Overview

Bomber Command is a richly illustrated account of the Royal Air Force organisation from its inception prior to the Second World War in 1936 to its final years during the Cold War. The book covers the reasons for Bomber Command and the personnel that guided its formation and the philosophy and politics of the change from strategic bombing to area bombing, and the ensuing controversy. The Bomber Command organisation and how it functioned is traced, from Headquarters down to the various Groups and the many Squadrons. Famous and specialised Squadrons and the honours awarded to them are explored. Gordon Wilson does not neglect the social impact of this huge organisation: a bomber base had a large impact on the local economy and many lasting war-time bonds were established. The operational aircraft that spearheaded the might of Bomber Command and brought the bombs to the enemy’s shores included famous machines such as the Avro Lancaster, Handley Page Halifax and the unique fighter-bomber, the de Havilland Mosquito. The author analyses their construction and performance. Major target raids and the aircraft and Squadrons taking part are described. Some raids were ill conceived, others were brilliant in their execution. The transition to the Cold War and nuclear deterrence naturally confronted Bomber Command with an entirely rewritten role and saw the introduction of a new generation of V-Force jet bombers. Complemented with a range of images of memorials, famous personnel, stations, aircraft, aircraft engines, and manufacturer’s factories, Bomber Command is a fitting tribute to ‘The Many’.

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9781398117280

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Reviews

'In this comprehensive and illustrated history, Gordon Wilson, a retired military and commercial pilot, explores the 'human face' of the organisation from its inception just prior to World War II until its final years during the Cold War.' -- Military History Matters, December 21/ January 2022 'Overall this book is very well written and the author has the technical detail and knowledge as a former flyer, that has produced a really good read so compliments to the author and a book I would certainly recommend.' -- Ben Davidson Blog

Author Information

Gordon A. A. Wilson is a retired military and commercial pilot. He flew with the Canadian Air Force 414 Electronic Warfare Squadron, flying target aircraft on secret missions to test the defences of North America and as a squadron maintenance test pilot. He subsequently flew for thirty years for a major airline and since retiring has worked as a ground school instructor for Air Canada and as an aviation consultant writing standard operating procedures manuals. His other books for Amberley include 'NORAD and the Soviet Nuclear Threat', 'Lancaster Manual 1943' (Editor), 'The Lancaster' and 'The Merlin'. He lives in British Columbia, Canada.

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