Colin Pateman doordrenkt zijn verhalen met een diepgaand begrip van militaire geschiedenis, gebaseerd op meer dan drie decennia ervaring als politieagent, waaronder functies met gespecialiseerde speurhonden en als politieadviseur voor zoekacties. Zijn passie voor luchtvaart, met name de Tweede Wereldoorlog, blijkt uit zijn nauwgezette onderzoek en empathische benadering om de verhalen van piloten en bemanningsleden vast te leggen. Pateman baseert zijn werk op primaire bronnen, waarbij hij originele logboeken en interviews met veteranen gebruikt om levendige verslagen uit de eerste hand van het leven in de RAF tot leven te brengen. Zijn toewijding aan diepgaand onderzoek, inclusief het blootleggen van voorheen ongedocumenteerd bewijs in archieven, verleent een unieke diepte en authenticiteit aan zijn boeiende historische verhalen.
Glorious in Solitude reveals detailed accounts from flying logbooks composed by young men who served in the RAF as Rear Gunners in WWII. Casualty rates were exceptionally high for these exposed and vulnerable men who shouldered the heavy responsibility of providing protection from the Luftwaffe who preyed upon his crew.
A detailed account of the Nazi's judicial terror and brutal executions of civilians convicted of domestic resistance
RAF Liberators over Burma provides an insight of operational flying in the Far East, including an examination of the importance of bombing bridges and railway constructions to thwart the Japanese transit infrastructure. In many cases the efforts and sacrifice by dedicated Commonwealth aircrew are recounted from their own flying logbooks.
Airmen who Fell, Floated, and Walked from Adversity in the Second World War
Remarkable survival stories from World War II highlight the resilience of aircrew who faced the loss of their aircraft. Featuring accounts of individuals like Captain R.L. Morrison, who was rescued after being shot down in North Africa, and Flight Lieutenant Charles Parish, who swam seven miles to safety after his Wellington bomber was downed, the book delves into the experiences of members of exclusive clubs like the Goldfish and Caterpillar Clubs. With over twenty gripping narratives, it sheds light on their bravery, escapes, and the gallantry awards they received.
Thrilling rare and previously unpublished special operations flown by the RAF during World War 2
Fuel, Fire and Fear examines Bomber Command's undertaking to create a unique member of aircrew. In many cases the duties by dedicated Flight Engineers are recounted from their own flying logbooks. An insight of operational flying managing 14 fuel tanks with a maximum load of 2,304 Imperial gallons of high Octane petrol was a heavy responsibility.
These clubs were recognised and regarded as an important area within RAF history that boosted moral. Members were allowed pins and badges to be worn on RAF and Commonwealth flying uniforms. This book allows the reader to experience a number of individual stories and understand the relevance of being a 'Goldfish', a 'Caterpillar', or 'Guinea Pig'.
'Arming for Accuracy' examines the early development of dropping aerial ordinance and Bomber Command's undertaking to create a unique member of aircrew. In many cases the duties by dedicated Bomb Aimers are recounted from their own flying logbooks. Operational flying, manning guns and accurately dropping bomb loads carried a heavy responsibility.