Customer Reviews

Tail-End Charlies: The Last Battles of the Bomber War, 1944--45

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an excellent book covering the bomber war over Europe in the final two years of World War II. It is authored by two more recent RAF veterans and the book is simply outstanding.

The first part of the book talks about the experience of being in the bombers as they raided Nazi occupied Europe. It relies heavily on first person accounts, which make the reading fascinating. Everything is woven together to give a sense of training, flying, and dying in the bombers of Bomber Command and the Eighth Air Force.

The first part is based more on selected topics - on the experience itself. The second part of the book turns to operations from D-Day to the end of the war, including an excellent treatment on the controversy surrounding the decision to bomb Dresden.

The book tries to discuss both the British and American experience of the bomber war and while it relates experiences that both nationalities would probably share, it does focus more on Bomber Command than it does on the Eighth. This is in itself though is interesting as I knew little of the British experience and have been impressed by their resolve in prosecuting the war for so many years.

This is a great book to read - hard to put it down. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about the final years of the strategic bombing of Germany and are interested in the experiences of the average Allied airman.

The best book on the history of World War II that I've read in a long time.

The title has three meanings:

1. It can refer to the gunner at the back of a bomber. The Brits called these people 'Rear Gunners.' The Yanks used the term 'Tail Gunner.' It's the most dangerous position in the plane.

2. The last plane in the formation. This was more true in the American Combat Box than in British usage. This position is difficult to hold because it is at the end of a string and every move by the lead ship propagates irregularily through the formation. It is also more dangerous as enemy fighters can attack this ship more easily since there aren't so many guns pointing that direction.

3. It can refer to the bombing missions near the end of the war.

This splendid book covers all three of these meanings. In addition it does an excellent job of discussing the power and importance of air power in the defeat of Germany.

I often read about others that say they "can't put the book down because it is soooooooooooooo captivating". Well, "Tail-end Charlies" did that to me. What a super read. A dose of history and a dose of personal perspectives all in one. It is also an objective perspective relating to "Butch" Harris. Don't pass this one up.

This is not an account of the whole European bomber offensive but that last 6 - 9 months, and although it covers both US daylight and RAF night offensive it is largly weighted towards the RAF Experience (which it should be if you consider the Tons Dropped and the losses suffered). However I reccomend this book because it is one of the few which tries to provide a accurate assessment of the events at the time without the benefit of hindsight, and avoids the revisionist approach of condemation of the events and the men. It gives a very fair analysis and perspective relating to "Bomber" Harris. and highlights the disgusting postwar treatment and abandonment of the Veterans of Bomber Command, by the British Government

During the final 2 years of the war, Allied bombing raids over Germany had increased to include well over 1,000 planes. Harassed by German fighters and flak, these brave British and American airmen risked their lives to carry their bombs to the target. This fine book describes in great detail the story of these brave men.

The first part of the book describes the events leading up to the D-Day invasion. The horrible destruction of Hamburg is discussed, along with the first thousand bomber raids against Berlin. The story of the crews is vividly brought to life. These brave men climbed into their Lancasters, B-24s and B-17s with monotonous regularity, each time hoping to escape death. Many did, but some didn't. At the beginning of the bomber campaign, a crew was eligible to go home after completing 25 missions. However, this number was steadily increased until the number reached 40. It was not uncommon for men to lose their lives during their last mission.

The second part of the book discusses the events after D-Day to the final German surrender. An entire chapter is devoted to the attack on Dresden, which cost upwards of 30,000 German lives. A terrific firestorm broke out which virtually eliminated the entire city, and some wondered if this bombing could have been considered a war crime.

A recurring theme throughout the book was the concept of precision vs. area bombing. The British, led by Sir Arthur Harris, preferred area bombing, which would target an entire city and the surrounding area. On the other hand, the Americans concentrated on precision bombing, or hitting a specific target within a city. Much controversy waged over these conflicting theories, and this book does a good job of describing each tactic.

I've read several books about the bomber war, and I rate this book as one of the best. The first-person accounts of pilots and crew members adds to the realism and accuracy of the story. The various battles are described in such a way that the reader can get a real feel for how the actual action really was. Finally, the authors pull no punches in describing the horrible losses and casualties resulting from bombings and dogfights among aircraft.

I give this fine book my highest recommendation. This is a must-read for fans of the bomber war.

Wonderful, moving, heartrending stories of these heroes and their courage in the face of the most formidable odds.Finished the book in no time and reread many of the incredible stories to my family aloud.
We can never repay them.
Bless'em all.

Great read. My son is reading now. You get a new appreciation for what these young men did in WW II.
The author relates so many great previously untold stories. As this generation of people passes, this book will become more important to tell their story.

Highly recommend that this be added to every library. It is a gripping recount, both well-balanced and highly focused in nature. A must-read for every generation! We all need to understand what these brave men of the combined allied air forces had to go through to protect the freedom that we now enjoy. The chapter recounting the bombing of Dresden is the best I've read, balancing both sides of the argument but always trying to bring the reader back to what the world was facing at that time without the bias of hindsight that revisionism tends to overlook! One of the best of the genre. A must read!

My husband is a die-hard history buff and says this is by far one of the best books he's ever read!

This is the best book I have read on the World War II bombing campaign over Europe. I almost feel as if I had been a crew member aboard a B-17 or Lancaster. As I progressed through the pages, I could hear the shrapnel hitting the planes and the screams of the wounded. I could feel the shock of a parachute opening, and I could see the burning cities down below. "Tail-End Charlies" feels as real as having cold water thrown in your face.

I would like to thank the British and American crew members who flew those dangerous missions over Europe. You helped to defeat an evil power and to end World War II. May your sacrifices be remembered and appreciated.