Hi all,
I have just got back from the 578 squadron reunion. (578 were no4 Group bomber command in WWII). Talking to some of the groundcrew veterans it really brought home to me the immense logistical exercise it was to run a bomber base and keep a squadron of Halifaxes bombed up, airworthy and ready to go…. From air traffic control to the catering staff it was a mammoth undertaking.
There are many books (and rightly so) about aircrew life but I can’t find anything on the life of the bomber command ground support….. The Erks, Waaf’s etc..
Amazon only displays one about the groundcrew role in the Battle of Britain.
Are there any?
Regards,
Paul.
By: Paul - 29th May 2008 at 10:39
Too blumin right and it’s about time someone made ammends! It’s just a bit sad that the ground crew from the WW2 era are now probably a bit too old to start writing there memoires.
Smiler.
A member of ground crew!
Yes the folk I was with last weekend were all in their mid eighties…. a wireless mechanic, an air traffic control WAAF to name but two…. Just like their aircrew counterparts they are reluctant to say too much….. ( The WAAF said she lost too many friends, but ended up marrying a pilot)! They just want to enjoy their reunions so I do not press them too hard. Hence the fact that I wanted to read up a bit more before talking to them again.
Paul.
By: Dave Homewood - 29th May 2008 at 07:59
Loads of wartime RNZAF groundcrew have written their experiences up into a book, but not many are widely available. Most books are written just for their families to keep. But there are certainly many 85 an 90 year olds buying PC’s now and typing up their memories.
Few RNZAF cgroundcrew served in the UK so the topic you seek may be harder to find, but I’d wager there are private books out there, unpublished. Do you have SeniorNet or other computer clubs for the elderly there? If you do, contact them as here they encourage and foster the recoding of memories whilst training the older generation in using a computer.
By: Smiler - 29th May 2008 at 07:17
Too blumin right and it’s about time someone made ammends! It’s just a bit sad that the ground crew from the WW2 era are now probably a bit too old to start writing there memoires.
Smiler.
A member of ground crew!
By: bloodnok - 28th May 2008 at 22:54
The only book that springs to mind was called something like Behind Hangar doors…. this may be the battle of britain book you found.
I think this whole area is sadly neglected, and often overlooked.
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May 28, 2008 at 12:41 pm