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Tail Gunner
This gripping story of one man's involvement in RAF Bomber Command's fledgling offensive was first published in 1943.
Written only months after the events described, R. C. Rivaz provides a uniquely fresh and immediate perspective on some of the most harrowing episodes of the war. He was tail gunner to Leonard Cheshire, one of the most famous RAF pilots of the Second World War and flew in Whitleys with 102 Squadron and Halifaxes with 35 Squadron.
Rivaz describes his experiences of night bombing attacks against heavily defended enemy targets like Duisburg, Dusseldorf and Essen, recording in captivating detail the sights and sounds of these dangerous night time raids.
But he describes equally well the colour pallet of the setting sun from fifteen thousand feet, and his turbulent mind set as he prepares for each death defying mission. He relates a dramatic shoot-out with German fighters over La Rochelle in broad daylight and describes his near-death encounters with cool but honest detail.
Rivaz also describes two agonizing crashes over the sea, one occasion of which he waits near frozen for seven hours, buffeted by stormy weather in a rubber dinghy.
Tail Gunner is not only unrivalled in its immediacy and insight, but gripping and eminently readable.
Written only months after the events described, R. C. Rivaz provides a uniquely fresh and immediate perspective on some of the most harrowing episodes of the war. He was tail gunner to Leonard Cheshire, one of the most famous RAF pilots of the Second World War and flew in Whitleys with 102 Squadron and Halifaxes with 35 Squadron.
Rivaz describes his experiences of night bombing attacks against heavily defended enemy targets like Duisburg, Dusseldorf and Essen, recording in captivating detail the sights and sounds of these dangerous night time raids.
But he describes equally well the colour pallet of the setting sun from fifteen thousand feet, and his turbulent mind set as he prepares for each death defying mission. He relates a dramatic shoot-out with German fighters over La Rochelle in broad daylight and describes his near-death encounters with cool but honest detail.
Rivaz also describes two agonizing crashes over the sea, one occasion of which he waits near frozen for seven hours, buffeted by stormy weather in a rubber dinghy.
Tail Gunner is not only unrivalled in its immediacy and insight, but gripping and eminently readable.
156 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1950
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294 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 12, 2016
4.5 stars
I was asked by the publisher to read this book and provide an honest review. I am truly thankful for that as it was a pleasure to read. Written during World War Two within months of when the events described took place, it has a real immediacy to it and gave me an excellent understanding of what it was like to be a "tail gunner" right down to the clothes he wore to keep warm under freezing conditions to the fear he felt before certain bombing sorties. It amazes me how these young men could go out so many times knowing that there was a very good chance that they would never return. Squadron Leader Richard Ravaz DFC had several very close calls during the time he was writing - twice being forced to bail out into the sea - once without anyone knowing where they were and just hoping they would be found.
While the early part of the book had some grammatical or writing issues, the writing either improved or I just didn't notice as I was so engrossed in what was happening. The book was originally published in 1943 which seems amazing under the circumstances and with the need for wartime secrecy. It basically covers one year in time and doesn't take the reader to the end of the war. It left me wanting to know more about Rivaz - especially whether he survived (as this was his only book.) Apparently he did survive, but only until October 1945 which is incredibly sad.
In the book I learned that these men were very particular about who they flew with and had strong loyalties. Rivaz apparently flew with Leonard Cheshire, one of the most famous pilots of the Second World War. He was also trained as a painter at the Royal College of Art and perhaps this is why his descriptions of scenes and skies are so vivid to the reader.
I think this book would be of interest to anyone eager to learn more about the war in the air but it is also clear enough that it would probably be of interest to Young Adult readers too.
I was asked by the publisher to read this book and provide an honest review. I am truly thankful for that as it was a pleasure to read. Written during World War Two within months of when the events described took place, it has a real immediacy to it and gave me an excellent understanding of what it was like to be a "tail gunner" right down to the clothes he wore to keep warm under freezing conditions to the fear he felt before certain bombing sorties. It amazes me how these young men could go out so many times knowing that there was a very good chance that they would never return. Squadron Leader Richard Ravaz DFC had several very close calls during the time he was writing - twice being forced to bail out into the sea - once without anyone knowing where they were and just hoping they would be found.
