Ocean Bridge: The History of RAF Ferry Command

by Carl A. Christie

At the beginning of the Second World War there was no thought of delivering planes by air across the Atlantic. It was assumed to be too costly and too dangerous, especially in winter. Despite this initial reluctance, between the fall of 1940 and the spring of 1945, Royal Air Force Ferry Command's mixed civilian and military crews flew almost ten thousand aircraft, mainly American-built, to operational squadrons overseas. In Ocean Bridge Carl Christie provides the first full account of the genesis, history, and importance of Ferry Command. From the pioneer transatlantic flights of the interwar period and the early attempts to initiate regular commercial service, Christie traces London's decision to have aircraft, supplies, and passengers delivered across the Atlantic Ocean from Canada and the United States. Under the inspired leadership of a handful of Imperial Airways' captain-navigators, a group of civilian airmen from Britain, Canada, and the United States undertook to fly urgently needed bombers, maritime patrol aircraft, and transports to Europe for the RAF. This informal civilian organization was augmented by graduates of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Canada and taken over by the RAF as Ferry Command in 194 1. Some five hundred aircrew, as well as sixty passengers, lost their lives in accidents; Major Sir Frederick Banting, the discoverer of insulin, was killed in the first fatal crash of the ferry service. Ocean Bridge chronicles an often overlooked contribution to Allied victory and aviation history. By war's end the ferry service, through its various incarnations, had created the basis for the network of international air routes and procedures that commercial travellers now take for granted.

458 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

Reviews

[Anne Gafiuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book for the background of RAF Ferry Command and for research.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on RAF Ferry Command currently available. I have relied on this book so much during my research, and, for the most part, it is the only source for information for Ferry Command aircraft that crashed during the course of the war. A fascinating read and a great research resource.

[J.L. Murphey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a personal interest because my father in law flew for them.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone interested in the history of the Ferry Command and also the beginnings of modern air travel would enjoy this comprehensive history.

[Darrell Hillier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book and a great resource for any fan/student of Ferry Command and the pioneers who opened the skyways over the North and South Atlantic and Pacific oceans during wartime!