Customer Reviews

8th Air Force at War: Memories and Missions, England 1942-45

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This book is a patchwork of recollection, snippet size in most cases, that combines to form a vibrant quilt portraying the fabric that was the lives of the US airmen of the 8th Air Force in combat and in daily contact with the *friendly - yet foreign* English countrymen and women. Instead of a history telling of targets attacked and planes lost, it offers a personal recollection of the 8th AF airmen's war years, in quips and quotes, in terms of adopted english families, english lads, lasses, and the sights of London; of trains, planes and lorries; of the fears of flying combat; of sweating out the return of your guys; of the job that had to be done. Very Well Done!

I recently bought the used 1994 edition of this work and it's a superb collection of stories taken from those who witnessed the events of those times. My father was in Europe during the war, wounded twice in France and Belgium, but he died young and spoke little of the war. I have since met many who took part, from pilots and crewmen, to paratroopers and tankers --- both American and German. This is the type of book that best portrays the drama, personal observations, humor and thoughts of those who experienced that immense conflict. Bowman, who has taken up the excellent writing regarding the 8th from the master, Roger Freeman, has produced many quality works, many of which are in my collection. I have visited many of the former airfields in England, and books like this provide desireable information to enhance future trips to that area. This book also has comments from many of the English people who resided near the base. It is an excellent compilation that is intimate in detail, and endeavors to transport the reader to those days, when it was quite clear who the 'good guys' were and what needed to be accomplished to end the most destructive war in human history. Highly recommended, and a great reference! Also, recommend books by the English author Ian McLachlan, who grew up near these airfields and has many personal accounts that are well done.