Wild Blue Yonder: Glory Days of the U.S. 8th Air Force in England [Hardcover]

Martin W. Bowman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 2003 | Series: Cassell Military Trade Books

Lavishly illustrated, this fascinating and entertaining volume transports you back in time to hear firsthand accounts culled from hundreds of diaries, letters, and interviews with veterans. These are the captivating stories of the American airmen and British civilians and service personnel of World War II. In 1942, when the U.S. forces arrived in England, the young Americans were puzzled, amazed, and exasperated by the mysteries of British speech, food, manners--and plumbing, and the British were equally surprised by American ways. From decorated pilots to British civilians who, as children, were entertained on U.S. bases, come stories of comic cultural misunderstanding and terrifying bomber missions over Germany. This unique adventure celebrates the courage and spirit of the U.S. 8th Air Force and the friends they made in Britain.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Martin Bowman was interviewed on BBC Radio Norfolk's afternoon show on 25th March 2003. 'In 1942, the first American GIs arrived in war-torn Britain, andthe scene was set for a cultural collision between the Yanks - "oversexed, overpaid and over here" - and the natives, with their strange fondness for warm beer and cricket. This beautiful book combines the stories of the US bombercrews (facing German fighters and London prostitutes) with a colection of fantastic photographs - nose art, nudes and B-17s galore, superb.' Dave Sutton,JACK magazine, June 2003 Wild Blue Yonder was reviewed in AIRCRAFT ILLUSTRATE

About the Author

Martin Bowman's interest in World War Two and contemporary British and US aviation was fired by the proliferation of US and RAF air bases in his native East Anglia. This book is based on thirty years' research, which began during his teens. Since then his quest has taken him to all parts of the world, to 21 countries, including the USA, Africa, Australia and Russia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Cassell (April 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0304364665
• ISBN-13: 978-0304364664
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,142,987 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The personal sories of everyday life in the UK during WWII, May 5, 2003

By 

"limeybj" (NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wild Blue Yonder: Glory Days of the U.S. 8th Air Force in England (Hardcover)

The book focuses on a rarely touched on topic of everyday life in wartime England from the American GI's to the British local's point of view. With stunning new colour photographs never before seen, Martin takes us back in time to an era when the Yanks were "over-paid, over-sexed and over-here" We read accounts of what life was really like off battlefields during R&R in such cities as London, Cambridge and Edingburgh. We visit such airfields as Wendling home of the 392nd BG, Shipdham, Thorpe Abbots and many more. Includes stunning 'Wall Art' photos that reflect a era long since gone. Many people have contibuted with diary extracts, poems, photographs and recollections of an era long gone. A 'must have' for anybody having an interest in this period of time.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars tame but enjoyable, April 17, 2006

By 

Michael N. Ryan (Bel AIr, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wild Blue Yonder: Glory Days of the U.S. 8th Air Force in England (Hardcover)

I found a copy of this book on sale and quickly purchased it after reading a few pages.

It is quite the joy in its insightful coverage of the life of american airmen of the 8th airforce and those who knew them in Britain. Also covers their missions and the fate of those shot down.

A must have for those interested in this peticular part of history as well as those interested in this period.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vignettes of the 8th AF in England and At War!, May 10, 2006

By 

Michael OConnor "Wordsmith" (Wausau, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wild Blue Yonder: Glory Days of the U.S. 8th Air Force in England (Hardcover)

Some years ago author Martin Bowman published BATTLES WITH THE LUFTWAFFE, a battle history of the 8th Air Force at war. This book gives us the rest of the story, the story of the 8th AF in England and its impact on the English people and culture and vice versa.

Though Bowman includes several chapters on 8th AF combat operations, the bulk of the book consists of reminiscences by 8th AF vets and English men and women on the 8th AF arriving in England, first encounters, English vs. American language and customs, wartime romances, American impressions of London, etc. Most of the reminiscences are fairly brief but poignant nevertheless. The narrative is complemented by black & white and color photos from the 1940s and present day shots.

It's all very sweet and affectionate; a nice, nostalgic memory book of simpler times when ordinary men and women accomplished extraordinary things - despite the language barrier!