What are you reading at the moment?

[liverpool annie]

Originally Posted by Antipodean Andy

Funnily enough, I just read about Geoffrey Wellum as he was part of 92 Sqn at the start of 1941 (having joined in May 1940) - The Biggin Hill Wing 1941 - From Defence to Attack by Peter Caygill. Known as "Boy" due to his youthful good looks, he stayed until early August '41 and was awarded the DFC.

I have no idea why ... but my son had that book ......

Geoff Wellum - First Light : The Digital Aviator

but this one looks interesting too !

Twenty-five years ago, Geoffrey Wellum was at the lowest ebb of his life. "The family business was going into liquidation," he recalls, voice quavering. "I was losing my house, my divorce was coming, my son was at university, I had nowhere to live. Everything was pear-shaped."

Geoffrey Wellum: Prize fighter - Profiles, People - The Independent

[Kyt]

Keith

I would be interesting about what Turner hasto say about Bader's time in Colditz, especially anything about his relationship with his batman (whose name I cannot remember). I've heard a couple of uncomplimetary stories about the way Bader acted but would like to know if they are mentioned by Turner

One day I will read about Wings Day. He is mentioned in a couple of books on POWs and he sounds like is an excellent leader

Reach for the Sky was one of the first aviation books I read as a kid, having been given it (I think it must of been the children's version) as an inspiration

I enjoyed both Richie's and Wellum's books. A nice balance for both the lay reader and those who want a fair bit of detail.

And I know what you mean about the ATB Battle of Britain - when I first got my copy it still had its dustjacket and that slipped and the book landed on my foot. I was limping (more than usual ) for a week. If you get the chance you should try to get hold of the Battle of France: Then and Now. That is every bit as good as the BoB one. The three volume Blitz: Then and Now seems a bit dated now though.

[Nostalgair]

Hi All,

"A Unique Flight"

This one is a bit away from the normal texts we all seem to read. There's lots of great photos to accompany the stories of these fascinating machines.

It's a particularly significant book to me as we have close family ties to two of the aeroplanes. In fact the tail on the cover is -368, the aircraft Dad flew his first operational sortie in over Korea.

Cheers

Owen

Unique Collection.jpg

A Unique Flight - The Historic Aircraft Collection of the AWM
Michael Nelmes

Ideal for anyone with an interest in historic aircraft, this new book by Michael Nelmes profiles the Memorial's unique collection. With operational histories, archival images and colour plates, and stories of their war service, featured aircraft include Lancaster 'G for George', the German Me 262 jet fighter, the Iroquois helicopter, Canberra bomber, and many more! Hard cover, photographs, 352 pages.
SHOP:9781741107685

[Antipodean Andy]

Have seen that book on the AWm site and found it intriguing, Owen. Must, must get to Canberra soon.

Kyt,

landed on my foot. I was limping

Never thought wearing steel caps when researching would be a required safety requirement.

[Nostalgair]

Andy,

Let me know if you're ever off to Canberra and we could possibly meet up there. It's just a hop from here. (No steelcaps though...)

Cheers

Owen

[Antipodean Andy]

Let me know if you're ever off to Canberra

But of course...:-)

[Antipodean Andy]

Mosquito: Menacing the Reich - Combat Action in the Twin-engine Wooden Wonder in World War II by Martin Bowman. A bit of a mouthful but with the first chapter titled Down Low, I'm not complaining.

Appears to have some stories from USAAF aircrew as well so it will be intriguing to see what they thought of this wonderful machine.

Also, despite the title, there's some great pics of post-war Mossie flying in the Far East.

[ABMM]

1942 - Australia's Greatest Peril

Quite good and puts up a strong argument that Tojo did indeed have his sights set on the Land of Oz. It is a bit dry, but considering the massive amount of research which Bob Wurth had to convert into a useful narrative, this is unsurprising. What is surprising however is the amount of contemporary Japanese accounts which Worth has liberally sprinkled throughout the book which support his thesis.

For a quick and dirty overview of the book and Worth's theories/facts, see:
'1942, Australia’s greatest peril' - On Line Opinion - 5/9/2008

The Book's website is here: 1942 - Australia's Greatest Peril

It appears that the publication of this book has even got Dr Peter Stanley, formerly Head Historian with the AWM and longtime debunker of all things invasion-plan related, on the back foot. This is a good thing and I'd like to see Dr Stanley actually research the issue with an open mind, rather than his previous dogmatic view of the issue.

Another good resource which supports 1942 - Australia's Greatest Peril is James Bowen's Battle For Australia website Battle for Australia Index

Cheers

[Gage]

A Life in Secrets: Vera Atkins and the Lost Agents of SOE by Sarah Helm.

[war hawk]

I am reading this " LAST HORIZONS, Hunting, Fishing , and Shooting on the Five Continents. This book"s author is " Peter Hathaway Capstick". The book is mostly about being a proffesional hunter in Africa.