The Wreck Hunter: Battle of Britain & The Blitz

A young Terry Parsons began searching for lost aircraft and memories of the Battle of Britain and the Blitz in 1961. He discovered thousands of RAF and Luftwaffe artefacts, including a control column from a Spitfire, a Dornier Do 17 fuselage, a pilot's waistcoat, blood-stained maps, and a Me 110 tail fin. This biography reveals the historical significance of his story and the importance of remembering the lives of the men who fought in the skies above Britain in those desperate days.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

A young Terry Parsons embarked on a remarkable journey as early as 1961, when he was still in his twenties. His quest was to uncover lost aircraft and the memories of the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. What he discovered over the ensuing decades surpassed the mere remnants of military aircraft, both fighters and bombers. With each artifact he unearthed, a rich tapestry of life stories intertwined, connecting the valiant and the brave, the living and the deceased. Among the treasures he recovered from numerous wreck sites were a mud-cloaked control column from a Spitfire, still in firing mode, a piece of Dornier Do 17 fuselage bearing the fatal bullet holes that led to its crash in southeast England, a pilot's waistcoat once used to mitigate drafts and rattles in a Hurricane cockpit, blood-stained maps from a Luftwaffe bomber, and a buckled tail fin from a Me 110 adorned with the unmistakable symbol of the swastika.

In this exclusive biography, meticulously crafted from Terry's original notes and photographs spanning nearly seventy years, we delve into not only the historical significance of his own story as a wreck-hunter but also the profound importance of honoring the lives of the men who fought in the skies above Britain during the Second World War. Indeed, this book serves as a unique tribute to thousands of young souls, both lost and found, of the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.

Terry Parsons' pioneering commitment to aviation archaeology stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of these brave individuals. His tireless efforts have shed light on the untold stories of the men who risked their lives in the air, ensuring that their memories are preserved and their contributions to the war effort are never forgotten. Through his meticulous research and dedication, Terry has not only uncovered the physical remnants of these aircraft but also the emotional connections that bind them to the individuals who piloted them and the communities they served.

This biography offers a glimpse into the world of a remarkable man, whose passion for aviation archaeology has transcended time and space. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in the skies during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, and of the enduring impact that their bravery and resilience have had on our world. As we read this captivating story, we are invited to reflect on the profound significance of remembering the past and honoring the lives of those who have shaped our history.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399021753