While the early part of the book had some grammatical or writing issues, the writing either improved or I just didn't notice as I was so engrossed in what was happening. The book was originally published in 1943 which seems amazing under the circumstances and with the need for wartime secrecy. It basically covers one year in time and doesn't take the reader to the end of the war. It left me wanting to know more about Rivaz - especially whether he survived (as this was his only book.) Apparently he did survive, but only until October 1945 which is incredibly sad.
In the book I learned that these men were very particular about who they flew with and had strong loyalties. Rivaz apparently flew with Leonard Cheshire, one of the most famous pilots of the Second World War. He was also trained as a painter at the Royal College of Art and perhaps this is why his descriptions of scenes and skies are so vivid to the reader.
I think this book would be of interest to anyone eager to learn more about the war in the air but it is also clear enough that it would probably be of interest to Young Adult readers too.
September 19, 2016
Interesting perspective
I almost gave up on this halfway through. It was slow, boring and unconnected. Luckily I continued on. I understand the story was written during the war years and widely published. I can see why. The public was give a bird’s eye view of the life of a tail turret gunner in the RAF. The story would also interest their American cousins given the hundreds of turret gunners the US would send into the fray.
I understand in 1943 why there would be question marks for locations since it was wartime and the Germans could have used the information for targeting. Being republished in 1988 I don’t understand why the blanks still stand? It’s possible the author, R.C. Rivaz had passed and the information wasn’t available. If that’s the case fair enough.
It’s not the most flowing story, but again, this is a sign of the times. People craved for any information that would boost morale at a time when the outcome of the war was still in question.
The accounts of flying through flak were very impressive and tense. Imagine being in a steel box where you could barely move and someone or something was running beating on it and you and helpless to stop it. The gunners literally put their lives in the hand of the pilots and their prowess. Twice the plan he was in was forced to crash land in the channel and then wait for help to arrive. The first splash down’s description was bone-chilling cold. It would remind one of the “Unbroken.” By Laura Hillerbrand. The struggles the survivors endured in the cold Artic water will have you shivering.
So, what does a tail gunner do for eight to ten hours when there is no flak or threatening fighters in the area? One, you stay awake and two, you take in the sights and lock them in the memory banks. Mr. Rivaz detailed descriptions are excellent and vivid.
The only flaw I came across was the ending. After doing some research it appears Mr. Rivaz died in September 1945.
Overall this is an interesting read for any fans of World War Two.
Four stars.
I almost gave up on this halfway through. It was slow, boring and unconnected. Luckily I continued on. I understand the story was written during the war years and widely published. I can see why. The public was give a bird’s eye view of the life of a tail turret gunner in the RAF. The story would also interest their American cousins given the hundreds of turret gunners the US would send into the fray.
I understand in 1943 why there would be question marks for locations since it was wartime and the Germans could have used the information for targeting. Being republished in 1988 I don’t understand why the blanks still stand? It’s possible the author, R.C. Rivaz had passed and the information wasn’t available. If that’s the case fair enough.
It’s not the most flowing story, but again, this is a sign of the times. People craved for any information that would boost morale at a time when the outcome of the war was still in question.
The accounts of flying through flak were very impressive and tense. Imagine being in a steel box where you could barely move and someone or something was running beating on it and you and helpless to stop it. The gunners literally put their lives in the hand of the pilots and their prowess. Twice the plan he was in was forced to crash land in the channel and then wait for help to arrive. The first splash down’s description was bone-chilling cold. It would remind one of the “Unbroken.” By Laura Hillerbrand. The struggles the survivors endured in the cold Artic water will have you shivering.
So, what does a tail gunner do for eight to ten hours when there is no flak or threatening fighters in the area? One, you stay awake and two, you take in the sights and lock them in the memory banks. Mr. Rivaz detailed descriptions are excellent and vivid.
The only flaw I came across was the ending. After doing some research it appears Mr. Rivaz died in September 1945.
Overall this is an interesting read for any fans of World War Two.
Four stars.
