Beaufighters Over Sea, Sand and Steaming Jungles
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- $15.99
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- $15.99
Publisher Description
In October 1943, Jack Colman changed from Liberators to Beaufighters and was selected for Torbeau training in Scotland. He joined a strike wing at North Coates attacking North Sea convoys off the coast of Holland. Later, Jack and his Beaufighter were sent to the Far East where he was deployed to fly out of Assam over Burma supporting the Forgotten Army. Midway through the tour, they converted to Mosquitoes - a change he was not particularly happy about. After a short rest converting pilots to Mosquitoes, he felt lucky to be put in charge of a small unit flying service personnel to various venues in southern India. Jack's enthusiasm for flying is maintained and his lucky escapes documented. His fascination with the cultural and social experiences gained in India leaves its mark as he comments on the privileges he experiences, now as a commissioned officer, and of the wealth chasm between the princes and the poor of India. This is a book not just about flying but how one man and his comrades lived through those unique and special times.
Customer Reviews
A war/travel story that does justice to both.
Jack Colman’s obvious respect for all types of people opens doors to the reader. In India and Burma he moves effortlessly between high ranking officers and servants alike. He beautifully describes places and climates with the keen eye of a professional pilot trained to observe and act. He puts you in the pilots seat at low level through the jungles of Burma: so exciting. This book was a chance find. I now rate it as one of the most compelling WW2 books I’ve ever read outside of the European theatre of war.