Product Description

This text describes the RAF during the European war of 1939-1945. John Terraine shows how the RAF, which in 1939 was small and inadequate for the task it was called upon to perform, had, by the end of the war, taken up its position on "the right of line", the vanguard position of honour.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #353930 in Books
• Published on: 1998-02-19
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 841 pages

Customer Reviews

A portrait of the RAF in WWII
A well documented and authoritative account of the RAF during WWII. John Terraine really succeeds in describing how the most important strategic decisions where made, what happened behind the scenes and the internal struggles of the air barons. No campaign lacks coverage: the first months of the war, the Battle of Britain, the scientific war, Coastal and Bomber Command, the Desert Air Force, the Mediterranean scenario, Normandy and the last battles, all are dealt with in a readable yet rigorous fashion. The only negative aspect is that perhaps too little is said about the aces and individual exploits. Altogether highly recommendable and great value for money too.

Excellent
No work since Richards and Saunders Royal Air Force 1939-1945 has so comprehensively covered the European and Mediterranean theatres. Terraine has brought fresh insight to existing sources.

Interested in air power - this is your starting point.
This is the one book that every member of the RAF should have read before even joining. It is timeless and if read and remembered could have prevented so many recent mistakes.

Even if you are not an air power buff, this book is invaluable to make our history meaningful.