April 16, 2016
Tail Gunner is the memoir of a member of the Royal Air Force during World War II. I was fortunate to receive a copy free in advance from Net Galley and Endeavor Press in exchange for an honest review. It’s both compelling and informative.
Those accustomed to modern air travel may find it hard to imagine flight during this time period. There was no source of heat, and of course it’s far colder in the sky than on the ground. Our author was a turret gunner, and it turns out that the turret and the nose are the two coldest parts of the plane. He stoically assures us there is no reason to be too cold up there if one dresses properly, and then lays out the multitudinous layers that must have made flyers look like old-fashioned versions of the Michelin man, but with head gear and a parachute. He describes the layers of ice that formed on the metal inside the turret, and how his oxygen mask freezes while it is on his face.
None of this is all that important once one is shot down, however.
My interest in military history is recent; I studied and taught history for a long time, but for most of those years, I preferred to study the causes of war, and so my primary interest was more political and theory-based. Maybe this is why it never occurred to me that the pilot is always the boss inside a military plane regardless of the ranks of various officers. Rivas points out that there really can’t be a discussion when the pilot says to jump; the point is well taken!
This novella-length memoir is recommended to those with an interest in World War II, particularly its aeronautic aspects, and also to academics and researchers, given that this is a primary document. It was released to the public April 8, so you can buy a copy for yourself.
Those accustomed to modern air travel may find it hard to imagine flight during this time period. There was no source of heat, and of course it’s far colder in the sky than on the ground. Our author was a turret gunner, and it turns out that the turret and the nose are the two coldest parts of the plane. He stoically assures us there is no reason to be too cold up there if one dresses properly, and then lays out the multitudinous layers that must have made flyers look like old-fashioned versions of the Michelin man, but with head gear and a parachute. He describes the layers of ice that formed on the metal inside the turret, and how his oxygen mask freezes while it is on his face.
None of this is all that important once one is shot down, however.
My interest in military history is recent; I studied and taught history for a long time, but for most of those years, I preferred to study the causes of war, and so my primary interest was more political and theory-based. Maybe this is why it never occurred to me that the pilot is always the boss inside a military plane regardless of the ranks of various officers. Rivas points out that there really can’t be a discussion when the pilot says to jump; the point is well taken!
This novella-length memoir is recommended to those with an interest in World War II, particularly its aeronautic aspects, and also to academics and researchers, given that this is a primary document. It was released to the public April 8, so you can buy a copy for yourself.
August 10, 2017
Richard Rivaz writes about his experiences as an RAF tail gunner during 1942. It was a pleasant surprise that his account read almost like a novel rather than a dry diary. He vivantly recounts the excitement and fear of night time bombing raids over Germany. But what really makes the book stand out from similar works is the way that it captures the beauty of a sunset and the thrill of flying over places he visited as a boy just as well as he captures the chaos and fear of battle. One of more exciting parts of the story is that of a crash landing at sea as their badly damaged plane returns from a raid. It was night and their radio was inoperable so they could not send a mayday or report their position. They spent nearly day in stormy seas on an upside-down rubber dinghy. The other most vivid episode was a daytime raid against a German battleship in LaRohelle harbor. This was one of the few times when he went up against enemy fighters. If you have an interest in the World War II air war then I highly recommend this brief but vivid story of an RAF tailgunner flying Whitleys with 102 squadron and Halifaxes with 35 squadron.
June 6, 2016
I wasn't expecting too much from this book and the first few paragraphs seemed to back that up. But then this magical transformation occurs and suddenly you're above Germany looking out through some perspex wondering when you're going to die.
This is a book very much "of it's time", with language and perspective achingly authentic. Surprisingly too, a very honest book with no punches pulled. One moment you're laughing and joking with someone, the next they're lying dead at your feet. Bombers going down, flak coming up, enemy fighters and death all feature strongly, indeed the author himself ditches twice. Ok, the comments on bombing accuracy are somewhat optimistic, but as a reader I was too busy smelling the grease and cordite to focus on that.
Last year I was lucky enough to visit "Just Jane" and took a taxi ride whilst sitting in the rear turret. The smells, sights and sounds when the engines rev up were brought back with vivid reality here. Anyone looking for an bona fide slice of life in Bomber Command, this is it.
