Lancaster
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- £6.99
Publisher Description
A comprehensive history of Britain's greatest bomber plane.
The Spitfire and the Lancaster were the two RAF weapons of victory in the Second World War, but the glamour of the fighter has tended to overshadow the performance of the heavy bomber. Yet without the Lancaster, Britain would never have been able to take the fight to the German homeland. Highlights the scale of the bomber's achievements, including the famous Dambusters attacks. With its vast bomb bay, ease of handling and surprising speed, the mighty Lancaster transformed the effectiveness of the Bomber Command.
Whilst addressing the political controversy surrounding the bombing offensive against Germany, Leo McKinstry also weaves individual tales into this compelling narrative. Rich characters are brought to life, such as Roy Chadwick the designer, who taught himself engineering at night school and Sir Arthur Harris, the austere head of the Bomber Command. This is a rich saga, a story of triumph over disaster and the history of an iconic plane.
(P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Customer Reviews
Outstandingly researched
An outstanding book backed up with an excellent supply of memoir and anecdotal evidence from air & ground crews, those involved with the bomber development, production and repair and those of Bomber Command itself.
The exploits of missions told with a clarity of detail, you could even imagine yourself being there on the bomb run! A chapter alone dedicated to explaining a mission into the heart of Germany from planning to post mission debrief. The horrors and tribulations the air crews had to endure was majestically explained that makes the reader aware of the sheer sacrifice these air crews had to endure. The author explains of the continuing requirement of new technology that would shape the outcome of the bomber offensive and the constant battle of adapting new strategies against a forever resourceful Luftwaffe.
However, a small issue with the book is the over indulgent and repeated passages regarding the politics and strategy which in my view detract somewhat from the story of the bomber itself. Although important that the author stresses this I do find it is repeated and at some parts the narrative bogs down with this repetition. However, the author does explain the type of man Sir Arthur Harris was and with his unswerving strategy of area bombing and the clashes he would repeatedly have with the Air Ministry. I do accept that this was necessary as the policy would affect the usage of the aircraft.
The famous missions and campaigns of the Lancaster have been included, with various mentions of the famous 617 Squadron and their exploits, some well known and some lesser known missions.
Overall an excellently narrated and very well researched book/audiobook. I very much recommend this to anyone interested in learning more of this fabulous aircraft.