Inevitably, a number of myths sprang up around the B-29 and the author has put the record straight by using primary source documentation. This is a nicely written account of one of the major steps in aircraft design that has received less than its due in recognition because the Pacific air war has not achieved the coverage of the European campaign and the introduction of jet aircraft has captured the imagination more strongly, leaving the B-29 as an inbetweener coming after the famous Lancaster and the B-17 and B-24 bombers. The author has provided readable text from careful research and this has been further enhanced by adding a large number of photographs and drawings in illustration of the text. This is a book that no aviation enthusiast should miss.
Monthly Archives: September 2012
Lightning Eject, The Dubious Safety Record of Britain’s Only Supersonic Fighter
English Electric was an interesting aircraft company known only for the world beating Canberra jet bomber and the Lightning Super-Sonic Fighter. The Canberra was the first reliable jet bomber and proved to have a very long service life. It was used by the RAF and the USAF, with license-built modified machines being built in the US by Martin. The Canberra was a great export success, suggesting what might have been had the Lightning not been delayed by the politicians.
The Armed Rovers, Beauforts and Beaufighters Over the Mediterranean
The author has addressed an area of WWII history that had received little previous coverage. He has done this very capably and used some excellent photographic illustration in photo plate sections.
This is a gripping account of the very successful anti-shipping operations by RAF aircraft in the Mediterranean during WWII.
Fortress Kent, The Guardian of England
The author has done a commendable job in tracing the history of fortifications in Kent. The question with a book such as this is “where to start?”, closely followed by “how much detail?” At first glance, this is a comprehensive study. After reading through the book, a number of omissions can be observed and the level of detail varies, which is entirely understandable when such a wide historical period is covered. Each reader may see further omissions, depending on the level of their knowledge of the subject. Early history also produces perceptions of omissions because much of this period is currently going through one of the periodic re-evaluations as new archaeological discovery questions earlier assumptions and beliefs.
Short Sunderland, The ‘Flying Porcupines’ in the Second World War
The author logged flights on over seventy Sunderlands, largely air tests of machines delivered from the factories in Belfast and Windermere. This practical intimacy with the aircraft has helped him to write the definitive book on this great flying boat. He has included details of Sunderland operations into Berlin in 1948 during the Berlin Airlift. He has also included detailed appendices to provide a comprehensive record of the Sunderland and its operation in war and peace.
Operation Market Garden, Arnhem, Battle of the Woods
The BHTV team is responsible for producing some fine battlefield documentaries, using a number of former soldiers, battlefield guides and military historians who work well together, their skills complementing each other, to produce an authoritative account of the major battles and campaigns of the last two hundred years and earlier. This DVD in the Operation Market Garden series is well up to the high standard BHTV has set in its other DVDs.
Ypres, The Immortal Salient, 1917-1918
As the second DVD in a new series, it is impossible to know how the series will shape up but, if this DVD is an fair indication, this will be a compelling series that explores the battlefields of the Western Front.
Betrayal
This latest book in the series, following the fortunes of the Kydd and Renzi characters, is also available as an eBook. The author has already broken the mould for fictional stories set in the Nelsonian era by striking out into the rush for Empire era that was to become the strong feature of the Victorian age.
Military Aviation Disasters, Significant Losses Since 1908, Second Edition
This second edition has extended the coverage from 1999 to 2009 but follows the format of the first edition. Colour is only used for the covers. Each entry includes black and white photographs and/or drawings – this is a most detailed record of military aviation losses and will be greatly appreciated by aviation professionals and enthusiasts. It also provides an excellent source book for risk management professionals. In view of the recommended price, this book is outstanding value and the excellent selection of photographs and drawings will make this an attractive book for a much wider audience.
Wombles still Wombling, Cameron Still Dithering
Having promised to stop dithering, British Prime Minister dithers again and again.