This is a book very much "of it's time", with language and perspective achingly authentic. Surprisingly too, a very honest book with no punches pulled. One moment you're laughing and joking with someone, the next they're lying dead at your feet. Bombers going down, flak coming up, enemy fighters and death all feature strongly, indeed the author himself ditches twice. Ok, the comments on bombing accuracy are somewhat optimistic, but as a reader I was too busy smelling the grease and cordite to focus on that.
Last year I was lucky enough to visit "Just Jane" and took a taxi ride whilst sitting in the rear turret. The smells, sights and sounds when the engines rev up were brought back with vivid reality here. Anyone looking for an bona fide slice of life in Bomber Command, this is it.
February 4, 2017
They also flew!
This is a rather smashing (if too short) book relating the exploits of an unsung, yet essential member of a bomber crew. It was obviously written during the war, leading to the usual references to landing at A____ etc. One of the really good things about this, at this remove, is that, as the book develops, it slowly dawns who "Riv" is. Also who Leonard is. (He's really quite famous you know!).
Overall, as a voracious reader of memoirs and first person accounts of history, this is a very enjoyable read covering bomber operations in the early war period. Highly recommended.
This is a rather smashing (if too short) book relating the exploits of an unsung, yet essential member of a bomber crew. It was obviously written during the war, leading to the usual references to landing at A____ etc. One of the really good things about this, at this remove, is that, as the book develops, it slowly dawns who "Riv" is. Also who Leonard is. (He's really quite famous you know!).
Overall, as a voracious reader of memoirs and first person accounts of history, this is a very enjoyable read covering bomber operations in the early war period. Highly recommended.
November 1, 2023
Great story! I'm in the middle of reading a LOOOOONG book and I decided I had room to fit a shorter book in while chipping away at the long one, so I chose Tail Gunner.
This story was great, if not a bit short. To my knowledge, most of the events in this book take place in 1941, when the author (a tail gunner because he was deemed too old to be a military pilot) was shot down above the ocean. I looked up the author, wondering when he ultimately died...expecting it would be in the 1970's or 1980's and it turns out he died in 1945.
Reading the rest of the book was different, somehow, knowing the author had been dead long before my father was born. So eerie.
Great story, glad I read it!
This story was great, if not a bit short. To my knowledge, most of the events in this book take place in 1941, when the author (a tail gunner because he was deemed too old to be a military pilot) was shot down above the ocean. I looked up the author, wondering when he ultimately died...expecting it would be in the 1970's or 1980's and it turns out he died in 1945.
Reading the rest of the book was different, somehow, knowing the author had been dead long before my father was born. So eerie.
Great story, glad I read it!
January 7, 2018
The pilot used the journaling method to jot down memories of time spent in the service during World War II. The action jumps from scene to scene. There are numerous examples of missed transitional sentences and incomplete sentences. The format is reflective of the limited time military personnel had to relax between missions. Readers of military history will be interested in the combat scenes. The format and lack of notes make the book more indicative to military historical fiction than a memoir.
I received this book through a promotional giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I received this book through a promotional giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 6, 2018
The war needs to be told about. This is a different perspective on it. I liked it because of this. I wish that more info could have been shared because I don't know England, and there was never a summary of events.
I know who won the war, but I saw this as another opportunity to show what happened in some important events. I guess there was some confidentiality, but couldn't there have been some mission debriefings? 2 ditchings at sea, but the story ends with the author's injury.
I know who won the war, but I saw this as another opportunity to show what happened in some important events. I guess there was some confidentiality, but couldn't there have been some mission debriefings? 2 ditchings at sea, but the story ends with the author's injury.
December 7, 2020
Would highly recommend this book - published in 1943 just a few months after the story it tells; it really is something special - you’re placed right there in the aircraft, the turret, the dinghy alone at sea.
I was sad to learn after reading that despite surviving the war, Rivaz was tragically killed in October of 1945 when an aircraft he was a passenger in caught fire, killing all on board.
He seemed like an incredible man - full of courage and optimism, and this book captures that perfectly.
