This week I'm mostly reading...

[NeilD]

Piece Of Cake (Derek Robinson) enthralling novel, with good factual content, about a squadron fighting in France and then the B of B... really well written - I read most of it in one nightshift... I missed the TV series somehow - anyone got it on DVD ?

Pathfinder - AVM D. Bennet - an unexpected suprise. a good 3rd of the book at least covers his pre-war training and flying for Imperial Airways, including the Maia-Mercury flying boat composite, then setting up the Atlantic Air ferry to bring over a/c from America.. http://www.plimsoll.org/Southampton/FlyingBoats/BMANCtoImperialAirways/MaiaMercuryexperiment.asp
am now on the Pathfinder part of the book so should finish this one tonight!

Neil.

[The Defiant Man]

I'm also reading a Derek Robinson novel at the mo....Hornet's Sting. About a WWI squadron.

Very good so far.....

I will then have read all of Robinson's aviation novels. Have to say I have liked them all (even though there has been some controvesy surrounding a couple of them).

[NeilD]

Yes I read somewhere that he'd caused some kind of stir with one of his books? anyone know the details? but yes I'll be keeping an eye out for the rest of the series of books as I understand some of the characters are carried forward to other books..

Neil.

[The Defiant Man]

Firstly there is the fact that he doesn't try and glamourise what happened or the people involved. Whether his portrayals are accurate or not I don't know, but the certainly make far more interesting reading than the "whitewashed" version that many books portray. When Piece of Cake was made into a TV series it got a right slating for displaying the pilots in a bad light.

Secondly, he was sued by another author for "pinching" earlier work. Can't remember who the other author was or who won the case.

[Aces-High]

Just finished reading Johnnie Johnson's book. Very good thorouly recommend it. Interesting story about Lancaster bomber gunners on their return journey home straffing retreating German forces 50 foot off the deck!! :eek:
That must have been some sight.

[Johnny Red]

Not aviation related but a very interesting read;

Donald Thomas 'An Underworld at War: Spivs Deserters Racketeers and Civilians in WW2'

The message is that whilst we may like to romanticise their behaviour with rose tinted hindsight, many people during the War were as corrupt and antisocial as their counterparts today.

Whether this knowledge cheers you up or leaves you completely depressed is up to you.

Recommended.

[minter]

waiting for the paperback for this, looks a good read. Just Finished Malcolm Browns book on the western front, mostly extracts from diaries and letters, excellent book of its type.

[ascot]

Battle of Britain Last look back by Dilip Sarkar. An interesting read this one.

[minter]

Battle of Britain Last look back by Dilip Sarkar. An interesting read this one.
yes have read this as well,although there was a few errors in it i think

[minter]

that reminds me does anyone remember the battle of britain magazine that came out a couple of years ago, edited by dilip sakar,only got the first copy and that was the last i saw of it dont think there was a second one :(

[Sailor.]

Lucky sod! :eek:
I never even got the first 'un, even though the bugger took mi' money! :mad:

[minter]

Lucky sod! :eek:
I never even got the first 'un, even though the bugger took mi' money! :mad:

which buggers this then!

[scramble]

BODENPLATTE the luftwaffe's last gamble! that turned out to be its downfall. Fantastic book... found it on ebay...lots of unpublished photos mostly FW190D's Me109's. Can't put it down.
I'd recommended to all interested in the later stages of WW2.

[Agent X20]

I thought getting to Argentina was their last gamble.. :D

[scramble]

I thought getting to Argentina was their last gamble.. :D
For some it was.

[barretpa]

Just finished reading I Flew For The Fuhrer by Heinz Knoke, gives a different perspective on things, well worth the read.

[ascot]

A couple of excellent reads.

In the Company of Heros; Mike Durant/Steven Hartov A follow on to Black Hawk down and what happened to Mike Durant after capture.

None Braver; Michael Hirsh USAF Pararescuemen in the war on terrorism.
This is a brilliant read all taken from the PJ's own words. These guys are the real deal.

