Ocean Bridge: The History of Raf Ferry Command

Carl A. Christie

ISBN 10: 0802006388 / ISBN 13: 9780802006387

Published by University of Toronto Press, 1995

About this Item

A nice first edition, signed and inscribed by the author to the title page "To Capt. Keith Ellis, in admiration for all that you guys did during the war / Carl Christie". About fine condition with about fine jacket. Additionally inscribed at half title "Keith - 'Scottie' / here is a something to bring back the good old days / Henry La France(?) / Supersonic Senior". This could also possibly be someone involved in the operation. Satisfaction guaranteed. Additional photos always available on request. Shipped in a fitted, padded box.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1727822801086

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Ocean Bridge: The History of Raf Ferry Command
• Publisher: University of Toronto Press
• Publication Date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802006388
• ISBN 13: 9780802006387
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • War Literature
  • WWII
  • Canadiana

About this title

Synopsis

From the pioneer transatlantic flights of the interwar period and the early attempts to initiate regular commercial service, Christie traces London's decision to have aircraft, supplies, and passengers delivered across the Atlantic Ocean from Canada and the United States. Under the inspired leadership of a handful of Imperial Airways' captain-navigators, a group of civilian airmen from Britain, Canada, and the United States undertook to fly urgently needed bombers, maritime patrol aircraft, and transports to Europe for the RAF. This informal civilian organization was augmented by graduates of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Canada and taken over by the RAF as Ferry Command in 1941. Some five hundred aircrew, as well as sixty passengers, lost their lives in accidents; Major Sir Frederick Banting, the discoverer of insulin, was killed in the first fatal crash of the ferry service.
Ocean Bridge chronicles an often overlooked contribution to Allied victory and aviation history. By war's end the ferry service, through its various incarnations, had created the basis for the network of international air routes and procedures that commercial travellers now take for granted.

About the Author

Carl A. Christie is Senior Research Officer, Directorate of History, National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa.