Author: Jeff Gray
Publisher: Charles Jeffrey Gray
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 145
Book Description
In the early hours of January 4th 1944 a Wellington bomber of the RAF crashed in Brockhurst Wood near the village of Farnham Common. Of the crew of six only one survived. After the war the people of the village clubbed together for a memorial and installed a stained glass window in the Anglican Church of St. John's nearby. Forty years later Mrs. Florence Payne, mother of the dead rear-gunner, Sergeant Victor Payne, returned on a pilgrimage, revisiting the site and the church. The local newspaper covered the visit in a moving story and raised questions in the mind of local resident, ex RAF Bomber Command pilot, Jeff Gray. The newspaper indicated that the bomber was crippled and the young airmen died trying to avoid the village. What dreadful combination of circumstance had conspired against them? Captain Gray investigates…
The Stain on the Glass
Author: Jeff Gray
Publisher: Charles Jeffrey Gray
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 145
Book Description
In the early hours of January 4th 1944 a Wellington bomber of the RAF crashed in Brockhurst Wood near the village of Farnham Common. Of the crew of six only one survived. After the war the people of the village clubbed together for a memorial and installed a stained glass window in the Anglican Church of St. John's nearby. Forty years later Mrs. Florence Payne, mother of the dead rear-gunner, Sergeant Victor Payne, returned on a pilgrimage, revisiting the site and the church. The local newspaper covered the visit in a moving story and raised questions in the mind of local resident, ex RAF Bomber Command pilot, Jeff Gray. The newspaper indicated that the bomber was crippled and the young airmen died trying to avoid the village. What dreadful combination of circumstance had conspired against them? Captain Gray investigates…
Publisher: Charles Jeffrey Gray
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 145
Book Description
In the early hours of January 4th 1944 a Wellington bomber of the RAF crashed in Brockhurst Wood near the village of Farnham Common. Of the crew of six only one survived. After the war the people of the village clubbed together for a memorial and installed a stained glass window in the Anglican Church of St. John's nearby. Forty years later Mrs. Florence Payne, mother of the dead rear-gunner, Sergeant Victor Payne, returned on a pilgrimage, revisiting the site and the church. The local newspaper covered the visit in a moving story and raised questions in the mind of local resident, ex RAF Bomber Command pilot, Jeff Gray. The newspaper indicated that the bomber was crippled and the young airmen died trying to avoid the village. What dreadful combination of circumstance had conspired against them? Captain Gray investigates…
Vickers Wellington Units of Bomber Command
Author: Michael Napier
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472840739
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 97
Book Description
The Vickers Wellington was one of very few aircraft types to have been in production and frontline service throughout World War II, and more than 10,000 Wellingtons were built in the period. They took part in the first RAF bombing mission of the conflict when, on 4 September 1939, 14 examples from Nos 9 and 149 Sqns undertook a daring daylight attack on the Kiel Canal. However, after suffering high losses on follow-up raids, Wellingtons were withdrawn from daytime missions and began to operate at night from May 1940. They subsequently took part in raids against the Italian port city of Genoa in July 1940, and against Berlin the following month, followed by key missions in the 'Battle of the Barges' in September and October, as the RAF targeted the Germany's invasion fleet being assembled in French Channel ports. When RAF's strike force expanded the next year following the introduction of the improved Wellington II, the 21 squadrons equipped with the Vickers aircraft, which included Polish-, Canadian- and Australian-manned units, formed the backbone of the Bomber Command night bombing force. Over the next two years Wellingtons participated in all the major operations by Bomber Command, including the daylight raid against German battleships in Brest harbour in July 1942 and the first three 'Thousand Bomber' raids in the summer of 1942. This illustrated study explores the design, development, and deployment of the Vickers-Wellington type, charting its role in World War II from its earliest missions to its use in training after its withdrawal from frontline bomber missions in 1943. The text is supported by stunning full-colour artwork.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472840739
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 97
Book Description
The Vickers Wellington was one of very few aircraft types to have been in production and frontline service throughout World War II, and more than 10,000 Wellingtons were built in the period. They took part in the first RAF bombing mission of the conflict when, on 4 September 1939, 14 examples from Nos 9 and 149 Sqns undertook a daring daylight attack on the Kiel Canal. However, after suffering high losses on follow-up raids, Wellingtons were withdrawn from daytime missions and began to operate at night from May 1940. They subsequently took part in raids against the Italian port city of Genoa in July 1940, and against Berlin the following month, followed by key missions in the 'Battle of the Barges' in September and October, as the RAF targeted the Germany's invasion fleet being assembled in French Channel ports. When RAF's strike force expanded the next year following the introduction of the improved Wellington II, the 21 squadrons equipped with the Vickers aircraft, which included Polish-, Canadian- and Australian-manned units, formed the backbone of the Bomber Command night bombing force. Over the next two years Wellingtons participated in all the major operations by Bomber Command, including the daylight raid against German battleships in Brest harbour in July 1942 and the first three 'Thousand Bomber' raids in the summer of 1942. This illustrated study explores the design, development, and deployment of the Vickers-Wellington type, charting its role in World War II from its earliest missions to its use in training after its withdrawal from frontline bomber missions in 1943. The text is supported by stunning full-colour artwork.
