Fifty years have elapsed since VE Day and in 1995, as in 1945, Europe celebrates and remembers. For two men, Air Vice-Marshal Johnnie Johnson and Wing Commander Laddie Lucas, the celebrations and the reminiscing are particularly poignant. For although these veterans of the Second World War will never forget, they have decided that now is the time for measured reflection, for a last look back.
The result is Winged Victory, a personal narrative of the war that they fought and endured with friends and colleagues from Britain, Europe, the US and the Commonwealth. For Johnnie Johnson this means the Battle of Britain in Douglas Bader's Duxford Wing and, later, operations in the legless leader's Wing at Tangmere.
It means, too, his own subsequent leadership of Canadian formations on the western front where he became the highest scoring 'ace'. For Laddie Lucas it was a rapid rise from Aircraftman 2nd Class to Squadron Commander in the Battle of Malta, staff appointments at Command HQ and, latterly, after leadership of the Coltishall Wing, command of a Mosquito squadron in France during the final days of the war in Europe. As fighter pilots and leaders each was in the forefront of defensive and offensive operations for much of the war. As such, they had personal contact with many of the senior Allied commanders and their well-publicized subordinates as well as some of the outstanding combat leaders of the day.
Thus the story that Johnson and Lucas have to tell — already started in their previous collaborations — is the real story of the air war: a story of failures and misjudgements as well as of success, of distinguished leaders and the common fighting man, of the joy of comradeship and the despair of loss. It is moreover a story of leadership, of strategies, planning and tactics told at first hand.
It is, above all, a last look back. Winged Victory is the final chapter, a detailed, affecting and occasionally wry view of armed conflict from two great leaders.
by Johnnie Johnson and Laddie Lucas
Published by Stanley Paul 1995 1st edition. 250pp profusely illustrated, index. 19x25 bumped corners, otherwise fine, including d/j.
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"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "new edition" "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.
