Battle-Axe Blenheims

Ref: 4853

SOLD In stock

Price: £9.00

sadly, flyingbooks is now closed.

{detailed description}Of the thousands of aircrew who served in RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War, those who flew Bristol Blenheim medium bombers with No 2 Group on daylight raids would say they had the toughest job of all. Battle-Axe Blenheims is the true story of the men of one such Blenheim squadron, No 105, who fought bravely in the first years of the war despite overwhelming odds. They flew against a determined and well-equipped enemy and won, although suffering appalling losses. If six Blenheims were despatched in daylight to attack enemy shipping at low-level — which meant 50 feet or lower — it was very rare for all six to return, and yet squadron life was carried on with great spirit and determination.
Drawing on official records and the firsthand recollections of survivors, the daring exploits of the Blenheim Mk IV crews of No 105 Squadron are graphically recounted here. The first part of their story covers the period from August 1940 to July 1941 when they were stationed at Swanton Morley in Norfolk. It tells of the many near-suicidal bombing operations flown at extreme low-level against heavily defended industrial installations in Germany and Occupied Europe; against shipping convoys in the merciless North Sea and in enemy coastal waters; and against a multitude of enemy airfields, ammunition dumps, harbour installations and other targets scattered across North West Europe. Included is a vivid account of the squadron's epic low-level attack on Bremen in June 1941, for which the commanding officer, Wing Commander Hughie Edwards, was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Travelling south in July 1941 to the warmth of the Mediterranean, from then until September the squadron ranged far and wide from its base on the island of Malta to attack targets in Italy, North Africa and off the Greek coast. There are stories of submarine rescue, the clandestine operations of a secretly hangared floatplane on Malta and finally, for the few who had survived the carnage, the dangerous sea journey home to England.
Battle-Axe Blenheims is illustrated with detailed maps and more than 100 black and white photographs, many of which are rare and give a unique insight into squadron life. Comprehensive appendices provide full details of all Blenheim aircraft ever flown by the squadron and the targets they attacked. Also included are battle honours, citations and a Roll of Honour. Battle-Axe Blenheims is an inspiring true story which will appeal to all with an interest in the exploits of the Royal Air Force in particular, and to those with an interest in the Second World War in general.
{Author / Publisher / Date}by Stuart R. Scott
published by Budding Books (Sutton Publishing) 1997 edn. of 1996 1st 235pp illustrated, index, appendices, bibliography 18x25
{condition}fine, inc. d/j.
{delivery info}