Leviton

The RAF Pathfinders: Bomber Command's Elite Squadrons by Martyn Chorlton NEW

Description: The RAF Pathfinders: Bomber Command's Elite Squadrons by Martyn Chorlton NEW The formation of the Pathfinder Force in August 1942 produced a steady but certain change in the fortunes of Bomber Command. Its effectiveness against targets during the early years of the war had been very difficult to gauge. When examined in detail afterwards, aerial photographs showed that only one third of the aircraft were successfully reaching their target area and less than this were actually placing their bombs with target accuracy. It was known during the large-scale bombing of Coventry in the autumn of 1940 that the Germans had used an elite force of pathfinder aircraft, armed with incendiaries, who had acted as target finders for the main force of German bombers. What was now needed for the RAF were some similar specialist squadrons, with crews handpicked for their discipline, courage, high morale and, in particular, skills in a wider than normal range of flying jobs. Sidney Bufton, Deputy Director of Bomber Operations, developed the concept of a new Target Finding Force, and his tenacity in putting pressure upon senior Air Ministry staff to implement his ideas and bring Bomber Command out of the doldrums paid off. The new force was finally accepted and the choice of Don Bennett as its first Commander was inspired. Bennett was restless, imaginative, and receptive to change. He never accepted second best and he became a legend to all who served under him. Pathfinder Squadrons were equipped with the best available aircraft, which included the famous Lancaster bomber and later, increasingly, the Mosquito which was a hugely versatile and successful fighter bomber. Would be aircrew for the RAF came as volunteers from all parts of the world including Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand. To join a Pathfinder Squadron was a rare privilege but with it went a huge leap in the likelihood of being shot down. Pathfinder aircrew and aircraft had to lead the way for their following Bomber Force in hazardous raid after raid. They flew at night but it took a full 25 minutes to run the gauntlet of the Berlin defences from end to end at full stretch. They were highly vulnerable to the wall of flak thrown up by German city defenders, as well as to attacks by night-fighters. By the end of the war some 56,000 crewmen of Bomber Command had lost their lives. Martyn Chorlton has written a gripping account of the RAF's Pathfinder Squadrons, recalling the challenges faced in the smoke-filled skies over occupied Europe. It is also a tribute to the brave young men whose exploits, lives and, in all too many cases, deaths have left a powerful torch to bear for all who care about freedom. The book carries a moving foreward by Michael Wadsworth, Chaplain to the Pathfinders Association.

Price: 13.2 GBP

Location: Manchester

End Time: 2025-01-23T12:19:11.000Z

Shipping Cost: 24.09 GBP

Product Images

The RAF Pathfinders: Bomber Command

Item Specifics

Return postage will be paid by: Buyer

Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted

After receiving the item, your buyer should cancel the purchase within: 30 days

Number of Pages: 192 Pages

Language: English

Publication Name: The Raf Pathfinders: Bomber Command's Elite Squadrons

Publisher: Countryside Books

Publication Year: 2012

Subject: Government, History

Item Height: 231 mm

Type: Textbook

Author: Martyn Chorlton

Series: Aviation

Item Width: 163 mm

Format: Paperback

Recommended

WWII RAF - The Few - Waiting for the Next Sortie - 5 Figure Set
WWII RAF - The Few - Waiting for the Next Sortie - 5 Figure Set

$23.79

View Details
The RAF Officers Cap Beret Badge Original Free P&P
The RAF Officers Cap Beret Badge Original Free P&P

$12.80

View Details
The RAF at 100: A Century in Photographs by Mirrorpix Book The Fast Free
The RAF at 100: A Century in Photographs by Mirrorpix Book The Fast Free

$6.90

View Details
THE RAF - A Pictorial History, Bruce Robertson, 1st UK  HBdj  VG
THE RAF - A Pictorial History, Bruce Robertson, 1st UK HBdj VG

$7.50

View Details
The Eagle Squadrons : Yanks in the RAF, 1940-1942 Hardcover Vern
The Eagle Squadrons : Yanks in the RAF, 1940-1942 Hardcover Vern

$6.18

View Details
RAF: The Birth of the Worlds First Air Force - Hardcover - GOOD
RAF: The Birth of the Worlds First Air Force - Hardcover - GOOD

$4.08

View Details
Right of the Line: The Role of the RAF in World War Two
Right of the Line: The Role of the RAF in World War Two

$22.07

View Details
Operation Chastise: The RAF's Most Brilliant Attack of World War II
Operation Chastise: The RAF's Most Brilliant Attack of World War II

$8.49

View Details
Caribbean Volunteers at War: The Forgotten Story of the RAF's 'Tuskegee Airmen'
Caribbean Volunteers at War: The Forgotten Story of the RAF's 'Tuskegee Airmen'

$1.19

View Details
The NA MITCHELL - The RAF in the FE, the NEIAF & the RAAF (Squadrons! #69)
The NA MITCHELL - The RAF in the FE, the NEIAF & the RAAF (Squadrons! #69)

$12.50

View Details