Hi everyone, looking for opinions on the best PAW books. I prefer my books to be more personal anecdotes, rather than dry, day by day accounts, although a blend is welcome.
So what should I look for? So far i’ve only really read books on the West, although I do have a good general knowledge of the Pacific.
Oh, should add I’ve read Boyingtoons Black Sheep!
By: Black Shoe - 30th August 2011 at 09:36
Fire in the Sky: The Air War in the South Pacific by Eric Bergerud.
By: Black Shoe - 30th August 2011 at 09:36
Fire in the Sky: The Air War in the South Pacific by Eric Bergerud.
By: J Boyle - 29th August 2011 at 19:59
I can recommend Steve Birdsall’s Saga of the Superfortresses.
I’m not aware of a better book on B-29 operations.
Many personal comments along with the expected details. Very well written.
By: J Boyle - 29th August 2011 at 19:59
I can recommend Steve Birdsall’s Saga of the Superfortresses.
I’m not aware of a better book on B-29 operations.
Many personal comments along with the expected details. Very well written.
By: Dave Homewood - 29th August 2011 at 09:12
From a New Zealand perspective:
Too Young To Die – by Bryan Young. The story of an RNZAF Corsair pilot, best seller and hugely popular
Wings Over The Pacific – by Alex Horn. Alex was himself a Corsair pilot but in this book as well as telling his own story he also wrote about most of the other RNZAF Pacific activities from bombers to transports to flyingboats, interweaving the personal stories of other veterans he knew into a well written history. Very much recommended.
The Blue Arena – by Robert Spurdle. Bob was a Battle of Britain pilot, and flew Hurricats, before returning to NZ and fighting in the Pacific in Warhawks. Excellent autobiogaphy, hard to find though.
Into The Sun – by Claude Thompson. He was an RNZAF pilot in Singapore when it fell and he was captured, escaped and evaded and recaptured with lots of adventures along the way. Written after he returned decades later to show his wife where his wartime ordeals took place. Great book.
From Cow Bells To Bell Bottoms by Ben Heffer. The story of a New Zealander in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm who flew Corsairs in the British Pacific Fleet.
And a non-NZ book which is a must-read in my opinion.
You’ll Die In Singapore – by Charles McCormac. He was a Wireless Operator-Air Gunner on No. 205 Squadron Catalinas when the Japanese invaded Singapore. His battle, capture, torture, escape and evasion is really the most gripping story I have ever read. I discovered the book by accident and since I read it have leant it to many people who all agree with me. It would make a stunning film or mini-series without changing a single detail. Not much flying in the book but he was certainly an RAF airman and the story is worth a read. If you cannot find it you can read the book online, here:
By: Dave Homewood - 29th August 2011 at 09:12
From a New Zealand perspective:
Too Young To Die – by Bryan Young. The story of an RNZAF Corsair pilot, best seller and hugely popular
Wings Over The Pacific – by Alex Horn. Alex was himself a Corsair pilot but in this book as well as telling his own story he also wrote about most of the other RNZAF Pacific activities from bombers to transports to flyingboats, interweaving the personal stories of other veterans he knew into a well written history. Very much recommended.
The Blue Arena – by Robert Spurdle. Bob was a Battle of Britain pilot, and flew Hurricats, before returning to NZ and fighting in the Pacific in Warhawks. Excellent autobiogaphy, hard to find though.
Into The Sun – by Claude Thompson. He was an RNZAF pilot in Singapore when it fell and he was captured, escaped and evaded and recaptured with lots of adventures along the way. Written after he returned decades later to show his wife where his wartime ordeals took place. Great book.
From Cow Bells To Bell Bottoms by Ben Heffer. The story of a New Zealander in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm who flew Corsairs in the British Pacific Fleet.
And a non-NZ book which is a must-read in my opinion.
You’ll Die In Singapore – by Charles McCormac. He was a Wireless Operator-Air Gunner on No. 205 Squadron Catalinas when the Japanese invaded Singapore. His battle, capture, torture, escape and evasion is really the most gripping story I have ever read. I discovered the book by accident and since I read it have leant it to many people who all agree with me. It would make a stunning film or mini-series without changing a single detail. Not much flying in the book but he was certainly an RAF airman and the story is worth a read. If you cannot find it you can read the book online, here:
By: sparky - 29th August 2011 at 08:04
“Nanette” by Edwards Park. P39 pilot with the 41st FS, 35th FG early on in the PTO
“Of War and Weddings” Jerry Yellin. He was a P51 Pilot flying the VLR missions from Iwo Jima.
“New Guinea Skies” Wayne Rothgeb. P38 pilot with the 39th FS, 35th FG PTO
Steve Birdsall’s book “Flying Buccaneers” is a must for anyone interested in the 5th Air Force. It’s a great mix of photos, stories and info on the 5th.
His book “Saga of the Superfortress” is a great on on B29 ops.
Good choices Dan. Particularly like Nanette 🙂
By: sparky - 29th August 2011 at 08:04
“Nanette” by Edwards Park. P39 pilot with the 41st FS, 35th FG early on in the PTO
“Of War and Weddings” Jerry Yellin. He was a P51 Pilot flying the VLR missions from Iwo Jima.
“New Guinea Skies” Wayne Rothgeb. P38 pilot with the 39th FS, 35th FG PTO
Steve Birdsall’s book “Flying Buccaneers” is a must for anyone interested in the 5th Air Force. It’s a great mix of photos, stories and info on the 5th.
His book “Saga of the Superfortress” is a great on on B29 ops.
Good choices Dan. Particularly like Nanette 🙂
By: Dan Johnson - 29th August 2011 at 05:01
“Nanette” by Edwards Park. P39 pilot with the 41st FS, 35th FG early on in the PTO
“Of War and Weddings” Jerry Yellin. He was a P51 Pilot flying the VLR missions from Iwo Jima.
“New Guinea Skies” Wayne Rothgeb. P38 pilot with the 39th FS, 35th FG PTO
Steve Birdsall’s book “Flying Buccaneers” is a must for anyone interested in the 5th Air Force. It’s a great mix of photos, stories and info on the 5th.
His book “Saga of the Superfortress” is a great on on B29 ops.
By: Dan Johnson - 29th August 2011 at 05:01
“Nanette” by Edwards Park. P39 pilot with the 41st FS, 35th FG early on in the PTO
“Of War and Weddings” Jerry Yellin. He was a P51 Pilot flying the VLR missions from Iwo Jima.
“New Guinea Skies” Wayne Rothgeb. P38 pilot with the 39th FS, 35th FG PTO
Steve Birdsall’s book “Flying Buccaneers” is a must for anyone interested in the 5th Air Force. It’s a great mix of photos, stories and info on the 5th.
His book “Saga of the Superfortress” is a great on on B29 ops.
By: danjama - 28th August 2011 at 20:14
Thank you – They Gave Me a Seafire looks excellent, think i’ll order that. Can’t find much information on the other, but have saved it for later reference.
Anyone else think they can steer me in the right direction?
By: danjama - 28th August 2011 at 20:14
Thank you – They Gave Me a Seafire looks excellent, think i’ll order that. Can’t find much information on the other, but have saved it for later reference.
Anyone else think they can steer me in the right direction?
By: mlc - 28th August 2011 at 14:24
‘They gave me a Seafire’ is a very good read, as is ‘Avenger from the sky’ is another good one. Both cover the FAA in the Pacific.
By: mlc - 28th August 2011 at 14:24
‘They gave me a Seafire’ is a very good read, as is ‘Avenger from the sky’ is another good one. Both cover the FAA in the Pacific.
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August 28, 2011 at 2:02 pm