Ascot :) POW MIA You are not Forgotten

[Martin Bull]

There were TWO subsequent BofB magazines which were actually not that bad. But they caused a huge upset between Dilip Sarkar & the BBHS and it all got very acrimonious - don't think you'll see any more issues.

BTW - this week I've bought 'Armageddon', the new Max Hastings title about the Battle for Germany. Wonderfully readable !

[minter]

i didnt know that about the BoB mag,thought it was good as well, oh well the one i got might be collectable.... in 50 years! :D

[planejunky]

I have two books on the go at the mo, "First Light" by Geoff Welham, and "Poles in Defence of Britain" by Robert Gretzyngier.

I recently read "Full Circle" by Johnnie Johnson which chronicles the history of air warfare from WWI to around the mid 60s, when it was written. It's a great book and I would recommend reading it.

[NeilD]

I'm just finishing reading Spitfire - A test pilots story by Jeffrey Quill.. this has been a pleasent suprise, good mix of biographical stuff and technical detail and an easy read... theres also a picture of the Speed Spitfire which was an early production/pre-production a/c that was streamlined and fitted with a tuned engine for demo purposes.. it was painted in a dark gloss blue (NOT Hurricane blue!!) and looks good in the B&W photo - now if Corgi did that one I could be persuaded to buy a 1/72 Spitfire as none of the current ones do it for me! :D

[Martin Bull]

That's not such a bad idea, Neil - I've always liked the look of the 'Speed Spitfire'. Be rather nice as a Collector's Club special..... ;)

[ForkTailedDevil]

"The Last Mission-The Secret History of WWII's Final Battle" by Jim Smith and Malcolm McConnell. Story of the B29 raid on Japans last functioning oil refinery whilst an attempted coup by the Japanese military was taking place on 14th August 1945 with surrender being declared the next day. Basically the last two military actions of World War 2, with how the raid affected the battle in the Imperial Palace to destroy the message of surrender by the Emperor.

[Martin Bull]

....'The Blond Knight Of Germany' by Toliver/Constable. The 'official' biography of Erich Hartmann ; a nice enough read, but the authors are typically uncritical and have a rather 'gushing' approach.

But it's the only book about Hartmann.....:(

[minter]

i read on another forum that dilip sarkar is heading of to africa to locate "the star of africas me 109 that he crashed in, and will eventually release a book one to read in the future

[Shar]

Dambusters (again) and I have just got a copy of Up in Harms Way 'Flying with the Fleet Air Arm' by Commander RM 'Mike' Crosley DC RM

[Martin Bull]

Actually got around to starting Galland's 'The First And The Last' ; never read it before.

[prune]

Actually got around to starting Galland's 'The First And The Last' ; never read it before.
In best Victor Meldrew voice.....I dont beleeeve it:LOL:

[Agent X20]

What he meant was, he's never read a signed copy....

[DCRanger]

Actually got around to starting Galland's 'The First And The Last' ; never read it before.
Not a bad read but it doesn't mention his favourite breakfast. I've just finished reading JG26 - Top Guns Of The Luftwaffe. The author of this book says that Galland liked red wine and raw eggs breakfast. (insert yuk/puking smilie) It doesn't say if he had these separtely or as a mixture.:confused:

A good book though and covers the history of JG26 from start to end. One of the things that surprised me was that throughout the war they had very little in the way of airfield buildings. They relied instead on grass fields and sandbag revetments in the trees or under camo nets. Very useful though when during the last two years the allied fighter bombers had great difficulty finding them.

[Agent X20]

... new meaning to fuel injection..!!

[uksubs]

Just in the middle of reading Battle for bavaria witch give a good insight to the last months of the luftwaffe

[prune]

What he meant was, he's never read a signed copy....
I've got a signed copy of Ralls autobiog. been on the shelf for 18 months, not got round to reading it yet.

