What are you reading at the moment?

I have no idea why ... but my son had that book ...... :noidea:

Geoff Wellum - First Light : The Digital Aviator

but this one looks interesting too !

Geoffrey Wellum: Prize fighter - Profiles, People - The Independent

 

Keith

I would be interesting about what Turner hasto say about Bader's time in Colditz, especially anything about his relationship with his batman (whose name I cannot remember). I've heard a couple of uncomplimetary stories about the way Bader acted but would like to know if they are mentioned by Turner

One day I will read about Wings Day. He is mentioned in a couple of books on POWs and he sounds like is an excellent leader

Reach for the Sky was one of the first aviation books I read as a kid, having been given it (I think it must of been the children's version) as an inspiration

I enjoyed both Richie's and Wellum's books. A nice balance for both the lay reader and those who want a fair bit of detail.

And I know what you mean about the ATB Battle of Britain - when I first got my copy it still had its dustjacket and that slipped and the book landed on my foot. I was limping (more than usual ) for a week. If you get the chance you should try to get hold of the Battle of France: Then and Now. That is every bit as good as the BoB one. The three volume Blitz: Then and Now seems a bit dated now though.

 

Hi All,

"A Unique Flight"

This one is a bit away from the normal texts we all seem to read. There's lots of great photos to accompany the stories of these fascinating machines.

It's a particularly significant book to me as we have close family ties to two of the aeroplanes. In fact the tail on the cover is -368, the aircraft Dad flew his first operational sortie in over Korea.

Cheers

Owen

View attachment 2370

A Unique Flight - The Historic Aircraft Collection of the AWM
Michael Nelmes

Ideal for anyone with an interest in historic aircraft, this new book by Michael Nelmes profiles the Memorial's unique collection. With operational histories, archival images and colour plates, and stories of their war service, featured aircraft include Lancaster 'G for George', the German Me 262 jet fighter, the Iroquois helicopter, Canberra bomber, and many more! Hard cover, photographs, 352 pages.
SHOP:9781741107685

 

Have seen that book on the AWm site and found it intriguing, Owen. Must, must get to Canberra soon.

Kyt,

Never thought wearing steel caps when researching would be a required safety requirement.

 

Andy,

Let me know if you're ever off to Canberra and we could possibly meet up there. It's just a hop from here. (No steelcaps though...)

Cheers

Owen

 

But of course...

 

Mosquito: Menacing the Reich - Combat Action in the Twin-engine Wooden Wonder in World War II by Martin Bowman. A bit of a mouthful but with the first chapter titled Down Low, I'm not complaining. :hug:

Appears to have some stories from USAAF aircrew as well so it will be intriguing to see what they thought of this wonderful machine.

Also, despite the title, there's some great pics of post-war Mossie flying in the Far East.

 

1942 - Australia's Greatest Peril

Quite good and puts up a strong argument that Tojo did indeed have his sights set on the Land of Oz. It is a bit dry, but considering the massive amount of research which Bob Wurth had to convert into a useful narrative, this is unsurprising. What is surprising however is the amount of contemporary Japanese accounts which Worth has liberally sprinkled throughout the book which support his thesis.

For a quick and dirty overview of the book and Worth's theories/facts, see:
'1942, Australia’s greatest peril' - On Line Opinion - 5/9/2008

The Book's website is here: 1942 - Australia's Greatest Peril

It appears that the publication of this book has even got Dr Peter Stanley, formerly Head Historian with the AWM and longtime debunker of all things invasion-plan related, on the back foot. This is a good thing and I'd like to see Dr Stanley actually research the issue with an open mind, rather than his previous dogmatic view of the issue.

Another good resource which supports 1942 - Australia's Greatest Peril is James Bowen's Battle For Australia website Battle for Australia Index

Cheers

 

A Life in Secrets: Vera Atkins and the Lost Agents of SOE by Sarah Helm.

