Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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!