Hornchurch Offensive: The Definitive Account of the RAF Fighter Airfield, Its Pilots, Groundcrew and Staff: Volume Two: 1941 to the Airfield [Hardcover]

Richard C. Smith (Author), Peter Brown (Introduction), Michael Donnet (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2001

Volume Two of this study of an airfield and its pilots starts just after the Battle of Britain when Hornchurch was at the forefront in taking the fight to the enemy, being heavily involved in the Sweeps and Circuses of 1941. Next came the Dieppe raid in 1942 by which time Hornchurch was truly international with Czechs, Belgians, French and New Zealanders all flying from there. Action was continuous and famous characters abound, people like Harry Broadhurst and Paddy Finucane, and as with the first book, the author is particularly adept at expressing their views, experiences and recollections. Other events during the war where the base was predominant include the audacious German Channel Dash, Operation "Starkey" with the Americans, forming Mobile Radar Units for D-Day, and countering the V-1 menace. Post-war it served as an Air Crew Selection Centre, from 1948-1956, and thousands of people passed through, some famous like Max Bygraves and Norman Tebbit, who tell their stories. With numerous photographs from private collections, this second volume maintains the standard of the first to give the complete history through the eyes of those who were there.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'Attention to detail is apparent. One aspect which lifts it from similar histories, is the human side, which makes it all the more appealing and lifelike.' Wingspan 'It is such an important part of our history and the book features many spectacular first-hand accounts of life at the aerodrome.' Romford Recorder 'Copious listings of units, station commanders, squadron commanders, pilots and aircrew all add to its reference value.' Flypast"

Product Details

• Hardcover: 210 pages
• Publisher: Grub Street (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1902304799
• ISBN-13: 978-1902304793
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,361,976 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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