Please note: In order to keep Hive up to date and provide users with the best features, we are no longer able to fully support Internet Explorer. The site is still available to you, however some sections of the site may appear broken. We would encourage you to move to a more modern browser like Firefox, Edge or Chrome in order to experience the site fully.

Supporting your high street Find out how »
Flying in Defiance of the Reich : A Lancaster Pilot's Rites of Passage, Paperback / softback Book

Flying in Defiance of the Reich : A Lancaster Pilot's Rites of Passage Paperback / softback

Paperback / softback

Only a few left - usually despatched within 24 hours

Description

This is the vivid memoir of a young man who served with both Coastal Command and Bomber Command throughout the Second World War.

Having joined the RAFVR before the war, Peter Russell was mobilised in August 1939 and, after training, became operational with Coastal Command's 233 Squadron flying Lockheed Hudsons from Leuchars, Aldergrove and St Eval in Britain's battle for survival in the Atlantic. After fourteen months Peter was rested and tasked with training navigators for the impending enlargement of Bomber Command.

In 1944 he joined 625 Squadron flying Lancasters against targets in Germany and Occupied Europe.

Russell took command of B' Flight and was promoted to squadron leader.

His memories of the many raids, his crew and operational flying during this period until the end of the war are gripping recounted in Flying in Defiance of the Reich. After the German surrender, Peter headed for the Far East, joining Shield Force which was tasked with conducting a strategic night bombing offensive against the Japanese mainland.

However, before it could become operational the war was brought to an abrupt conclusion with the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Peter's unit was, therefore, redirected to relieve Hong Kong, in which the RAF undertook a purely land operation.

The final chapters give a unique insight into how Japanese military rule was replaced, once again, by British law and order.

Information

Other Formats

Save 13%

£14.99

£12.99

Only a few left - usually despatched within 24 hours
Add to Basket
Sign in to add to wishlist
 
Free Home Delivery

on all orders

 
Pick up orders

from local bookshops

Information