Aviation Books to read

[Blackcat1]

Hazard Spectrum by Nathan Gray is an interesting read, halfway through it at the mo and enjoying it. About his life as a Harrier pilot and then an exchange pilot with the USN.

[roughcutter]

Dreamland; The Secret History of Area 51 - Peter W. Merlin (Schiffer), Has just landed on my doorstep (Amazon - £48.42). Let's just say this is a very, very big intense tome of a book!

Sounds good something that would interest me, but how much of it is true if it's all so secret? Let us know what you think when you have read it.

Apparently the author of this book - Peter Merlin has a lot of credibility in Aerospace journalism. His latest piece of work is the cumulation of thirty years research on Area 51 (his pet subject). He tells how it really is, warts & all and debunks all the myths & bull. Although I have yet to read this book, it's currently sat on the shelf for now, I was persuaded to take a punt, by the glowing reports of the many reviewers, amongst whom included none other than Chris Pocock (Dragon Lady). And if this is good enough for Chris, then it's good enough for me

Also, check out the 100% Amazon reviews (if you do take the plunge, whatever you do - don't drop it on your toe! )

[Mustang531]

Went to the Aviation Bookshop in Tunbridge Wells today (other bookshops are available) and picked up the latest Wrecks & Relics, the 29th Edition. It's the last one to be edited by Ken Ellis. It's fifty years since he compiled the 4th Edition, his first one. There is a new editor lined up for the next edition, due in 2026.

[Archer]

Went to the Aviation Bookshop in Tunbridge Wells today (other bookshops are available) ...

I'm sure there are.... but they're not as good!

I'm sure Mosquito by Rowland White has been mentioned before... but I've just started reading it and it is as enjoyable as his other books.

[cat1]

Hazard Spectrum by Nathan Gray is an interesting read, halfway through it at the mo and enjoying it. About his life as a Harrier pilot and then an exchange pilot with the USN.

A really good read!

[Freeman Lowell]

My first holiday read this year was Fate is the Hunter by Ernest K. Gann, first published in 1961. It's the story of his life flying prop-liners in the 1930s through' 1950's. Don't be put off by the 'wordy' first few pages because it turns into a real page turner in the true sense. The margin between life and death in so many instances reads to be incredibly small. Small wonder that so many of the his fellow pilots didn't survive. Put this one on your bookshelf.


Now, is it me, or do coincidences seem to come by more frequently when you've reached the age that the bus drivers say 'you're tw'early' when you try and use your freshly minted OAP pass before 9am?

I've just finished the second book that I took on holiday to read between my morning constitutional, to the airport and back, and the trip to the beach bar. The first was Harrier 809 by Rowland White, whilst the second was Country Doctor by Dr Michael Sparrow. Why am I mentioning the second book? Well, by one of those amazing coincidences both books make reference to Bob Iveson, the RAF pilot shot down and captured during the Falklands War.
Both books are good reads. The latter, for it’s hilarious anecdotes, whilst the former for it’s level of detail. You’d think that there were only so many books that you can read on the Falklands War without going over the same ground but that’s not the case. Just like listening to Rear Admiral Chris Perry at Yeovilton, the other year, recalling the exploits of Humphrey in the South Atlantic - I had never heard before that they had launched a torpedo at a Soviet sub - there’s always more to the story.
Rowland White makes Harrier 809 (I’m almost ashamed to say, because he is writing about life and death encounters) a gripping read and, also, a very well balanced account as he describes the professionalism of pilots and servicemen on both sides. The book adds a wealth of knowledge without labouring over well recounted issues. Look yourself out a copy.
Freeman

[roughcutter]

Paul Beaver's book; 'Winkle' is now retailing on Amazon Kindle for £5.99.

[Blackcat1]

Just finished reading confessions of a flying instructor by Tug Wilson . Thoroughly enjoyed it , even though he comes over a little bit arrogant! Hes got that right , he's a pilot! & a pretty cool guy

[Jaydawg73]

Has anyone bought copies of the five books titled Battle of Britain Combat Archive, by Simon W Parry?

I ask as I have the first three, covering 10th July-22nd July volume 1, 23rd July-8th August volume 2, and 9th August-13th August volume 3, thete are two further volumes.

I am currently reading Nine Lives, by Alan C Deere, covering his time with 54 squadron during the Battle of Britain and beyond. Now, from this I have come across numerous conflict of events from this book and when cross referenced with Battle of Britain Combat Archive.

Alan C Deere wrote the book from his own log book, so would suggest some degree of accuracy with dates.

Alan C Deere, in his book, tells the story of 54 squadrons time at Hornchurch and their forward operating base at Manston commencing on the 4th of July to about the 13th, then to Catterick for R and R for a few days before then returning to Hornchurch and Manston for the rest of July.

According to Alan's account, 54 squadron had numerous losses and numerous combat claims to their credit during July, including Alan himself been shot down.

None of 54 squadrons missions, claims or losses for the month of July are reported in Simon W Parry's book covering this period in July.

His book seems very thorough and concise, but does seem to be missing some, or a lot of information when cross referenced with other books.

