What do you think?
Rate this book
Hampden Special: A Forgotten Bomber
A fascinating overview of one of the ‘forgotten bombers’ of World War Two, the Handley Page HP.52 Hampden, which taught Bomber Command vital lessons in the early years of the conflict.
This history of the Handley Page HP.52 Hampden should be essential reading for fans of Rowland White, Donald L. Miller, and John Nichol.
Nicknamed the ‘Flying Suitcase’ by its aircrews due to its cramped conditions, the Hampden was one of the newest medium bombers in production for the RAF at the outset of the Second World War. Despite its speed and manoeuvrability, it quickly became evident that the aircraft could not withstand the onslaught of Luftwaffe fighters. Rather than immediately retiring the Hampden, Bomber Command deployed it in numerous early nighttime bombing raids, including the first night raid on Berlin and the first 1,000-bomber raid on Cologne. In addition to its nighttime operations, the Hampden also played a crucial role as a torpedo bomber for Coastal Command, providing essential protection for beleaguered convoys during the war's early years.
Chaz Bowyer, renowned aviation historian, charts the flight path of this often-overlooked bomber—from its inception and bruising encounters with the enemy to its most successful operations and eventual replacement by heavy bombers like the Lancaster as the war began to turn in the Allies’ favour. He vividly captures what it was like to serve aboard these ‘Flying Suitcases’ and highlights the heroic actions of some of its most notable crewmembers, including those who earned the Victoria Cross.
Hampden Special draws upon numerous first-hand accounts from pilots and crews, operational histories, and technical data to restore the Hampden’s rightful place in the history of World War Two aviation.
This history of the Handley Page HP.52 Hampden should be essential reading for fans of Rowland White, Donald L. Miller, and John Nichol.
Nicknamed the ‘Flying Suitcase’ by its aircrews due to its cramped conditions, the Hampden was one of the newest medium bombers in production for the RAF at the outset of the Second World War. Despite its speed and manoeuvrability, it quickly became evident that the aircraft could not withstand the onslaught of Luftwaffe fighters. Rather than immediately retiring the Hampden, Bomber Command deployed it in numerous early nighttime bombing raids, including the first night raid on Berlin and the first 1,000-bomber raid on Cologne. In addition to its nighttime operations, the Hampden also played a crucial role as a torpedo bomber for Coastal Command, providing essential protection for beleaguered convoys during the war's early years.
Chaz Bowyer, renowned aviation historian, charts the flight path of this often-overlooked bomber—from its inception and bruising encounters with the enemy to its most successful operations and eventual replacement by heavy bombers like the Lancaster as the war began to turn in the Allies’ favour. He vividly captures what it was like to serve aboard these ‘Flying Suitcases’ and highlights the heroic actions of some of its most notable crewmembers, including those who earned the Victoria Cross.
Hampden Special draws upon numerous first-hand accounts from pilots and crews, operational histories, and technical data to restore the Hampden’s rightful place in the history of World War Two aviation.
66 pages, Paperback
Published August 11, 2025
17 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Chaz Bowyer
80 booksChaz Bowyer (1927-2008) was an aviation historian and author. He joined the RAF, aged 16, in 1942 and left it in 1969. Then he turned his hand to his life-long passion for aviation and started writing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 15, 2025
Great But Unknown Plane
Chaz Bowyer had written a very good book about a plane that had the line until the war winning aircraft were starting move from the drawing board to the production lines! The Wellington , Halifax, Lancaster, Sterling, and the wooden wonder!! It took a beating as Bomber Command was learning how to fight!! Bowyer was right Bomber Command crews fought with what they had until the new aircraft arrived!! It was Great Plane!!
Chaz Bowyer had written a very good book about a plane that had the line until the war winning aircraft were starting move from the drawing board to the production lines! The Wellington , Halifax, Lancaster, Sterling, and the wooden wonder!! It took a beating as Bomber Command was learning how to fight!! Bowyer was right Bomber Command crews fought with what they had until the new aircraft arrived!! It was Great Plane!!
January 20, 2026
Very short and lacking in any real detail. Was not worth the time I spent reading it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews