Flying in Defiance of the Reich: a Lancaster Pilot's Rites of Passage

Russell, Peter

ISBN 10: 1844155765 / ISBN 13: 9781844155767

Published by Pen & Sword Aviation, London, 2007

About this Item

original cloth hardcover,illustrated,264 pages,fine in very good unclipped dustwrapper.We are a real bookshop with real books situated in and shipping from the United Kingdom. Shelf B59.

Seller Inventory # 117736

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Flying in Defiance of the Reich: a Lancaster Pilot's Rites of Passage
• Publisher: Pen & Sword Aviation, London
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1844155765
• ISBN 13: 9781844155767
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Military/Naval/Maritime

About this title

Synopsis

This is the vivid memoir of a man who was twenty-one at the outbreak of World War II. Having joined the RAFVR before the war, he was mobilized in August 1939 and after training became operational on 233 Squadron Coastal Command flying Hudsons from Leuchars, Aldergrove and St Eval. After fourteen months he was rested and was tasked with training navigators for the impending enlargement of Bomber Command.

In 1944 he joined 625 Squadron flying Lancasters over German targets and eventually took command of B Flight and was promoted Squadron Leader. His memories of the many raids, his crew and operational flying during this period until the end of the war are truly gripping. After the German capitulation, Peter joined Shield Force bound for the Far-east and the night bombing of Japan. However before they could become operational the atom bomb put an end to the war in that theater. His unit was redirected to relieve Hong Kong and the final chapters give a unique insight into how the Japanese garrison was replaced by British law and order. This was a purely land operation carried out by the RAF without the presence of the Army.

About the Author

Peter Russell is an author and historian.