The Secret Years: Flight Testing at Boscombe Down 1939-1945

by Tim Mason

It is perhaps difficult in the 21st century, when every military aeroplane movement, modification and colour scheme is minutely observed and widely reported, to appreciate the completely different attitude prevalent in 1939-45 amongst officials, servicemen and the public alike. Anything seen, heard or connected with work (and almost every activity contributed directly or indirectly to the country's war effort) was not discussed casually, and certainly not publicised.

At places working on the latest and most advanced aircraft and weapons, the catchphrase of `Keeping Mum' was very rigidly observed and it was during these wartime conditions from 1939-45 that the work of the Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment Boscombe Down could, indeed be described as `The Secret Years'.

It was at Boscombe Down that all land-and carrier-based aeroplanes intended for use by the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force, plus assorted exotic experimental aircraft, were flown and Tim Mason uses over 450 of the Establishment's own photographs to illustrate its unique function and countless achievements.

After a flying career of nearly forty years (thirty in test flying), Tim Mason has retired to concentrate on his second love - writing about aeroplanes. He is well qualified to write about A&AEE, having spent six years as a test pilot during his time there between 1966 and 1976.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1999

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

How is the Handley Page Hampton a heavy bomber , or the Vickers Wellington for that matter ? An awesome book, things like that are confusing ! Surely they are light and medium bombers ?