The Wellington Bomber
Author: Martin W Bowman
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1783831766
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 268
Book Description
The Wellington Bomber was omnipresent during the Second World War, employed in a variety of contexts in the fight against the Axis powers. The pilots who flew this aircraft did so with an immense amount of pride, and there is perhaps no-one better placed to tell the story of this incredible aircraft than these men. Martin Bowman has drawn together a selection of first-hand pilot testimonies in an effort to record authentically the experience of flying the much-mythologised Wellington during one of the most challenging eras of aviation history. The book is supplemented by two plate sections of stirring black and white images.
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1783831766
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 268
Book Description
The Wellington Bomber was omnipresent during the Second World War, employed in a variety of contexts in the fight against the Axis powers. The pilots who flew this aircraft did so with an immense amount of pride, and there is perhaps no-one better placed to tell the story of this incredible aircraft than these men. Martin Bowman has drawn together a selection of first-hand pilot testimonies in an effort to record authentically the experience of flying the much-mythologised Wellington during one of the most challenging eras of aviation history. The book is supplemented by two plate sections of stirring black and white images.
The Rogue
Author: Raymond Buchanan
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1463439555
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
This book is about two Naval Officers statiioned on an aircraft carrier that is sent on a mission to Europe for two reasons. Reason # one: Face of with another nation that is becomming overly aggressive on the high seas. Reason # two: Recover some very valuable art that was taken from the French during the occupation of France while World War II was going on.
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1463439555
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
This book is about two Naval Officers statiioned on an aircraft carrier that is sent on a mission to Europe for two reasons. Reason # one: Face of with another nation that is becomming overly aggressive on the high seas. Reason # two: Recover some very valuable art that was taken from the French during the occupation of France while World War II was going on.
Moonlight Flyer
Author: John Gellner
Publisher: Fonthill Media
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 227
Book Description
** This electronic edition includes 2 black-and-white maps and 66 black-and-white photographs ** One of the many wartime airmen who documented his day to day experiences in a diary, was RCAF navigator Jan Gellner. Prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, Jan was a lawyer practicing in the Czechoslovak town of Brno. With the outbreak of hostilities on the European continent, he went to Canada and trained as an air observer on the first course of the fledgling British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Jan Gellner began his operational tour with No. 311 Czechoslovak (B) Squadron flying the venerable Vickers Wellington. It did not take long for Jan's abilities to shine, especially as an instructor in astro navigation. For his farrowing role in the attack on the German cruise Prinz Eugen, Jan received the coveted Distinguished Flying Cross. After an incredible 37 operations over occupied France and Germany, he became Operational Tour Expired. Jan was selected for pilot training and went to Canada. During his postwar service with the RCAF, he had a distinguished career as an administrative officer, retiring in 1958. Now a civilian, Jan turned to writing and became one of Canada's most knowledgeable and sought after aviation and military affairs journalist." ** This electronic edition includes 2 black-and-white maps and 66 black-and-white photographs **
Publisher: Fonthill Media
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 227
Book Description
** This electronic edition includes 2 black-and-white maps and 66 black-and-white photographs ** One of the many wartime airmen who documented his day to day experiences in a diary, was RCAF navigator Jan Gellner. Prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, Jan was a lawyer practicing in the Czechoslovak town of Brno. With the outbreak of hostilities on the European continent, he went to Canada and trained as an air observer on the first course of the fledgling British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Jan Gellner began his operational tour with No. 311 Czechoslovak (B) Squadron flying the venerable Vickers Wellington. It did not take long for Jan's abilities to shine, especially as an instructor in astro navigation. For his farrowing role in the attack on the German cruise Prinz Eugen, Jan received the coveted Distinguished Flying Cross. After an incredible 37 operations over occupied France and Germany, he became Operational Tour Expired. Jan was selected for pilot training and went to Canada. During his postwar service with the RCAF, he had a distinguished career as an administrative officer, retiring in 1958. Now a civilian, Jan turned to writing and became one of Canada's most knowledgeable and sought after aviation and military affairs journalist." ** This electronic edition includes 2 black-and-white maps and 66 black-and-white photographs **
The Dambuster Who Cracked the Dam
