Eyewitness RAF: The Experience of War, 1939-1945

James Goulty's Eyewitness RAF provides a direct insight into wartime life in the Royal Air Force, focusing on the individual's experience of training, flying, and demobilization. The book includes testimony from men and women, highlighting the preparations for flying, the daily routines of an air base, time on leave, and the issues of discipline, morale, and motivation. A graphic section describes the impact of operations and casualties.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 03 November 2020
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
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The Royal Air Force (RAF) played a significant role in the Second World War, and numerous books have been written about its various aspects. However, few have delved into the experiences of air or ground crew members during their training and active service, as well as their demobilization at the end of the war. James Goulty's Eyewitness RAF aims to fill this gap by offering a firsthand account of wartime life in the RAF through a collection of testimony from men and women who served.

The book focuses on the individual experiences of RAF personnel, encompassing the preparations for flying, the actual flying experiences, the daily routines at an air base, time spent on leave, and the challenges of discipline, morale, and motivation. A particularly graphic section describes the emotions and experiences of airmen during operations, including the impact of casualties, whether they were killed, injured, or taken prisoner.

What emerges from Eyewitness RAF is a fascinating and varied inside view of the RAF that may differ from the heroic and glamorous portrayal often depicted in post-war accounts. However, it provides readers with a more realistic appreciation of the diverse aspects of life in the RAF seventy years ago. The testimonies offer a glimpse into the hardships, challenges, and triumphs experienced by the air and ground crew members during this tumultuous period.

Overall, Eyewitness RAF is a valuable contribution to the literature on the RAF during the Second World War. It provides a unique perspective that enhances our understanding of the RAF's role in the war and the experiences of its personnel. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a military enthusiast, or simply interested in learning more about the past, this book is a must-read.

\n Weight: 588g\n
Dimension: 165 x 239 x 29 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526752376\n \n