The book, published by Pen & Sword Air World, cannot be missing on the shelves of any aviation enthusiast of the Second World War because it describes an unusual experience in a little known war theater.
Read the full Italian review [link=https://oldbarbedwire.blogspot.com/2020/10/thunderbolts-over-burma-pilots-war.html?m=0]here[/link]
On The Old Barbed Wire
The book, published by Pen & Sword Air World, cannot be missing on the shelves of any aviation enthusiast of the Second World War because it describes an unusual experience in a little known war theater.
Read the full Italian review [link=https://oldbarbedwire.blogspot.com/2020/10/thunderbolts-over-burma-pilots-war.html?m=0]here[/link]
On The Old Barbed Wire
[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars
Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. I never read such a story. From the German point of view it tells a tale I didnt know existed. The early war years are descibed and what drove Germany to war. The news he tells is not what I learned in any history book.. That said the action and details given made me feel like I was there in the cockpit dueling with American and British planes. The luck and bravery of this man cannot be doubted after reading his story. The shear number of kills by Knoke proves his flying skill and cunning. One very remarkable piece of history I took away from this book was the use of air to air bombs by the Germans during the war. I never ever heard of this but they dropped bombs that exploded in mid air against the bomber formations. This book is anything but boring . If you want to read a military tale from the German side of the war this book will not hold back.
NetGalley, Patrick Carmen
[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars
Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. I never read such a story. From the German point of view it tells a tale I didnt know existed. The early war years are descibed and what drove Germany to war. The news he tells is not what I learned in any history book.. That said the action and details given made me feel like I was there in the cockpit dueling with American and British planes. The luck and bravery of this man cannot be doubted after reading his story. The shear number of kills by Knoke proves his flying skill and cunning. One very remarkable piece of history I took away from this book was the use of air to air bombs by the Germans during the war. I never ever heard of this but they dropped bombs that exploded in mid air against the bomber formations. This book is anything but boring . If you want to read a military tale from the German side of the war this book will not hold back.
NetGalley, Patrick Carmen
Sutton’s observations on everything from the politics of the Spanish civil war to the social barriers in the wardroom are fascinating. The account of the turmoil caused by insensitive handling of the Invergordon mutiny and its subsequent impact on Sutton personally and the Navy’s approach to divisional matters are a good insight into contemporary naval life. There are also some good photos from Sutton’s own albums. I enjoyed the book.
Warship World
Sutton’s observations on everything from the politics of the Spanish civil war to the social barriers in the wardroom are fascinating. The account of the turmoil caused by insensitive handling of the Invergordon mutiny and its subsequent impact on Sutton personally and the Navy’s approach to divisional matters are a good insight into contemporary naval life. There are also some good photos from Sutton’s own albums. I enjoyed the book.
Warship World
So, in conclusion I’ve decided it would be wrong to even try to categorise Steve Ladd’s memoirs. Rather I’d just like to summarise them. They are an insight into the life of someone who did a job I could never imagine doing, written by “one of the good guys” - a man of wit, compassion, courage, loyalty, sense of duty and patriotism that it would be lovely, but brave, to aspire to. Please do try and get hold of a copy of this book for yourself or anyone you know - reading it is a joyful education in so many ways.
Read the full review [link=https://phantomtowarthog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Click-here-for-Andy-Frasers-Review-of-Phantom-to-Warthog.pdf]here[/link]
Andy Fraser
So, in conclusion I’ve decided it would be wrong to even try to categorise Steve Ladd’s memoirs. Rather I’d just like to summarise them. They are an insight into the life of someone who did a job I could never imagine doing, written by “one of the good guys” - a man of wit, compassion, courage, loyalty, sense of duty and patriotism that it would be lovely, but brave, to aspire to. Please do try and get hold of a copy of this book for yourself or anyone you know - reading it is a joyful education in so many ways.
Read the full review [link=https://phantomtowarthog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Click-here-for-Andy-Frasers-Review-of-Phantom-to-Warthog.pdf]here[/link]
Andy Fraser
Robertson’s account of his own career is precise, elegant and fun... [i]Fighters in the Blood[/i] adds a unique twist to the standard autobiographical form, which is a ‘must read’
Gp Capt JR (Jim) Beldon MBE RAF
Robertson’s account of his own career is precise, elegant and fun... [i]Fighters in the Blood[/i] adds a unique twist to the standard autobiographical form, which is a ‘must read’
Gp Capt JR (Jim) Beldon MBE RAF
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On Laughter-Silvered Wings
This is the thoroughly researched account of the life and times of a South African WW2 pilot, the author's father, Ted. It is highly personal, drawing on family history and changing lifestyles as the central figure fights his way through a series of experiences, flying coastal strike missions in the Mediterranean and North Africa, then in the Far East… Read more...
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Alan Bristow: Helicopter Pioneer
Alan Bristow, founder of Bristow Helicopters, died seven days after completing his autobiography. He was a truly remarkable man; his full-page obituary was published in The Times and The Daily Telegraph. As a merchant navy officer cadet during the war Bristow survived two sinkings, played a part in the evacuation of Rangoon and was credited with shooting… Read more...
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Back Bearings
Eric Cropper's RAF career started in 1943 and ended in 1968. It covered a period when the navigation of aircraft changed from astro, dead reckoning and drift bearings all plotted by pencil on charts, to press-button radio and satellite information that can instantly pinpoint a position anywhere on the planet to within 5 metres. The then vital skills… Read more...
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Gunther Pluschow
Gunther Plüschow of the German Imperial Navy holds a unique place in history - during the First World War he was the only German prisoner of war ever to escape from the British mainland and make it all the way back to the Fatherland. Yet, although his daring break for freedom in 1915 is astonishing in its own right, Plüschow was much more than simply… Read more...
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Alone I Fly
After several years at sea, Sgt Bill Bailey arrived in Cairo in 1942 as a new recruit to the RAF, hoping to fulfill his ambition to fly bombers. Within hours of his arrival he is sent on his first bombing mission as second pilot in a 104 Squadron Wellington. The aircraft was hit by enemy gunfire and suffered continual loss of altitude as it struggled… Read more...
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Private Beatson's War
Until recently James Beatson was one of the millions of forgotten soldiers of the Great War. But after 90 years his diary has been rediscovered, perfectly preserved, and his story can now be told. It is a moving, intensely personal and beautifully written narrative by an extraordinary young man who witnessed one of the darkest episodes in European… Read more...
In 1968 a group of young people took over a derelict trouser factory in a rundown part of Leeds and set about producing programmes that were to define the British television world of the late 20th Century. These included the investigative documentary series First Tuesday, Darling Buds of May, Whickers World, Dont Ask Me and Heartbeat. At the same time… Read more...
