This book is far more than a bomber pilot's biography and provides a fascinating insight into Bomber Command. There is much here that was new to me including the bombing of other dams later in the war and even the discussions had as to whether to attempt the bombing of Auschwitz. A truly fascinating read that I read in just a few sittings and one that I most definitely would recommend to all. Read the full review [link=https://historybookchat.blogspot.com/2025/04/group-captain-john-joe-collier.html]here[/link]
History Book Chat

“As the story progresses, the reader observes Gentile and Godfrey’s paths converge as warriors, occasional wingmen, and, later, close friends.”
The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation - Spring 2025

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars Among the very many accounts of the Second World War this book stands out and deserves to be widely read, not just because it sheds light on a little known fighting force that played a vital - if unsung - role in protecting the better known fighting formations from aerial attack, but also because of the light it sheds on an aspect of social history that reflects badly on the ‘land of the free’. It’s not the reviewer’s job to summarise the account of Samuel de Korte over the part played by the 452nd AAA, or the wider discrimination experienced by black US servicemen in WW2; the details are set out clearly in the text. However, suffice to say that this book serves to highlight the casual and destructive attitude in the discrimination exhibited by many white servicemen at all levels and in all branches of the armed services. De Korte also takes the reader on a journey through training and eventual deployment of the battalion in the ETO. If this reviewer’s.. Read more
NetGalley, Kevin Manley

Allied Bombers: B-17 Flying Fortress Series Australia, New Guinea and the Solomons 1942-1944 brings us to the 16th volume in the excellent series from Avonmore Books, distributed here in the UK via Script Books Military. A 124-page soft-cover book. This covers the use of the B-17 from bases in Australia and the Pacific region, all E and F models, from early in the war in the Pacific through to 1944, when they were replaced with B-24s. It starts with a chapter on Markings and Technical Details and then there is a chapter on each of the 18 bombardment squadrons, along with 3 reconnaissance squadrons, split over 4 Bombardment Groups. At the end of the book are sections on Armed Transports and aircraft used by senior commanders, including 'Bataan' used by Douglas MacArthur. Each chapter has some basic history of each unit, along with the individual details on the 107 individual colour profiles that are spread throughout the book, along with plenty of archive photos. Lots of interesting stories.. Read more
Military Model Scene

In the desperate early days of the Pacific War when the Japanese onslaught presented a genuine threat to Australia a project was set in train to develop an indigenous fighter against the potential disruption in supply from Britian and the US. Based on the two-seat Wirraway the appropriately named Boomerang flew just six months after the initial concept. The first half of this beautifully produced and well-illustrated account covers the development and testing of this fighter before moving onto its operational service. Initially deployed as a fighter in defence of western and northern Australia, the ‘Boomer’ had the misfortune to arrive just as significant numbers of Spitfires had arrived that were immeasurably superior fighters. However, the rugged and reliable aircraft was issued to two army co-operation squadrons that saw intensive service in the tropical skies of New Guinea and Bougainville. In the most arduous conditions, its manoeuvrability and robustness were greatly appreciated.. Read more
Andrew Thomas - Author and Historian