 

I am reading this " LAST HORIZONS, Hunting, Fishing , and Shooting on the Five Continents. This book"s author is " Peter Hathaway Capstick". The book is mostly about being a proffesional hunter in Africa.:first:

 

Book in Judgement

Hi Booklovers,
Just started reading "A Flock of Ships" by Brian Callison, so far has me quite trapped, very well written in an easy to read style.
Very mysterious sea yarn, concerning discovery of a cluster ( "Flock" ) of WWII wrecks.
Will add if I like it.
Obviously written by a seaman, anyone out there read it ?
Cheers
:help:Keith

 

I'm afraid I haven't heard of that one, Keith, but I'm indulging in something nautical at present as well.

A Merciful Journey by Marsden Hordern - Recollections of a World War II patrol boat man. Beautifully written and a well-presented book. Am thoroughly enjoying it so far.

The blurb:

EDIT: Just googled Callison and his books do look like a good read. Right up my alley, I reckon, being a Clive Cussler, Patrick O'Brian and Alexander Fullerton fan.

 

Hi Andy,
Still reading The Flock !
Just seen a ref. to Upham from the ("Taranaki") newspapers.
Name sounds very much like the name of the ship my friend served on while rigged out as a DEMS Vessel.
Any thoughts
Cheers
Keith

 

I just finished the prequel to "Messerschmitt Roulette" by Geoffrey Morley-Mower, entitled "Flying Blind," related to his patrols along the present India-Pakistan border immediately prior to WWII. Both books are superb and engrossing and highly recommended. I had the honor and privilege to befriend Geoff and found him to be one of those most 'memorable character types.' A signed picture of his recon Hurricane parked outside of the underground hangar at Tobruk is a cherished possession. Geoff was an English prof at James Madison university in Virginia, and a most engaging and colorful speaker. His intriguing story will remain with me; we'll miss him.........last night picked up "In Hostile Skies" by Jim Davis (B-24 driver) - brilliant story thus far, well written and also recommended. Fix

 

I should think that's the town the ship was named after, Keith. I'll check what Hugh wrote about her to see if I can follow up further history.

Fix, I have seen Messerschmitt Roulette in my travels but have yet to buy it. Great to hear there is a prequel especially as it covers a subject not written about heavily.

I for one (and there'll be many more) would be most grateful if you have the time to post further details about Geoff (in his own thread even!) and your friendship with him. Would love to see the Hurri pic too!

 

Andy: Geoffrey Morley-Mower was simply a stellar personality and a modest individual. He viewed his record as relatively minor in scope, but his contributions related to reconnaisance were, in effect, quite critical to the desert war. He would fly over the desert at 200 ft and draw pictures of gun and tank emplacements while taking small arms fire. Once, he was summoned by Air Vice Marshal Coningham, who was in bathrobe at the time, and sent out to survey some battlefield or other. A memorable scene in "Roulette." Geoffrey was an Englishman in an Australian squadron that led to friction, requiring Geoff to win the respect of everyone by performing above and beyond expectations.

Another memorable chapter. A Mr. Byers, if I remember correctly, was shot down by Me-109's while flying Geoff's wing. A group of 109's came over the airfield later and dropped a letter saying that the wounded airman was receiving proper medical treatment. This however, didn't stop the groundpounders from throwing up lots of lead. Geoffrey learned later that the individual who both shot Byers down and provided notification was none other than Marseilles. They, JG27, returned a few days later to convey the news that Byer's had perished and to express their condolences. Mower tried to quell AA response but with no success. Interesting story.

Geoffrey, in his very correct and crisp British accent, would state that his war was unusual in that the ground forces slogged through dust, dirt and death in their foxholes, while he, Geoff, flew out in the morning and came back to land and enjoy lunch! I have his seminar (about one hour) on DVD. I've listened to it several times - simply marvelous.

Ciao, Fix

 

Thanks, mate.

 

My pleasure, AA

Fix

 

Wings Day

:nospam:

Hi Kyt,

Just came across this and thought it may be of interest.
Blow it up enough to read the inscription.
Cheers
Keith

 

Time to Read

A couple of weeks ago Volumes one and two of ANZACS at the Frontiers 1941 - 1945 Northern Italy arrived by Post.
The Author is Ken Fenton who lives in Richmond on the South Island.
Unfortunately at present they are with two other books recently received as at present can't find time for reading.