I was sad to learn after reading that despite surviving the war, Rivaz was tragically killed in October of 1945 when an aircraft he was a passenger in caught fire, killing all on board.
He seemed like an incredible man - full of courage and optimism, and this book captures that perfectly.
April 18, 2020
Understated and Very British View of War
This book is much different than the usual insider’s view of a war. It proceeds along a very staid trail just treating events and incidents as what happens. No wider view of the conduct of the war, very little detail of things outside the author’s tail gunner turret. But it keeps your interest nonetheless. Worth a quiet read and thinking about how you would have reacted in a situation similar to his.
This book is much different than the usual insider’s view of a war. It proceeds along a very staid trail just treating events and incidents as what happens. No wider view of the conduct of the war, very little detail of things outside the author’s tail gunner turret. But it keeps your interest nonetheless. Worth a quiet read and thinking about how you would have reacted in a situation similar to his.
March 30, 2025
A jolly good read
A very positive and happy take on being a tail gunner on a Halifax bomber during 1941. The author survived not one but two dunkings in the ocean as well as numerous trips over Germany and France. He writes extremely well and it’s an easy and evocative read. An excellent first person perspective from an airman, who probably had one of the toughest jobs early in the war.
A very positive and happy take on being a tail gunner on a Halifax bomber during 1941. The author survived not one but two dunkings in the ocean as well as numerous trips over Germany and France. He writes extremely well and it’s an easy and evocative read. An excellent first person perspective from an airman, who probably had one of the toughest jobs early in the war.
June 6, 2017
A rear view seat of the war
This seemed an average account of English bombing runs over France and Germany, most at night, from a tail gunner's perspective. Tightly confined in the ball turret and separated from the rest of the crew for hours in the freezing cold is enough to endure. Then add flack...and fighters.
This seemed an average account of English bombing runs over France and Germany, most at night, from a tail gunner's perspective. Tightly confined in the ball turret and separated from the rest of the crew for hours in the freezing cold is enough to endure. Then add flack...and fighters.
March 23, 2019
Excellent 1st-hand account
Riv's description of all parts of a bomber mission are very engaging and clear. I was able to recognize many common experiences in my combat missions as a B-52 gunner during Vietnam. Despite the vast differences in technology and wars, there are many things about the missions that I immediately recognized. Told far better than I have been able.
Riv's description of all parts of a bomber mission are very engaging and clear. I was able to recognize many common experiences in my combat missions as a B-52 gunner during Vietnam. Despite the vast differences in technology and wars, there are many things about the missions that I immediately recognized. Told far better than I have been able.
January 30, 2020
A good period read
I enjoyed reading this book, written during the second world war, the descriptions of events and feelings, the weather and the cold, especially from the time spent waiting to be rescued, in a dinghy, wet and cold.
A good account of difficult and dangerous times and a fascinating insight into the lives of people fighting a war.
I enjoyed reading this book, written during the second world war, the descriptions of events and feelings, the weather and the cold, especially from the time spent waiting to be rescued, in a dinghy, wet and cold.
A good account of difficult and dangerous times and a fascinating insight into the lives of people fighting a war.
December 18, 2022
a good read but too short
Rivaz is a good writer. His descriptive passages accurately convey what he saw and felt at the time. Some are affecting and stick in my mind. It's a good read. that said, it's also short, 142pages. if you want the end of the story you have to buy part 2 of the book. As a marketing tactic this is a bit cheesy
Rivaz is a good writer. His descriptive passages accurately convey what he saw and felt at the time. Some are affecting and stick in my mind. It's a good read. that said, it's also short, 142pages. if you want the end of the story you have to buy part 2 of the book. As a marketing tactic this is a bit cheesy
February 3, 2023
First hand account from wwii
This is an interesting book. Gives first hand account of life of wwii airmen. The ever present danger of death. Although I knew a lot about wwii and its air war, the danger of being airman never occurred to me more vividly than in this book.
Be aware it is a 1940s book written in the language of 1940s, it is different from what we are used now.
This is an interesting book. Gives first hand account of life of wwii airmen. The ever present danger of death. Although I knew a lot about wwii and its air war, the danger of being airman never occurred to me more vividly than in this book.