Author: Arthur G. Thorning
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1844682129
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 313
Book Description
On September 25, 1939 Melvin Young reported to No. 1 Initial Training Unit. He was selected as a bomber pilot and promoted to Flying Officer. Having undertaken a Lancaster conversion course Melvin and his new crew were posted to 57 Squadron at Scampton soon to become 617 Squadron. On 15 May the Order for Operation Chastise was issued—the raid to be flown the next night, 16/17 May. The plan for the operation was that three waves of aircraft would be employed. The first wave of nine aircraft, led by Gibson, would first attack the Mohne Dam, then the Eder followed by other targets as directed by wireless from 5 Group HQ if any weapons were still available. This wave would fly in three sections of three aircraft about ten minutes apart led by Guy Gibson, Melvin Young and Henry Maudslay. At 00.43 Melvin and his crew made their attempt on the Mohne dam. Gibson recorded that Youngs weapon made three good bounces and contact. Once the dam had been breached Gibson with Melvin as his deputy led the three remaining armed aircraft towards the Eder Dam. On the return trip Melvin Young and his crew fell victim to enemy guns. At 02.58 gunners at Castricum-an-Zee reported shooting down an aircraft and several batteries also reported firing at it. A.J.-A crashed into the sea. Over the North Sea, Guy Gibson called Melvin on the radiothere was no reply.
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1844682129
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 313
Book Description
On September 25, 1939 Melvin Young reported to No. 1 Initial Training Unit. He was selected as a bomber pilot and promoted to Flying Officer. Having undertaken a Lancaster conversion course Melvin and his new crew were posted to 57 Squadron at Scampton soon to become 617 Squadron. On 15 May the Order for Operation Chastise was issued—the raid to be flown the next night, 16/17 May. The plan for the operation was that three waves of aircraft would be employed. The first wave of nine aircraft, led by Gibson, would first attack the Mohne Dam, then the Eder followed by other targets as directed by wireless from 5 Group HQ if any weapons were still available. This wave would fly in three sections of three aircraft about ten minutes apart led by Guy Gibson, Melvin Young and Henry Maudslay. At 00.43 Melvin and his crew made their attempt on the Mohne dam. Gibson recorded that Youngs weapon made three good bounces and contact. Once the dam had been breached Gibson with Melvin as his deputy led the three remaining armed aircraft towards the Eder Dam. On the return trip Melvin Young and his crew fell victim to enemy guns. At 02.58 gunners at Castricum-an-Zee reported shooting down an aircraft and several batteries also reported firing at it. A.J.-A crashed into the sea. Over the North Sea, Guy Gibson called Melvin on the radiothere was no reply.
Aircraft Wrecks: The Walker's Guide
Author: Alan Clark
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1783031875
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 511
Book Description
This book gives readers a direct link to crash sites that can be visited, with accurate grid references, site description and current photographs. It covers some 450 selected sites with emphasis given to those on open access land. The areas covered are: Southern England: Dartmoor and Exmoor 20 entries * Wales 120 entries * Isle of Man 20 entries Peak District 75 entries * Yorkshire Moors: Eastern 20 entries * Lake District 25 entriesPennines: East Lancashire & West Yorkshire * Scotland: Central and Southern 30 entriesScotland: Highlands & Islands * Ireland 20 entries Each area includes a preamble describing the local geography and historical notes. Individual site entries include exact location, details of the aircraft and crew and the circumstances of the loss.
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1783031875
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 511
Book Description
This book gives readers a direct link to crash sites that can be visited, with accurate grid references, site description and current photographs. It covers some 450 selected sites with emphasis given to those on open access land. The areas covered are: Southern England: Dartmoor and Exmoor 20 entries * Wales 120 entries * Isle of Man 20 entries Peak District 75 entries * Yorkshire Moors: Eastern 20 entries * Lake District 25 entriesPennines: East Lancashire & West Yorkshire * Scotland: Central and Southern 30 entriesScotland: Highlands & Islands * Ireland 20 entries Each area includes a preamble describing the local geography and historical notes. Individual site entries include exact location, details of the aircraft and crew and the circumstances of the loss.
