Bombers over Berlin: the RAF offensive, November 1943-March 1944

Description

First published to acclaim in 1985, this book is set to be a timely release, in line with the 70th Anniversary of the outset of the Raids, near approaching in November 2013. Berlin itself was 'the Big City'. It was deep in the heart of Germany and heavily defended with flak and night fighters, not only because it was the administrative capital but also because it was vital for the German war production machine. Heavy losses could be expected on any raid to Berlin. So when the curtain was swept back on the briefing map to reveal the red ribbon stretching towards Berlin there was added tension for the bomber crews. Between November 1943 and March 1944, Berlin was the target no less than sixteen times. 9,112 sorties were flown and 495 aircraft were lost.As in his previous books, Alan Cooper has painstakingly researched all the details of the raids, telling the stories of individual crews who flew on them, of those who returned safely and those who were shot down, becoming POWs or evading capture, either returning to the UK or remaining at large in occupied Europe. He tells of the heroism of the pilots and crews grappling with heavily -loaded bombers against night fighters, often nursing stricken aircraft back to base, with many failing to return.Acclaim for Bombers Over Berlin:What makes this book so remarkable and interesting is its anthology of short but graphic accounts of the trials and tribulations of the dozens of bomber crews involved...Bombers Over Berlin is unique in its compilations of such a large number of personal anecdotes covering the hazards of sustained fighter and flak attacks...a thoroughly well researched chronicle Ken Batchelor, former Chairman of the Bomber Command Association.;Front Cover -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Contents -- List of Illustrations -- Line Illustrations -- Acknowledgements -- I Target Berlin -- II The Battle Begins -- III Going to the Big City -- IV No Respite -- V Over Berlin -- VI The New Year -- VII The Weather Sets In -- VIII The End is Near -- IX The End -- X The Outcome -- Appendices: Aircraft and crew losses in the Battle of Berlin -- Attacks on Berlin 1940-45 -- Bomb Tonnage -- Sources Front Cover -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Contents -- List of Illustrations -- Line Illustrations -- Acknowledgements -- I Target Berlin -- II The Battle Begins -- III Going to the Big City -- IV No Respite -- V Over Berlin -- VI The New Year -- VII The Weather Sets In -- VIII The End is Near -- IX The End -- X The Outcome -- Appendices: Aircraft and crew losses in the Battle of Berlin -- Attacks on Berlin 1940-45 -- Bomb Tonnage -- Sources