
Five of the Many
Survivors of the Bomber Command Offensive from the Battle of Britain to Victory Tell Their Story
Steve Darlow(Author)
Grub Street Publishing
Published on 1. October 2007
Book
Hardback
978-1-904943-98-3 (ISBN)
Description
"Five of the Many" follows the fascinating exploits of five of RAF Bomber Command's distinguished airmen. The enthralling stories of Wellington pilot Rupert Cooling, Wellington and Mosquito pilot Jack Goodman, Halifax pilot Joe Petrie-Andrews, Lancaster pilot Tony Iveson and Halifax and Mosquito navigator Harry Hughes transport the reader into the intensity of the bomber battle over western Europe. Collectively, these men help thwart German invasion plans in 1940, and counter the U-boats on the seas and in the factories. They hinder German military industrial production, taking part in some of the most devastating raids in history. They counter the development and deployment of German V-weapons and fly deep into hostile airspace to attack the heart of Germany, Berlin. They clear the way for the Normandy landings and blast the German reinforcement of the battle area. They indulge in special ops, including sinking the Tirpitz, and they directly support the land advances to Germany and disrupt enemy supply lines during the German Ardennes offensive. These men survive the attrition of Bomber Command's devastating and uncompromising campaign. 55,500 of their colleagues did not.
Rupert, Jack, Joe, Tony and Harry come close to oblivion on numerous occasions, buffeted by flak, exposed in searchlights, combating enemy nightfighters, flying lame aircraft on to the target and then home, with wounded colleagues aboard, even ditching in the sea. Their stories are a fitting tribute to the youthfulness of the many, the skill of the many, the determination of the many and the sheer guts of the many. Bomber Command's motto required its airmen to 'Strike Hard, Strike Sure'. These five special men did just that, fighting hard, flying sure, along the flightpath to victory in Europe.
Rupert, Jack, Joe, Tony and Harry come close to oblivion on numerous occasions, buffeted by flak, exposed in searchlights, combating enemy nightfighters, flying lame aircraft on to the target and then home, with wounded colleagues aboard, even ditching in the sea. Their stories are a fitting tribute to the youthfulness of the many, the skill of the many, the determination of the many and the sheer guts of the many. Bomber Command's motto required its airmen to 'Strike Hard, Strike Sure'. These five special men did just that, fighting hard, flying sure, along the flightpath to victory in Europe.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Illustrations
black & white illustrations, maps
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-904943-98-3 (9781904943983)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Steve Darlow
Five of the Many
Survivors of the Bomber Command Offensive from the Battle of Britain to Victory Tell their Story
E-Book
02/2021
Grub Street Publishing
€18.18
Available for download