Stirlings In Action With The Airborne Forces

Author : Dennis Williams
Publisher : Pen and Sword
Page : 353 pages
File Size : 49,5 Mb
Release : 2008-07-15
Category : History
ISBN : 9781844156481

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Stirlings in Action With the Airborne Forces by Dennis Williams Pdf

This is the history of two RAF squadrons who shared the task of dropping agents and supplies on behalf of the Special Operations Executive, took part in the D-Day landings, suffered heavy losses at Arnhem, dropped Special Air Service Troops behind enemy lines and were involved with the Rhine crossing that sealed Germany's fate in 1945. Both Squadrons flew the Short Stirling Marks III and IV from Leicester East, then Fairford and finally Great Dunmow. Although there was a healthy rivalry between personnel serving on 190 and 620 Squadrons, there was also a deep sense of camaraderie that forged bonds between them. Many of the operations involved a lone aircraft flying low across enemy territory at night, using visual navigation to find the small pinpricks of light where resistance forces were waiting to receive agents and supplies. There was also the task of towing gliders and carrying parachute troops to their drop zones that demanded skilled piloting and navigation. Apart from his research into operational records and archive material, the author has found many ex-squadron members who have captured many unique moments from sixty years ago and thus made it possible to tell their story.

Author : Jonathan Falconer
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
Page : 97 pages
File Size : 42,6 Mb
Release : 2018-04-19
Category : History
ISBN : 9781472820433

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Short Stirling Units of World War 2 by Jonathan Falconer Pdf

Of the RAF's trio of four-engined heavy bombers in World War 2, the mighty Short Stirling was the first to enter service in August 1940. From its first raid in February 1941, the Stirling was at the forefront of the British night bombing offensive against Germany before unacceptably high losses forced its relegation to second-line duties later in the war. In its modified form as the Mark IV the Stirling fulfilled vital roles with the RAF as a paratroop transport and glider tug on D-Day, at Arnhem and on the Rhine crossing as well as flying countless Special Duties operations over Occupied Europe and Norway. Its last gasp was in 1948-49 when a handful of Mk Vs were acquired by the Royal Egyptian Air Force to bomb Israel in the First Arab–Israeli War. Containing numerous first-hand combat accounts from the crews that flew the bomber and detailed profile artwork, Short Stirling Units of World War 2 uncovers the history of one of the RAF's greatest World War 2 bombers.

Author : Jonathan Falconer
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
Page : 97 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2018-04-19
Category : History
ISBN : 9781472820440

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Short Stirling Units of World War 2 by Jonathan Falconer Pdf

Of the RAF's trio of four-engined heavy bombers in World War 2, the mighty Short Stirling was the first to enter service in August 1940. From its first raid in February 1941, the Stirling was at the forefront of the British night bombing offensive against Germany before unacceptably high losses forced its relegation to second-line duties later in the war. In its modified form as the Mark IV the Stirling fulfilled vital roles with the RAF as a paratroop transport and glider tug on D-Day, at Arnhem and on the Rhine crossing as well as flying countless Special Duties operations over Occupied Europe and Norway. Its last gasp was in 1948-49 when a handful of Mk Vs were acquired by the Royal Egyptian Air Force to bomb Israel in the First Arab–Israeli War. Containing numerous first-hand combat accounts from the crews that flew the bomber and detailed profile artwork, Short Stirling Units of World War 2 uncovers the history of one of the RAF's greatest World War 2 bombers.

Author : Pino Lombardi
Publisher : Fonthill Media
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 44,5 Mb
Release : 2017-04-21
Category : History
ISBN : 8210379456XXX

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Short Stirling by Pino Lombardi Pdf

Author : Collins
Publisher : HarperCollins UK
Page : 187 pages
File Size : 48,8 Mb
Release : 2014-04-10
Category : History
ISBN : 9780007555246

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SAS and Other Special Forces (Collins Gem) by Collins Pdf

Who are the world's best soldiers? Since the Iranian Embassy siege in 1980, the Falklands and the 1991 Gulf War, the British SAS have often been described as the greatest experts in Special Operations.

