Bomber Command Book Recollections (Recommend)

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by Gage, Feb 19, 2011.

  1. Gage

    Gage The Battle of Barking Creek

    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?
    [​IMG]
    My recommendation to you.
     
    James S likes this.
  2. BFBSM

    BFBSM Very Senior Member

    I can recommend two:

    Bomber Pilot - Leonard Cheshire VC
    Journeys into night - Don Charlwood

    Sorry both Lancaster crews.
     
  3. Jonathan Ball

    Jonathan Ball It's a way of life.

    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
     
  4. Gage

    Gage The Battle of Barking Creek

    Thanks guys. I should read the Jack Currie again as it was one of the first Bomber Command books I read.
     
  5. airborne medic

    airborne medic Very Senior Member

    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....
     
  6. James S

    James S Very Senior Member

  7. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

    'Sweeping The Skies' A history of No.40 Squadron RFC and RAF 1916 -1956 - David Gunby
     
  8. Gage

    Gage The Battle of Barking Creek

    'Sweeping The Skies' A history of No.40 Squadron RFC and RAF 1916 -1956 - David Gunby

    Thanks Peter.
     
  9. Oldman

    Oldman Very Senior Member

    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
     
  10. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    "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. [​IMG]

    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.
     
  11. tomdocherty72

    tomdocherty72 Junior Member

    No 7 Bomber Squadron in World War 2. By Tom Docherty. Published by Pen & Sword. History of a Stirling and Lancaster pathfinder Sqn.
     
  12. Smudger Jnr

    Smudger Jnr Our Man in Berlin

    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
     
  13. Oldman

    Oldman Very Senior Member

    Craig
    Try the Bomber Barons by Chaz Bowyer
     
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  14. Gage

    Gage The Battle of Barking Creek

    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.
    [​IMG]
     
  15. BFBSM

    BFBSM Very Senior Member

    I would like to suggest a second by Don Charlwood - No Moon Tonight.
     
  16. Gage

    Gage The Battle of Barking Creek

    I would like to suggest a second by Don Charlwood - No Moon Tonight.

    Funny that but just got a copy from E-bay.
     
  17. obama6493

    obama6493 Junior Member

    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.
     
  18. Oldman

    Oldman Very Senior Member

    Craig
    Talking of Don Charlwood how about his Twenty Men, I have this one on my list to read.
     
  19. Gage

    Gage The Battle of Barking Creek

    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.
     
  20. BFBSM

    BFBSM Very Senior Member

    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
     

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