[teeonefixer]

Has anyone bought copies of the five books titled Battle of Britain Combat Archive, by Simon W Parry?

I ask as I have the first three, covering 10th July-22nd July volume 1, 23rd July-8th August volume 2, and 9th August-13th August volume 3, thete are two further volumes.

I am currently reading Nine Lives, by Alan C Deere, covering his time with 54 squadron during the Battle of Britain and beyond. Now, from this I have come across numerous conflict of events from this book and when cross referenced with Battle of Britain Combat Archive.

Alan C Deere wrote the book from his own log book, so would suggest some degree of accuracy with dates.

Alan C Deere, in his book, tells the story of 54 squadrons time at Hornchurch and their forward operating base at Manston commencing on the 4th of July to about the 13th, then to Catterick for R and R for a few days before then returning to Hornchurch and Manston for the rest of July.

According to Alan's account, 54 squadron had numerous losses and numerous combat claims to their credit during July, including Alan himself been shot down.

None of 54 squadrons missions, claims or losses for the month of July are reported in Simon W Parry's book covering this period in July.

His book seems very thorough and concise, but does seem to be missing some, or a lot of information when cross referenced with other books.

My favourite reference is Francis K Masons "Battle over Britain" which contains a day-by-day account. It's years old now and even I have found some additional information. I have tried to reconcile 3 biographies of 92 Sqn pilots (Tuck, Kingcombe and Wellum) but will probably need to look at the Squadron Operational Records.

[Jaydawg73]

I came across a reference to 92 squadron, a while after reading Sir Geoffrey Wellums account, for the life of me I cannot remember the book or author, but I still have it.

The author took command of 92 squadron during the BoB, and described the squadron as very hard to manage, pilots lacking the will to fight and constantly evading combat. A view of 92 squadron certainly not referred to in Sir Geoffrey Wellums account!!

[quid21]

Everyone probably knows about this, but Duxford has a used book shop with literally hundreds if not thousands of books. All at bargain prices. Worth a look if you're there.

[iainpeden]

Everyone probably knows about this, but Duxford has a used book shop with literally hundreds if not thousands of books. All at bargain prices. Worth a look if you're there.

It’s the Duxford Aviation Society shop outside Hangar 5 and also sells kits and other aviation memorabilia. Money raised goes towards the upkeep of the DAS owned airliners; it’s a treasure trove.

[teeonefixer]

I came across a reference to 92 squadron, a while after reading Sir Geoffrey Wellums account, for the life of me I cannot remember the book or author, but I still have it.

The author took command of 92 squadron during the BoB, and described the squadron as very hard to manage, pilots lacking the will to fight and constantly evading combat. A view of 92 squadron certainly not referred to in Sir Geoffrey Wellums account!!

You are possibly referring to Sqn Ldr Bob Stanford Tuck's autobigraphy "Fly for your Life". He was shot down (by a Ju88) on 92 Sqn before they moved to Biggin Hill. When he recovered he was given command of 257 Sqn on Hurricanes who had been through a rough time and Tuck lead them back into action in time for the 15th Sept. battles.

[Jaydawg73]

I came across a reference to 92 squadron, a while after reading Sir Geoffrey Wellums account, for the life of me I cannot remember the book or author, but I still have it.

The author took command of 92 squadron during the BoB, and described the squadron as very hard to manage, pilots lacking the will to fight and constantly evading combat. A view of 92 squadron certainly not referred to in Sir Geoffrey Wellums account!!

You are possibly referring to Sqn Ldr Bob Stanford Tuck's autobigraphy "Fly for your Life". He was shot down (by a Ju88) on 92 Sqn before they moved to Biggin Hill. When he recovered he was given command of 257 Sqn on Hurricanes who had been through a rough time and Tuck lead them back into action in time for the 15th Sept. battles.

Possibly! Not sure I have that book!!! But I may well have! I have so many!!

[Jaydawg73]

Everyone probably knows about this, but Duxford has a used book shop with literally hundreds if not thousands of books. All at bargain prices. Worth a look if you're there.

It’s the Duxford Aviation Society shop outside Hangar 5 and also sells kits and other aviation memorabilia. Money raised goes towards the upkeep of the DAS owned airliners; it’s a treasure trove.

Sywell aviation museum has a similar treasure trove of books and models donated second hand to raise funds to keep the museum afloat. Well worth a visit. Both for the museum and the for sale items and the aerodrome itself. It's a shame The Blades display team no longer exists that were based at Sywell.

[Keillen]

Some really good suggestions here, looks like I’ve got some reading material for atleast the next couple of months now!

[wissam]

I love to recommend Flying under Two Flags by Gordon Levett. His whole story is fascinating - a guy who grew up in poverty in East London who went on to become one of the few officers promoted from the ranks in the RAF in WW2, spent the war as a flying instructor and never saw combat, but ended up becoming one of the first pilots of of the nascent Israeli Air Force, which included ferrying BF-109s and Spitfires from Czechoslovakia via Corsica to Israel in the backs of C-46s and C-47s as well as finally seeing combat in Spitfires. Really great adventures.