Author : Ian Wellsted
Publisher : Frontline Books
Page : 248 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2020-08-19
Category : History
ISBN : 9781526745729

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With the SAS: Across the Rhine by Ian Wellsted Pdf

With the SAS: Across the Rhine is the story of the latter part of Captain Ian Wellsted’s military career with the Special Air Service, the first part of which was detailed in his well-received SAS: With the Maquis. This is a very personal account, revealing the many emotional as well as physical strains placed upon men in the fighting line. The author takes us back to his time employed with the 79th armored Division (the famous ‘Hobart’s Funnies’) preparing for D-Day and his desire for more exciting action, which led first to the Parachute Regiment and then the SAS. Whilst we learn a little of his time with the maquis, the main focus of the story is his part in Operation Archway. A British special forces mission which involved the 1st and 2nd Special Air Service Regiments acting in support of the advance of Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery's Allied 21st Army Group in operations Varsity and Plunder, this crossing of the Rhine was one of the largest and most diverse operations ever carried out by the SAS. In this offensive, the SAS teams were thrust deep into German territory, often having to battle their way through the enemy lines to get back to safety. ‘I quickly learned that there was no way to control an SAS battle,’ Wellsted wrote of his first major encounter in charge of a patrol. ‘The din was deafening – seventy odd Vickers and half a dozen Brownings all chattering together. The screech of ricochets and the fire of the enemy made my voice sound like the squeak of a mouse against a church organ. I was helpless.’ In one of these encounters, as the war was drawing to a close, Wellsted’s troop found itself surrounded. In the ensuing firefight, Wellsted was wounded, bringing his active front line career to an end.

Author : Roy Close
Publisher : Pen and Sword
Page : 223 pages
File Size : 49,7 Mb
Release : 2005-09-19
Category : History
ISBN : 9781844152865

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In Action With the Sas by Roy Close Pdf

Roy Close's wartime experiences make breathtaking reading. Mobilized in 1939 he became part of the BEF and was fortunate to avoid death or captivity during the German blitzkrieg and escape through Dunkirk. Sent to North Africa, he joined the Paras and, from there, to the SAS. In 1944 he operated behind enemy lines with the Maquis in France, who were in open insurrection against the German occupiers. The scene then shifts to Holland and the advance through Germany. He witnessed Paris and Berlin in very early post-war years and was part of the Quadripartite Government of the former German capital.

Author : Pino Lombardi
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 400 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2015
Category : Stirling (Bomber)
ISBN : 1781554730

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Short Stirling by Pino Lombardi Pdf

During 30 years of research, this book was written about the Short Stirling, the RAF's first four-engined heavy bomber in WW2. Illustrated with largely unpublished wartime photos, it describes in never before revealed detail, the design, construction and the factories where Stirlings were produced. The men and women who built them relate their stories and the aircrews give their personal accounts of operating the Stirling. A chapter is devoted to the training of aircrew; flying the Stirling is described in detail. There were unsung heroes too. Not forgotten is the work of the RAF ground crews and Maintenance Units, often working outdoors in freezing conditions. Then there are the civilian men and women who repaired and rebuilt damaged Stirlings; little adulation was given for the vital work they achieved completely rebuilding 268 Stirlings. The final transport version of the Stirling is featured both in its RAF and post war civilian role - and how it went full circle to become a bomber again, in the hands of the Egyptian Air Force. There are chapters which explain to the reader what happened to all the Stirlings at the end of the war; what has been unearthed and survives to the present day.

Author : Frank Steer
Publisher : Pen and Sword
Page : 176 pages
File Size : 47,8 Mb
Release : 2000-10-21
Category : History
ISBN : 9780850527704

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Arnhem The Fight to Sustain by Frank Steer Pdf

On the ground the airborne logisticians at the battle of Arnhem fought to the bitter end, indistinguishable from their paratroop comrades. In the air, their deeds and sacrifice were shining examples of duty done under the most desperate circumstances. Witness the account of Flight Lieutenant H J King, navigator of Dakota KG 374 of 271 squadron RAF, Down Ampney:These men were not volunteers like aircrew. They received no flyingpay, yet were, without doubt, superb in their fulfilment of duty even though KG 374 was burning for the whole period over the dropping zone. Arnhem - The Fight To Sustain tells the stirring story of the men and the methods employed in sustaining 1st Airborne Division. It is the first account of forming corps of today's Royal Logistic Corps in action together.Following extensive research the story draws heavily on contemporary documents and eyewitness accounts and is lavishly illustrated.

Author : Barry Gregory
Publisher : Blandford
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 52,7 Mb
Release : 1988
Category : Airborne troops
ISBN : 0713715464

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Aircraft of the Airborne Forces by Barry Gregory Pdf

En billedmæssig gennemgang af transportfly, slæbefly og glidere anvendt under og efter den 2. verdenskrig.

Author : Chris Bishop
Publisher : Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.
Page : 558 pages
File Size : 47,5 Mb
Release : 2002
Category : Firearms
ISBN : 1586637622

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The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II by Chris Bishop Pdf

The encyclopedia of weapns of world war II is the most detailed and authoritative compendium of the weapons of mankind's greatesst conflict ever published. It is a must for the military, enthusiast, and all those interested in World War II.

