A.F. Heavy Bomber Squadron, R.A,F. Bomber Command in the World War. Strike and Return by Peter Firkins This is the intimate story of one of the great bomber squadrons of World War11. It is almost an almanac of the day to day fortunes of the airmen of 460 Squadron, R.A.A.F. who were engaged in one of the toughest battles in the history of the war. Day after day, night after night, sometimes with great success, sometimes with grievous loss, these men flew against a determined and skilled enemy, to attack targets defended by the greatest concentration of artillery, night fighters, searchlights and radar devices the world had ever known. This story is based on the experiences and impressions of individual crews recorded immediately on return from operational missions and is therefore a factual and accurate account of events as seen through the eyes and imprinted on the minds of those who were in combat with the enemy. As such it makes a valuable contribution to the history of the Bomber Offensive in the West.
No 7 Bomber Squadron in World War 2. By Tom Docherty. Published by Pen & Sword. History of a Stirling and Lancaster pathfinder Sqn.
I started reading an old copy of Max hastings book, Bomber Command. So far it is excellent reading but does show the RAF in very poor light early on for failing to introduce better navigational aids, which I suppose is quite well known. Regards Tom
Craig Try the Bomber Barons by Chaz Bowyer Thanks all. I'll stick Bomber Barons on my list. I know not aircrew but a great book all the same.
I would like to suggest a second by Don Charlwood - No Moon Tonight. Funny that but just got a copy from E-bay.
They had this in my local library until they flogged it in the sale before refurbishment for about 10p, which was annoying because it wasn't me who bought it. Not strictly a recollections book but it is very good though. The Whitley Boys: 4 Group Bomber Operations 1939 to 1940 by GL Donnelly Thanks guys. I should read the Jack Currie again as it was one of the first Bomber Command books I read.
Thanks guys. I should read the Jack Currie again as it was one of the first Bomber Command books I read. As I've said me too. Craig Talking of Don Charlwood how about his Twenty Men, I have this one on my list to read. Haven't heard of it, mate.
Craig Talking of Don Charlwood how about his Twenty Men, I have this one on my list to read. Sorry Oldman, I haven't heard of that one, so I can't give an idea on it. Mark