65 years ago…

Book delayed…

Mail from RedKite

“The book has been put back to later this year. It has been far more complicated to edit than anyone expected and as the main thrust of the book rubbishes just about every published ‘fact’ about the operation I am keen that it can withstand the ‘Flak’ that it will attract!”

Interesting….

Yes it is Red Kite. I agree with what you say there. It looks good and interesting, but not for sale yet by the look of it.
Best Wishes.
Robert.

This has really got my interest, I’ve mailed Red Kite to ask for a publication date, will post it if they reply.

Yes it is Red Kite. I agree with what you say there. It looks good and interesting, but not for sale yet by the look of it.

Best Wishes.
Robert.

That’s the one, Robert. Pretty sure it is by Red Kite publications.

I am aware of some of Ducellier’s submissions within the book which, I feel sure, will answer many of Dave Homewood’s questions.

Am not suggesting there was any conspiracy or any lies, per se. It is rather the case that material so far published on the raid does not go any way towards telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. As for Fishman’s colourful account…well, lets just say that you are reading an awful lot of journalistic licence there!

AH! Got it….its already out seemingly but not available at the moment.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amiens-Raid-Secrets-Revealed-Operation/dp/0955473527/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235220925&sr=1-1

Best Wishes.
Robert.

So what parts of the story are not true? And who lied, and why?

There have been many accounts written of this raid. Were they all in on some conspiracy? Surely some of them checked facts and records and first hand accounts? Why wait till virtually everyone involved is dead to bring this out into the open?

I’m afraid that very much of it is a myth – and that is not to denigrate in any way (on the contrary!) the skill and courage of those involved.

The book by Fishman is a good read, but that is all. It is more a fiction than fact. A classic case of reality being obscured by faction, to the extent that the myths and the legends have now become established historical detail.

As for Operation Jericho….well….a good name indeed, but only a name applied to the raid post-war.

The book, I think, is due to be published by RedKite. Here’s hoping it will blow away the myths and tell the real story.

Dick Sampson gets a mention every year now Dave, Many forget him, being the first killed on the raid, everyone remembers G/C Pickard and Flt Lt Broadley. We set that right since we started to hold a yearly gathering on or around the 18th Feb, at the Hunsdon airfield memorial.

Thanks Denis. It is very nice to know he is remembered there for his efforts and for giving his life, as he is here.

Dustyone, interesting memories. Were you kids able to actually chat with and get to know airmen over the fence, or was it just a matter of being a witness to their activities?

This book is one of the very few that have ‘binned’ but at 1p? .

To be fair I should say that on amazon resellers I have seen an awful lot of books at 1p (plus £2.75 P&P) ! – but would be very interested to see anything more you have on a new book – if you recall it can you post it ?

cheers

Hi Denis,
Don’t blame me, i’m just saying what was on the blurb. There was a few, one was that the raid was to free prisonners, another was the name ‘Jericho’ as the name of the operation. They certainly aren’t my views, just passing them on.

Best Wishes.
Robert.

Myth?

What part of an actual recorded RAF operation could be construed as a myth?

Investigative journalism has run out of suitable subjects, and turns to historical subjects to feed on methinks.

‘And the Walls Came Tumbling Down’. As the write-up says: ‘quasi-novelist’ in style. This book is one of the very few that have ‘binned’ but at 1p? There is a new one due out this year, read about it only last week on the net but can I find it? Threatens to blow the myth…the name ‘Jericho’ is one part set to be blown!

Best Wishes.
Robert.

The dust cover of the “walls came tumbling down” book says “one of the most controversial raids” – is that sales blurb or was there a real argumnet, discussion behind it?

I recall reading the book, ooooo, 20 plus years ago, but can see it for 1p on an amazon seller, just may order that!

Jerico

As a boy I lived just a mile from Hunsdon where operation ‘Jerico’ was planned – practiced, & carried out from, I saw some wonderful ‘shoot ups’—one in particular by 13 Mosquitoes one a Sunday — I remember well all the different Mks of Mossy’s the sqdns, & all the other various Sqdns & types which served there in those halcyons days, which for us youngsters was great, but so dangerous for those gallant chaps we saw take off on such missions as ‘Jerico’ — I often saw the draped coffins being taken by lorry to the nearest railway station at St Margarets to be transported no doubt to the victims hometown —a modern flim would not give these men the respect they deserve — don’t even try !!!

Dustone

Jericho would make a good basis for a movie surely, enough to get in some background stories etc, CGI (Ok, another debate) could make the Mossies fly….

Agreed!, it would be great.
One of the great missions of WWII.
It sums up the hard decisions made in wartime,..”yes, we’re going to get some people killed while trying to save them but we think it will be worth it.”

In a perfect world it would be an excuse to get some Mosquitos flying (or replicas made). I’d rather see it than a remake of The Dam Busters.

A pilot from my town, Dick Sampson, was killed on the raid.

Dick Sampson gets a mention every year now Dave, Many forget him, being the first killed on the raid, everyone remembers G/C Pickard and Flt Lt Broadley. We set that right since we started to hold a yearly gathering on or around the 18th Feb, at the Hunsdon airfield memorial.

There is also ‘The Gates Burst Open’ by Remy. Published in 1955 by ARCO Publishers at a price of 15 Shillings:)
I have an almost mint copy of this, and often wondered what it is worth now. No ISBN, long before that came in!

Picked up a book 2nd hand a while back that appears to cover the raid in much detail (over 400 pages) – haven’t read it yet so can’t reccomend it (must get a round tuit 🙂 ).

Title “And The walls Came Tumbling Down”, Author Jack Fishman, Published by Souvenir Press 1982, ISBN 0 285 625195.

Roger Smith.

A film has been made, by the French in the 1950’s. I don’t recall the title, but search the forum for the numerous threads on the Amiens raid and you’ll find it.

Pathe newsreel of Operation Jericho

I’ve uploaded film of the raid to YouTube. It’s got a copyright logo over the top,but still good to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOAPx_VPi-A