Battle of Britain books. Recommendations?

[MB_Avro_UK]

May I suggest the following?:

The Most Dangerous Enemy. Author, Stephen Bungay.

I don't entirely agree with all his analysis, but his work is both fascinating and thought provoking. Enough to make you pause before turning the next page....




Best Regards,
MB_Avro

[ElAurens]

Plowing through it currently.

Fascinating book IMHO.

[philip.ed]

Has anyone read Fighter Boys? How does it compare, as I have never got around to reading Bungay's work, but I've heard nothing but glowing reports on it.
I plan to read Invasion 1940 (Derek Robinson) within the next few weeks. Has anyone read this piece? I've been told that Robinson's analysis is characteristically controversial, but it's always interesting to read different views on the battle.

[ATAG_Dutch]

Most Dangerous Enemy - Essential reading. Best BoB book ever in my view, covers every aspect from leadership to technology to manufacturing output to aircraft to politics to the men themselves, in a very objective but easily readable way.

Fighter boys - also very good book focussing mainly on the men themselves, from Albert Ball, Mannock, McCudden to Malan, Stanford Tuck and many lesser known pilots, many of whom were killed, but left diaries.

First Light - Nothing need be said here I think.

Johnny Kent - 'One of the Few' great stories of building his own aircraft as a youth in Canada to death defying Test Piloting at Farnborough to leading 303 Polish Squadron, 92 Squadron and a lot of interesting post-war stuff.

Spitfire Story - Alfred Price, if you want the story of the aircraft itself.

Not read Bob Doe's book or Brian Kingcombe's and many others but will get there eventually!

Derek Robinson touched on his views on the invasion in his novel 'Piece of Cake' but I've not read Invasion 1940.

[philip.ed]

Doe's was very good! The only book I have read which I really didn't like was Hillary's. What a horrible character he was, I really couldn't stand him, and if it wasn't for his later sobering revelations, I'd have been close to shelving the book out of distaste.

[ATAG_Dutch]

Originally Posted by philip.ed

The only book I have read which I really didn't like was Hillary's.

That surprises me. It was next on my list and is supposed to be a classic.

In fact, you've peaked my interest. Might see if I can get a copy tomorrow.

[MB_Avro_UK]

Originally Posted by Dutch_851

Most Dangerous Enemy - Essential reading. Best BoB book ever in my view, covers every aspect from leadership to technology to manufacturing output to aircraft to politics to the men themselves, in a very objective but easily readable way.

Fighter boys - also very good book focussing mainly on the men themselves, from Albert Ball, Mannock, McCudden to Malan, Stanford Tuck and many lesser known pilots, many of whom were killed, but left diaries.

First Light - Nothing need be said here I think.

Johnny Kent - 'One of the Few' great stories of building his own aircraft as a youth in Canada to death defying Test Piloting at Farnborough to leading 303 Polish Squadron, 92 Squadron and a lot of interesting post-war stuff.

Spitfire Story - Alfred Price, if you want the story of the aircraft itself.

Not read Bob Doe's book or Brian Kingcombe's and many others but will get there eventually!

Derek Robinson touched on his views on the invasion in his novel 'Piece of Cake' but I've not read Invasion 1940.

I have a signed copy of Bob Doe's book. An honest and modest Ace in my view. He died recently. He received little recognition until a few years ago. He had to work hard all his life to make ends meet financially.

He would have been better off as a Premier Division Footballer and made far more money.

C'est la vie...


Best Regards,
MB_Avro.

[Buzpilot]

Lots of BoB E-books here.

http://www.wiredshelf.com/search/?qu...ry=0&x=77&y=20

[MB_Avro_UK]

Originally Posted by ElAurens

Plowing through it currently.

Fascinating book IMHO.

It's a fine read. He doesn't pull any punches.

He starts the book by saying that he was sitting in his deck-chair in his garden in Kent (Southern England,Battle of Britain area), and when looking up to the sky, he realised that he was viewing a 1940 battle-field.

He mentions an interview in 1945 by the Russians with the head of the captured German Whermacht. The Russians asked him as to what he saw as the turning point in German's fortunes in WW2. The Ruissians expected him to say Stalingrad. But he said the Battle of Britain in 1940. The Russians left.

And only 5,000 were killed on both sides during the Battle of Britain. Is this figure similar to Midway? Another turning point.


Best Regards,
MB_Avro.

[philip.ed]

Originally Posted by Dutch_851

That surprises me. It was next on my list and is supposed to be a classic.

In fact, you've peaked my interest. Might see if I can get a copy tomorrow.

I know, I was saddened by his brutal honesty about his own character. Maybe I was too young when I read it? I know a friend who said that he read it when he was younger, and hated his character, but went back to re-read it when he was older and understood Hillary's pain and discontent.
It's certainly worth a read, but I didn't enjoy it as much as any other personal account I've read.
But don't let me put you off! (or, rather, put you on )