Be aware it is a 1940s book written in the language of 1940s, it is different from what we are used now.
September 4, 2017
Quite excellent and very detailed
The chap who wrote this I can only imagine had a daily journal as the details are impeccable. These blokes are true bloody heroes that faced death at every corner. Cheers mate.
The chap who wrote this I can only imagine had a daily journal as the details are impeccable. These blokes are true bloody heroes that faced death at every corner. Cheers mate.
November 19, 2017
Great adventure
Well written book. Almost like sharing each mission. Certainly have a feeling of " being there", sharing all the tension and fear as well as the relief when you finally sighted home. Nothing but pride and admiration for these wonderful, brave young men.
Well written book. Almost like sharing each mission. Certainly have a feeling of " being there", sharing all the tension and fear as well as the relief when you finally sighted home. Nothing but pride and admiration for these wonderful, brave young men.
July 10, 2018
A very solid story in detail as things happened on several bombing raids
I chose a 5 star rating because the tech info along with the emotions evoked by the environment, sights, sounds and feelings all came together so we feel like it was happening directly to us... the readers.
I chose a 5 star rating because the tech info along with the emotions evoked by the environment, sights, sounds and feelings all came together so we feel like it was happening directly to us... the readers.
September 28, 2018
Superb
I love RAF WWII books, but they are almost all written by and about pilot experiences. This incredible story by a tail gunner is every bit as stimulating and enjoyable as any book I’ave read. I loved reading it.
I love RAF WWII books, but they are almost all written by and about pilot experiences. This incredible story by a tail gunner is every bit as stimulating and enjoyable as any book I’ave read. I loved reading it.
January 13, 2019
Good technical description.
The author describes the action very well. More effort applied to fleshing out the narrating character would help a lot. Feeling that one knows and understands a character allows
a reader to “be there” for the action described.
The author describes the action very well. More effort applied to fleshing out the narrating character would help a lot. Feeling that one knows and understands a character allows
a reader to “be there” for the action described.
April 15, 2019
Entertaining and Educational
My father was an RAF WW II wireless operator and tail gunner, and I felt this autobiography gave me some sense of Dad’s life in the air. I should add that it was very well written; an enjoyable read.
My father was an RAF WW II wireless operator and tail gunner, and I felt this autobiography gave me some sense of Dad’s life in the air. I should add that it was very well written; an enjoyable read.
March 31, 2021
This is a British book for a British reader. It is hard to read about combat when the author states that some missions he was on were "marvelously good time". Also the author goes on and on about things like a flower child in the 60's. Great book to put a person to sleep.
July 30, 2021
Descriptive account...very good!
Highly recommend if you like British air stories....Writer very descriptive in every thing he comments on..wether looking at clouds, ground , other aircraft or plane damage.
Highly recommend if you like British air stories....Writer very descriptive in every thing he comments on..wether looking at clouds, ground , other aircraft or plane damage.
January 23, 2023
Three and a half stars
Enjoyable read. For me it lacked a little detail as to what Riv and his crew achieved on there missions. Not sure if this was censered during the writing of the Novel?
Enjoyable read. For me it lacked a little detail as to what Riv and his crew achieved on there missions. Not sure if this was censered during the writing of the Novel?
May 5, 2017
Enjoyable easy read
Good account of the life of a tail gunner during the war. Good description of the many events they experienced.
Good account of the life of a tail gunner during the war. Good description of the many events they experienced.
June 28, 2017
Great
Really informative about Bombers and the part they served in war. The action was Good and the story line put me on edge, in a good way.
Really informative about Bombers and the part they served in war. The action was Good and the story line put me on edge, in a good way.
January 28, 2018
Good Story
This was a very interesting story and a quick read. It would have been nice if the author had described the different types of planes he was flying in.
This was a very interesting story and a quick read. It would have been nice if the author had described the different types of planes he was flying in.
September 24, 2018
A great story of bravery and sacrifice.
If you like war stories this is a must read. I don't know if I could have done what these fellows did. I hope that I would have.
If you like war stories this is a must read. I don't know if I could have done what these fellows did. I hope that I would have.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews