The Day of the Typhoon: Flying with the RAF tankbusters in Normandy

by John Golley

This account of rocket Typhoon operations over Normandy in the weeks immediately following the D-Day Invasion of Europe aims to be all the more interesting for its authenticity. It is written by a former ground attack pilot who flew 73 missions with 245 Squadron over Northern France in 1944-45.

216 pages, Hardcover

First published February 17, 1986

Reviews

[Alistair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful examination of six months of conflict in WWII from D-Day through to January 1945. The author is a pilot of 245 squadron flying Hawker Typhoons initially from England, and then from airfields around France.

The book is wonderfully written, as it pulls the reader from one mission to the next. The jargon (for a military book) is almost non-existent, and the bits that are included are easy to identify in meaning. The author magnificently uses a named character in his place, which allows him to not use the first person throughout, and comment on action taking place on a wider view. The author also does not shy away from the contradictions he experienced in war. In one example, the author describes feeling horrified he has shot up horses, but has no qualms shooting up the German soldiers. Not only is this explicitly identified, but the author also recognises the disconnect in himself and takls of the evening walk through a field trying to figure it out.

This is a highly informative book. As one whose favourite aircraft is the Hawker Typhoon this book is a no holds barred view of combat, including the significant losses the squadrons faced. In the case of 245 sqdn, this included losing three commanding officers in only a few days.

Overall I highly recommend this book if you are interested in WWII, D-Day or military aviation, and is a valuable resource in documenting key aviation battle which have been largely ignored.

[Robert Hepple · Rating 3 out of 5]

First published in 1986, 'The Day of the Typhoon' gives a detailed account of operations over Northern Europe by Hawker Typhoon ground attack aircraft of 245 squadron, RAF, from D-Day onwards in WW2. Much of the book perpetuates myths about the Typho0n's achievements, and this is combined with some sloppy reporting of the types of German forces under attack - the German Dictator's name is even repeatedly spelt incorrectly. Nevertheless, an enjoyable read.

[John Mchale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent recounting of the role and actions of the Typhoon and its pilots of 245 Squadron

[Patrick Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, truly enjoyable book! The author blends stories of combat with those of downtime, camaraderie and contemplation. For me, personally, I would've preferred a bit more combat and a little more precise descriptions of missions and tactics but that's being picky. As a retired "mud mover" I was struck by just how basic their tactics were and how they were certainly not the best for keeping casualties (which were horrific) to a minimum; but then the author addresses just how inexperienced so many of these wonderful young men were and you come to realize that when you are only marginally capable of simply flying the airplane the tactics by necessity must remain basic. If the air to mud war for Western Europe is of interest to you, I believe you will really enjoy this book!