Tales of Lancasters and Other Aircraft: Dangerous Skies in the Second World War

During the Second World War, nearly seven out of every 100 operational airmen in England were killed while flying, and over three were severely injured in crashes. George Culling, a 19-year-old Lancaster navigator, has compiled tales from comrades and his own experiences to preserve the unexpected, inconvenient, dangerous, and often bizarre experiences that typified daily life for airmen in the war.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

During the Second World War, a significant number of operational airmen in England faced the tragic consequences of flying. Shockingly, nearly seven out of every 100 airmen lost their lives while operating in the country, while over three others suffered severe injuries in crashes. The overall toll of non-operational casualties was staggering, reaching a staggering count of 12,398. However, the grim reality of operational casualties was even more distressing, with over 56,000 airmen losing their lives during the war. Among the brave men who served in the air, George Culling stood out as a 19-year-old Lancaster navigator. His experiences were often fraught with challenging and dangerous conditions, as he navigated through treacherous skies and encountered various threats. Culling's fascination with the ever-present dangers for airmen, even in times of relative peace, led him to embark on a remarkable project. He gathered tales from his comrades and combined them with his own personal accounts to preserve some of the unexpected, inconvenient, dangerous, and often downright bizarre experiences that frequently characterized daily life for airmen during the Second World War.

The accounts compiled by Culling shed light on the hardships and challenges faced by airmen during their service. They describe the cramped conditions aboard aircraft, the lack of proper ventilation and insulation, and the constant fear of being shot down or encountering enemy fire. Airmen were subjected to extreme weather conditions, from scorching heat to freezing cold, which added to their discomfort and risk of illness. They also had to navigate through dense fog and heavy rain, which made it difficult to see and maintain control of their aircraft.

In addition to the physical dangers, airmen also faced psychological and emotional challenges. They were often away from their families for extended periods, which led to feelings of isolation and loneliness. The constant threat of death and the uncertainty of their fate added to their stress and anxiety. Moreover, airmen had to deal with the moral dilemmas that came with their role in the war, such as the bombing of civilian targets and the targeting of enemy soldiers.

Despite the hardships and dangers, airmen remained resilient and committed to their mission. They displayed incredible bravery and selflessness in the face of adversity, often putting the safety of their comrades before their own. Their stories serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in the air during the Second World War.

George Culling's project to preserve the experiences of airmen during the war is a valuable contribution to our understanding of this period of history. His efforts to collect and share these tales ensure that the memories of these brave men will not be forgotten. The stories of airmen like George Culling remind us of the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces during times of war.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803994550
Edition number: New ed