[Martin Bull]

That's the problem with reading signed copies - it's annoying when you fall asleep in the bath and the book sinks to the bottom.....:rolleyes:

[prune]

That's the problem with reading signed copies - it's annoying when you fall asleep in the bath and the book sinks to the bottom.....:rolleyes:
Yep, there not the kind of books you want to put your cup of tea on:(

[DCRanger]

Anybody read Messerschimdts Over Sicilly ? It has appeared in a local bookshop and might buy.

[prune]

Anybody read Messerschimdts Over Sicilly ? It has appeared in a local bookshop and might buy.
Yep, worth getting,especially if you've already read The Last Chance

[Agent X20]

That's the problem with reading signed copies - it's annoying when you fall asleep in the bath and the book sinks to the bottom.....:rolleyes:.. better than being on the bog and being short of toilet paper...:LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

[DCRanger]

Yep, worth getting,especially if you've already read The Last Chance
Thanks Prune. I'll get it tomorrow.:)

[Red 2]

Just finished 'Through Peril to the Stars' by Dilip Sarkar. Stories of RAF fighter pilots that failed to return in WW2. Not as morbid as it sounds, in fact very readable but nevertheless moving. We can often know quite a lot about the pilots who survived, those that gave their lives are unfortunately to many usually just names on a memorial. This remembers those that did not return. Worth a look.:)

[david cotton]

I've got a signed copy of Ralls autobiog. been on the shelf for 18 months, not got round to reading it yet.

Apart from "I flew for the Fuhrer" I find most German Translations very hard to read. They feel very stiff and old fashioned :( I want to read the German side, but I just don’t find it easy reading or very atmospheric.:o

[Martin Bull]

The absolute best translation IMHO is Steinhoff's 'The Last Chance'. A remarkable evocation of the last days of the Reich and a real feel for Steinhoff's character.

[scramble]

still waiting for the Galland set to arrive:rolleyes: ...so nothing to read yet:unsure:

[uksubs]

Heinkel He 219 by Roland Kemp is a good read

[Martin Bull]

Inspired by my visit to RAF Wyton, I'm re-reading Martin Middlebrook's 'The Peenemunde Raid'.

What a great read this is ! The story of the planning, preparation and briefing is fascinating and then, as usual with Middlebrook, you're straight into the wonderful first-hand accounts from both the bomber crews and the German night-fighter pilots. Great book.:cool:

[uksubs]

Inspired by my visit to RAF Wyton, I'm re-reading Martin Middlebrook's 'The Peenemunde Raid'.

What a great read this is ! The story of the planning, preparation and briefing is fascinating and then, as usual with Middlebrook, you're straight into the wonderful first-hand accounts from both the bomber crews and the German night-fighter pilots. Great book.:cool:

Yep great read Martin
I've read it twice so far :wacko:
Your want to watch Operation Crossbow after reading that ;)

[Pilgrim_uk]

Your want to watch Operation Crossbow after reading that


:LOL: Thats the first thing that came into my head after reading MB's post. What an awful film.

[scott]

:LOL: Thats the first thing that came into my head after reading MB's post. What an awful film.

:LOL: Have to agree and why is Col. John "Hannibal" Smith from the A-Team in it ? :LOL:

I have been going though a few books on the train lately

PEDESTAL - Peter C Smith (good)
SPITFIRE - Jonathan Glancey (ok)
First Light - Geoffey Wellum (Cracking :D )
THE COLDITZ STORY - P.R Reid (The film and book rocks :cool )

Just started Fighter Boys :D and have just orders Bomber Boys

[Martin Bull]

Your want to watch Operation Crossbow after reading that ;)

Yuk ! :wacko: Loada rubbish.....

More up my street is John Searby's 'The Great Raids - Peenemunde' which is well worth getting if you see a copy. Contains his own account of the raid plus masses of detail, including every aircraft that took part, copies of documents, etc etc.....

[david cotton]

I'm reding Donald Stone book "Operation Bograt" :)

I have been cross refrencing his claims in the book, with my After The Battle Book. It seems that Donald Stones was very accurate in this claims as most of what he has claimed is confirmed in After The Battle.

