Aircrew: The Story of the Men Who Flew the Bombers

by Bruce Lewis

Survivor's story of life in the Second World War bombers. Eyewitness accounts of the tension and excitement of flying missions over Nazi Germany

Genres: History, Aviation, World War II, Nonfiction, War, Royal Air Force, Military History

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Military History

Reviews

[Susan Paxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best book I've ever read about the experiences of Bomber Command aircrew in World War II. Author Bruce Lewis himself was a veteran of 36 operations as a Wireless Operator in Lancasters with 101 Squadron. Each chapter of the book covers a different aircrew position, with the experiences of one or more aircrew vividly described, with a special bonus being the diary of a pilot under training, which is just fascinating. Some of the aircrew served in ordinary day to day squadrons, but operations inserting SOE agents, a bomb aimer's experience in 617 Squadron later in the war, and a Medal of Honor mission for an American ball turret gunner are great highlights. Although mostly about RAF operations, Lewis includes a chapter about an American B-17 copilot and a chapter about American air gunners (including the MOH op mentioned above). Absolutely riveting reading.

[Chris Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the grandson of a wellington navigator who was awarded the DFC, reading about the individual roles of British aircrew was wonderful. This book does a marvelous job of opening up those stories which weren't told - were underrepresented and positively abhorred by an establishment who ordered the action and then cringed at the results. In the second world war, I had underestimated the bravery and strength of mind of my grandfather, Robin Durham. To go out every night after sleeping in your own bed must have taken remarkable bravery. And the casualty rates were abhorrent until the Lancaster really got up and running. It's changed my view of those brave men ... they might not have been "the few" - but it was the daring and deadly raids by these pilots that allowed Britain to punch at the German war machine even in its darkest hours.

[Steve822 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up at one of our free telephone box libraries and it will be going back so the next person can enjoy. The format of individual accounts relating to specific bomber crew role is an interesting way to set out the book and works for me. Those accounts only make me more grateful to those men who endured such stress and danger and at the very least the book achieves that aim, making sure we do not forget ordinary people's experiences of war. Respect to them and the author.

[Kevin Archard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book written by Lewis, a member of an RAF bomber crew who completed thirty six terrifying missions. We are introduced to each of the crew and travel with them as the crew grows into a unit that becomes closer than family as they share their ordeal. Brave men who deserve to be honoured and remembered.

[Mark Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant account of the aircrew of World War Two. Of particular interest to me as my Dad was one of them!

[Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. The author describes the reality of the men who flew the bombers.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is well worth a read if you have an interest in the Bomber Command or indeed the flying exploits and experiences of the men who flew the Heavies. I still find it hard to believe how young the crews of the planes were, both in the fighters and the bombers of the time. The average age was 20 years, and when you learn of what they had to achieve, and the utmost shear bravery and sacrifice, it humbles our easy lives of today. The last three chapters give graphic descriptions of actual battle situations, I could not close the book, and read it through from that point to the end. I cannot imagine going through what that generation did, and we should never forget their bravery.

[Kingfan30 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the type of book I would normally read, but I have to say I enjoyed it very much and it gives a good picture to just what being a member of the Aircrew was like

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great to read first hand accounts from WWII aircrew but the book feels a little disjointed. That's not to say it isn't a good read just that at times the flow is a bit awkward.