Author : John Grehan
Publisher : Casemate Publishers
Page : 278 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 2016-10-30
Category : History
ISBN : 9781473894150

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RAF and the SOE by John Grehan Pdf

The Special Operations Executive developed a vast network of agents across Occupied Europe which played a vital role in developing and sustaining Resistance movements that persistently sought to subvert German control of their territories. The culmination of their efforts was seen when the Allied armies landed at Normandy in June 1944, with the SOE and the Resistance causing widespread destruction and disruption behind the German lines.None of this would have been possible had it not been for the Royal Air Force. Not only the RAF supply the SOE, and the movements it led and coordinated, with the thousands of tons of arms and equipment needed to undertake this role, it also delivered and retrieved agents from under the very noses of the enemy.Compiled at the end of the war by the Air Historical Branch of the RAF, this is an extremely detailed and comprehensive account of the RAFs support for the SOE, and in it we learn of the enormous and complex arrangements undertaken by the Special Duties squadrons as well as showing how the material delivered by these aircraft was used in the field.This account is reproduced here in its entirety, along with a detailed appendix containing the official historical record of Bomber Command aircrews and aircraft engaged in clandestine operations. Taken together, this book represents the most comprehensive account of the RAFs support for SOE ever published.

Author : Arthur James Wells
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 1922 pages
File Size : 41,5 Mb
Release : 2009
Category : Bibliography, National
ISBN : STANFORD:36105211722678

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The British National Bibliography by Arthur James Wells Pdf

Author : Peter Taylor
Publisher : Pen and Sword
Page : 260 pages
File Size : 41,5 Mb
Release : 2013-05-20
Category : History
ISBN : 9781473822337

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Allied Special Forces Insignia, 1939–1948 by Peter Taylor Pdf

As early as 1940 political leaders and military commanders responsible for the conduct of the Allied operations relalised that, after a string of disastrous setbacks, national morale could only be restored by taking offensive action against the enemy. With the limited resources available Churchills stirring call to set Europe ablaze called for unconventional solutions and action.From these uncertain beginnings was born a plethora of Allied Special Force units. Inevitably some are household names but others are little known, having had brief and covert existences in far flung parts of the world.rnrnAll, however, had distinctive identities and their proudly worn insignia represent a fascinating and often elusive challenge for militaria collectors. This is due, not just to the scarcity of items in many cases, but to the mystery of their origin; a number of these units were established on an ad hoc and spontaneous basis.Peter Taylors aim in compiling Allied Special Forces Insignia 1939–1948 is to fill a gap in the growing bibliography of militaria collecting. At the same time, Brigadier Bryan Watkins introduction sets in context the growth and development of Allied Special Forces during the global conflict 1939-45.Lavishly illustrated, this work will prove an essential reference work and companion guide for the expert collector and all interested in military history.

Author : Michael J. F. Bowyer
Publisher : Crecy Publishing
Page : 420 pages
File Size : 44,6 Mb
Release : 2002
Category : History
ISBN : STANFORD:36105025923264

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The Stirling Story by Michael J. F. Bowyer Pdf

Conceived in the shadow of looming war, when the RAF's bomber force was largely made up of obsolete and outmoded aircraft, the Stirling became the first British four-engined 'heavy' bomber of the Second World War. Developed, tested and brought into service in the first desperate years of the Second World War, the arrival of the Stirling marked a turning point in the aerial warfare of that conflict, the moment when the Allies went on the offensive against the German homeland. In the years that followed Stirling squadrons were at the forefront of the developing tactics of the Allied bomber campaign - target marking, pathfinding, electronic navigation, the thousand bomber raids etc. - that were ultimately to lead to the utter devastation of so many German cities. Despite this leading role the Stirling has never enjoyed the standing of the Halifax and the even more celebrated Lancaster. Handicapped by an unrealistic peacetime design specification, it could not match the performance of its more famous successors and was withdrawn from frontline service as deliveries of Lancasters and Halifaxes gathered momentum. However, even then the Stirling proved to be versatile and adaptable as a glider tug, transport in secret SOE operations, and later as a civilian transport in the immediate post-war years.The Stirling Story is the culmination of years of exhaustive research by one of the world's foremost aviation authors. From original design specification and testing, through its development, introduction to service, developing marks and later adaptations the full story of the Shorts Stirling bomber is told with the aid of eyewitness accounts from the designers, production workers, engineers and above all the crews of the Stirling. Much more than the history of just one aircraft type, The Stirling Story is the story of RAF Bomber Command emerging from obscurity and failure to become a devastatingly effective weapon of war. It is an essential work of reference that no serious military aviation enthusiast or war historian can afford to be without, as well as a fascinating read for anyone with any interest in, or connection with, the Shorts Stirling.'