The style in which Donald Stones writes is excellent and he tells the story well. This is the third time I have read the book :)

[planejunky]

I've just finished reading "RAF Harrier: Ground Attack Falklands" by Sqn Ldr Jerry Pook, his account (and actually the only account so far) of the RAF's GR.3 force based aboard HMS Hermes in 1982. A fascinating read, and I would throughly recommend it to anyone interested in the air war over the Falklands.

I've just started "Hostile Skies" by Cdr David Morgan, who was in fact an RAF Flt Lt seconded to 800 NAS during the Falklands conflict, but later transferred to the FAA.

[minter]

a new book called Master Bomber is out, and looks good if you like the personal experience stories, (although the title may be a bit misleading as i thought it was about actual crews who were master bombers)but about Pathfinder crews in general

[Agent X20]

For those of you that havent read Bomber Boys by Patrick Bishop it is £3.50 in Tesco at the moment.. well its part of a 2 for £7 deal.... worth every penny ..

[dilligafocau]

For those of you that havent read Bomber Boys by Patrick Bishop it is £3.50 in Tesco at the moment.. well its part of a 2 for £7 deal.... worth every penny ..

Got Bomber Boys, Fighter Boys & No Moon Tonight on the shelf ready ;) Still got The Most Dangerous Enemy to finish off :cool:

[von hitchofen]

just reading "Jadgverbande 44" by Robert Forsyth [the cheap Osprey version] very good it is too...not having read the Classic publication one [£144.58 :eek: ] i've nothing to compare it with, tho

[Jimbo27]

Got Bomber Boys, Fighter Boys & No Moon Tonight on the shelf ready ;) Still got The Most Dangerous Enemy to finish off :cool:

IMO No Moon Tonight is easily the best of those three. Suggest you leave it until last:)

[KO-B]

For those of you that havent read Bomber Boys by Patrick Bishop it is £3.50 in Tesco at the moment.. well its part of a 2 for £7 deal.... worth every penny ..

Funnily enough picked this up yesterday.:) Think I'm going to like this one. Also got Fighter Boys a little while ago, but haven't started that yet as I'm also reading 'The Narrow Margin', John Sweetman's 'The Dambusters Raid' and 'Jet' by Sir Frank Whittle. I'm terrible for starting one book whilst being halfway through several others.:o

KO-B

[dilligafocau]

IMO No Moon Tonight is easily the best of those three. Suggest you leave it until last:)

Yep will do that, cheers :)




Funnily enough picked this up yesterday.:) Think I'm going to like this one. Also got Fighter Boys a little while ago, but haven't started that yet as I'm also reading 'The Narrow Margin', John Sweetman's 'The Dambusters Raid' and 'Jet' by Sir Frank Whittle. I'm terrible for starting one book whilst being halfway through several others.:o

KO-B

Wish I could multi-task like that, I have enough trouble keeping track of 1 book :rolleyes:

[von hitchofen]

Wish I could multi-task like that, I have enough trouble keeping track of 1 book :rolleyes:

eeeh as well JV44, i've got "Bluenoser Tales", a history of 249 sqn, two SF novels AND a biography of Jimmy Page on the go....

[Kubikali]

My bedside table book is "No Place for Chivalry" - RAF Night Fighters Defend the East of England Against the German Air Force in Two World Wars .

Fascinating to learn that there was German night fighter acitvity over Great Britain... I have read quite a lot on WWII, but this honestly was completely new to me.

[scott]

Have had quite alot of time on the train lately with all these delays and so have read Spitfire Mark V In Action by Peter Caygill which i did enjoy :).

I have also finished a few others but as a treat i have included some photos :LOL:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n144/scottq2654/IMG_2316.jpg

If your reading this Hornby we need that Typhoon ;)
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n144/scottq2654/IMG_2318.jpg

And I'm going to start this tomorrow
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n144/scottq2654/IMG_2320.jpg

[minter]

My bedside table book is "No Place for Chivalry" - RAF Night Fighters Defend the East of England Against the German Air Force in Two World Wars .