The Pilot
Teddy's War
Author: Robert Webber
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 1800463812
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 408
Book Description
“…our service operates in the background, and now it appears that there may be lurking in that milieu a malevolent spirit that we need to flush out…” June 1940. The fledgeling Air Transport Auxiliary is rocked by a scandal that could ground the service before it has fully developed its wings. Teddy Carlton is approached by the acquaintance of an old school friend to help resolve the issue and thus embarks on a journey that sees her engaged in some of the most exciting work that a woman could perform in wartime. Her voyage sees Teddy embroiled in the secret world of espionage while exploiting her nascent skills in flying until she becomes one of the country’s top ferry pilots and a respected agent of the Security Service. Heartache and joy are her constant companions throughout her service, but the love for her family and her country keeps Teddy focused on the ultimate goal – the defeat of Nazi Germany... …and her husband only knew the half of it.
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 1800463812
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 408
Book Description
“…our service operates in the background, and now it appears that there may be lurking in that milieu a malevolent spirit that we need to flush out…” June 1940. The fledgeling Air Transport Auxiliary is rocked by a scandal that could ground the service before it has fully developed its wings. Teddy Carlton is approached by the acquaintance of an old school friend to help resolve the issue and thus embarks on a journey that sees her engaged in some of the most exciting work that a woman could perform in wartime. Her voyage sees Teddy embroiled in the secret world of espionage while exploiting her nascent skills in flying until she becomes one of the country’s top ferry pilots and a respected agent of the Security Service. Heartache and joy are her constant companions throughout her service, but the love for her family and her country keeps Teddy focused on the ultimate goal – the defeat of Nazi Germany... …and her husband only knew the half of it.
The Men of Wellington’s Light Division
Author: Gareth Glover
Publisher: Frontline Books
ISBN: 1399099094
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 291
Book Description
Some of the most famous memoirs of Britain’s long war against Napoleon have come from the pens of members of Wellington’s Light Division, but many wonderful accounts were never published and have sat in archives, libraries, museums, and private collections, forgotten for 200 years. The regiments of the Light Division, and its predecessor, the Light Brigade, were involved in almost every major battle and skirmish fought by Wellington and Sir John Moore in the Peninsular War. Unlike the line infantry, these men were encouraged to think and fight independently and were, often, of a higher educational standard, resulting in vivid descriptions of warfare and campaign life. However, these memoirs do not simply cover old ground. Many of these accounts were produced within hours, or at most days, after the incidents they describe, and they often portray a very different view of many famous events and cause us to question numerous claims made in those later published memoirs. Never intended to be published, the memoirs in this book were written only for the men themselves and their families, being penned without the dreaded influence of ‘hindsight’ to alter and temper their views. Consequently, they provide brutally honest assessments of their senior officers, how operations were handled and who made mistakes that have subsequently been quietly covered over. The Men of Wellington’s Light Division is certain to be welcomed by historians and enthusiasts alike, providing a glimpse into the past that has not been seen before.
Publisher: Frontline Books
ISBN: 1399099094
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 291
Book Description
Some of the most famous memoirs of Britain’s long war against Napoleon have come from the pens of members of Wellington’s Light Division, but many wonderful accounts were never published and have sat in archives, libraries, museums, and private collections, forgotten for 200 years. The regiments of the Light Division, and its predecessor, the Light Brigade, were involved in almost every major battle and skirmish fought by Wellington and Sir John Moore in the Peninsular War. Unlike the line infantry, these men were encouraged to think and fight independently and were, often, of a higher educational standard, resulting in vivid descriptions of warfare and campaign life. However, these memoirs do not simply cover old ground. Many of these accounts were produced within hours, or at most days, after the incidents they describe, and they often portray a very different view of many famous events and cause us to question numerous claims made in those later published memoirs. Never intended to be published, the memoirs in this book were written only for the men themselves and their families, being penned without the dreaded influence of ‘hindsight’ to alter and temper their views. Consequently, they provide brutally honest assessments of their senior officers, how operations were handled and who made mistakes that have subsequently been quietly covered over. The Men of Wellington’s Light Division is certain to be welcomed by historians and enthusiasts alike, providing a glimpse into the past that has not been seen before.