Six Weeks of Blenheim Summer: One Pilot's Extraordinary Account of the Battle of France

Alastair Panton's Six Weeks of Blenheim Summer is a lost classic account of war in the air, offering a powerful testament to the courage, stoicism, camaraderie, and humanity of Britain's greatest generation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2018
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

"Deserves to join the ranks of the great RAF books of the Second World War" - Andrew Roberts.

As I pen these words, the vivid memories of that scorching summer in 1940 come flooding back, etched into my mind like never before. The burning heat of the blazing Blenheim, the pungent aromas, the tantalizing flavors, the expressive faces, and the haunting sounds of voices—all linger vividly within me.

Flying Officer Alastair Panton, just twenty-three years of age, found himself deployed across the Channel in the defense of France. It was a desperate time. The German blitzkrieg relentlessly pushed back the Allies, retreating to the beaches as it plowed through the Low Countries and into France. By June 4th, 1940, the evacuation of the Allies from Dunkirk had reached its climax. Just over two weeks later, France surrendered, marking a turning point in the course of the war.

Throughout the campaign, Panton flew vital, perilous, low-level missions in support of the troops on the ground. His beloved but unarmed Bristol Blenheim, a symbol of British resilience, became easy prey for the marauding Messerschmitts. In the height of the fighting, he witnessed the loss of two crews from his small squadron to the enemy every single day.

Discovering his story in a box by his grandchildren after his passing in 2002, Alastair Panton's Six Weeks of Blenheim Summer has rightfully earned its place as a lost classic. It stands as one of the most moving, vivid, and powerful accounts of war in the air ever written, an unforgettable testament to the courage, stoicism, camaraderie, and humanity of Britain's greatest generation.

As I immerse myself in this remarkable account, I cannot help but feel a profound sense of awe and reverence. The adventures that unfolded within these pages are enough to fill a lifetime. The sheer bravery and resilience displayed by Panton and his fellow airmen are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Louis de Bernières, in his review, aptly describes it as "simply wonderful." John Nichol, another renowned reviewer, goes even further, proclaiming it "one of the best accounts of WWII I have ever read."

In conclusion, Alastair Panton's Six Weeks of Blenheim Summer is a timeless masterpiece that deserves to be celebrated and cherished. It serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human race and the unwavering determination of Britain's finest generation. As we reflect on the sacrifices made during World War II, this book reminds us of the incredible bravery and resilience of those who fought for freedom and democracy.

Weight: 132g
Dimension: 200 x 131 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781405936743