Fascinating to learn that there was German night fighter acitvity over Great Britain... I have read quite a lot on WWII, but this honestly was completely new to me.

didnt they used to hover over some bomber command airfields ? but i dont think it was to any great extent, i did read a book once where german night fighters reaked havoc on a retuning american raid which was at night

[von hitchofen]

yeah the Nachtjagd did a lot of intruding over the UK at night - this guy here

http://www.luftwaffe.cz/hahn2.html

is probably the Luftwaffe equivalent of Karel Kuttelwascher

the last gasp of the Nachtjagd over Britain was "Unternehmen Gisela" on the night of the 3rd/4th March 1945, score 19 bombers shot down at a cost of 25 fighters

[Grim Reaper]

Have been reading MEN OF AIR The Doomed Youth of Bomber Command by Kevin Wilson. It is a enthralling read if you havent read it you should.

[Cardinal]

Has anyone acquired a copy and read 'Battle of Britain' by Christer Bergstrom that was apparently released (and sold out :unsure: ) this year ... ?

[von hitchofen]

....and looking at the pictures of....

"Commando": Bandits at 12 O'clock a collection of air combat theme Commando comics from yesteryear

the best thing about supermarket checkouts I when were a lad...

and the Garth Ennis/Colin Wilson re-imagining of from last year "Battler Britton" - lots of Beaufighter and Warhawk action

lumme, at this rate i'll be buying "Warlord" annuals next! :D :wacko:

hmmmmm.....

[Martin Bull]

Well, some obvious reading this week ; 'Halifax Crew' by Arthur C Smith and 'The Unbeaten Warrior Returns - The Story Of Reconstructing Halifax 'Friday The 13th' by Ian Robinson ( both published by YAM ).

Some :cool: 'Halifax' reading......

[david cotton]

Im reading Air Battle for Dunkirk, by Norman Franks. Its quite good and gives the combat reports and claims for most of the RAF air battles fought during the evacuation.

However, it does not attempt to give the actual losses for the battles. This makes it read like the Luftwaffe were given a real hiding by the RAF during this time.

I have therefore be using my After The Battle book to check the losses and get a better picture of the outcome of each combat.

One thing very noticable, is the over claiming by the Defiant crews. They claimed a lot destroyed when in fact they were only damaged. Also, It looks likes they would mistake crashing aircraft from combats above them as their own kills.

[planejunky]

I've just finished "Joint Force Harrier" by RNHF pilot Cdr Ade Orchard who is currently OC 800 NAS, bl00dy superb book! Just started Ed Macey's book "Apache", again a really good read so far.

Both will find only a small audience on here, but for those interested in modern warfare, both books are highly recommended. :)

[Craig]

I've just finished "Joint Force Harrier" by RNHF pilot Cdr Ade Orchard who is currently OC 800 NAS, bl00dy superb book! Just started Ed Macey's book "Apache", again a really good read so far.

Both will find only a small audience on here, but for those interested in modern warfare, both books are highly recommended. :)

I've read JFH too, and agree it was very good. Apache is also on the list when I get round to it! :D

[Garethster]

Post office just delivered a used hardback copy of "Guy Gibson" (Richard Morris), but also have my hands full reading "Richard Hillary" (David Ross), and a rather unusual limited print book - "An Electrician Goes To War" (Ken Whittle) - the story of a wireless operator/air gunner serving on Blenheims. A work mate of mine loaned it to me, the connection being that his grandfather Tom McPhee flew Blenheims during WWII and is written about extensively in the book.

[minter]

lumme, at this rate i'll be buying "Warlord" annuals next! :D :wacko:

hmmmmm.....

still got all my old comics and the BAttle ones, hundreds of them

[von hitchofen]

got rid of all my Warlords, Victors, Battles and 2000ADs when i was a student....:( needed the money

worked out at tuppence an issue :mad: :(