Author: Vicki Beeby
Publisher: Canelo
ISBN: 1804365599
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 372
Book Description
With an enemy in their midst, can they still protect their fighters in the skies? Pearl has given up on her dreams of being a journalist after being denied a promotion because of her gender. Joining the WAAF as a radio telephone operator for Bomber Command, Pearl's new job at RAF Fenthorpe serves two purposes – providing an income for her grandmother, and keeping a close eye on her younger sister, Thea, an instrument repairer at another Lincolnshire bomber station. Pearl befriends Met WAAF Jenny as well as Australian pilot Greg, who she guides home safely during an emergency. Pearl's journalism background doesn't go to waste, however – a series of thefts from pilots rekindles her investigative fire and she is soon caught up in the mystery. But when all signs point to the perpetrator being her sister, she finds herself up against the clock to prove her sister’s innocence... A captivating and heartwarming WWII saga for fans of Daisy Styles and Johanna Bell. Praise for The Girls of Bomber Command ‘I absolutely adored The Girls of Bomber Command. It's a real page-turner and a wonderful mix of love, loss, friendship, action and romance. There were parts of the book that had me on the edge of my seat for all kinds of reasons!’ Johanna Bell ‘What a read! Fast-paced, exciting and superbly researched, this story brings World War II to life’ Lesley Eames ‘When I was asked to read Vicki Beeby’s new book, I jumped at the chance! The Girls of Bomber Command is an exceptional tale that had me on the first page. Readers will delight in period details, a tight and pacy plot, and beautifully flawed characters. I couldn’t stop reading!’ Andie Newton, USA Today bestseller ‘Another brilliant WW2 saga from the queen herself. Loved this book and hoping for more from the Bomber Girls. Fantastic read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Vicki Beeby has done it again! An enthralling read. The author’s notes on the research undertaken to inspire and also to make this story authentic were fascinating. I can’t wait for the next book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘There’s a couple of wartime authors that I always read as soon as they have a new book out and Vicki Beeby is one of them! She writes the most perfect wartime stories.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘A well-researched and well-written book... All in all a thoroughly good read – which actually brought me to tears at one point – a sign of a good book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘What a great start to a new series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
The Girls of Bomber Command
Author: Vicki Beeby
Publisher: Canelo
ISBN: 1804365599
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 372
Book Description
With an enemy in their midst, can they still protect their fighters in the skies? Pearl has given up on her dreams of being a journalist after being denied a promotion because of her gender. Joining the WAAF as a radio telephone operator for Bomber Command, Pearl's new job at RAF Fenthorpe serves two purposes – providing an income for her grandmother, and keeping a close eye on her younger sister, Thea, an instrument repairer at another Lincolnshire bomber station. Pearl befriends Met WAAF Jenny as well as Australian pilot Greg, who she guides home safely during an emergency. Pearl's journalism background doesn't go to waste, however – a series of thefts from pilots rekindles her investigative fire and she is soon caught up in the mystery. But when all signs point to the perpetrator being her sister, she finds herself up against the clock to prove her sister’s innocence... A captivating and heartwarming WWII saga for fans of Daisy Styles and Johanna Bell. Praise for The Girls of Bomber Command ‘I absolutely adored The Girls of Bomber Command. It's a real page-turner and a wonderful mix of love, loss, friendship, action and romance. There were parts of the book that had me on the edge of my seat for all kinds of reasons!’ Johanna Bell ‘What a read! Fast-paced, exciting and superbly researched, this story brings World War II to life’ Lesley Eames ‘When I was asked to read Vicki Beeby’s new book, I jumped at the chance! The Girls of Bomber Command is an exceptional tale that had me on the first page. Readers will delight in period details, a tight and pacy plot, and beautifully flawed characters. I couldn’t stop reading!’ Andie Newton, USA Today bestseller ‘Another brilliant WW2 saga from the queen herself. Loved this book and hoping for more from the Bomber Girls. Fantastic read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Vicki Beeby has done it again! An enthralling read. The author’s notes on the research undertaken to inspire and also to make this story authentic were fascinating. I can’t wait for the next book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘There’s a couple of wartime authors that I always read as soon as they have a new book out and Vicki Beeby is one of them! She writes the most perfect wartime stories.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘A well-researched and well-written book... All in all a thoroughly good read – which actually brought me to tears at one point – a sign of a good book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘What a great start to a new series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
Publisher: Canelo
ISBN: 1804365599
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 372
Book Description
With an enemy in their midst, can they still protect their fighters in the skies? Pearl has given up on her dreams of being a journalist after being denied a promotion because of her gender. Joining the WAAF as a radio telephone operator for Bomber Command, Pearl's new job at RAF Fenthorpe serves two purposes – providing an income for her grandmother, and keeping a close eye on her younger sister, Thea, an instrument repairer at another Lincolnshire bomber station. Pearl befriends Met WAAF Jenny as well as Australian pilot Greg, who she guides home safely during an emergency. Pearl's journalism background doesn't go to waste, however – a series of thefts from pilots rekindles her investigative fire and she is soon caught up in the mystery. But when all signs point to the perpetrator being her sister, she finds herself up against the clock to prove her sister’s innocence... A captivating and heartwarming WWII saga for fans of Daisy Styles and Johanna Bell. Praise for The Girls of Bomber Command ‘I absolutely adored The Girls of Bomber Command. It's a real page-turner and a wonderful mix of love, loss, friendship, action and romance. There were parts of the book that had me on the edge of my seat for all kinds of reasons!’ Johanna Bell ‘What a read! Fast-paced, exciting and superbly researched, this story brings World War II to life’ Lesley Eames ‘When I was asked to read Vicki Beeby’s new book, I jumped at the chance! The Girls of Bomber Command is an exceptional tale that had me on the first page. Readers will delight in period details, a tight and pacy plot, and beautifully flawed characters. I couldn’t stop reading!’ Andie Newton, USA Today bestseller ‘Another brilliant WW2 saga from the queen herself. Loved this book and hoping for more from the Bomber Girls. Fantastic read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Vicki Beeby has done it again! An enthralling read. The author’s notes on the research undertaken to inspire and also to make this story authentic were fascinating. I can’t wait for the next book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘There’s a couple of wartime authors that I always read as soon as they have a new book out and Vicki Beeby is one of them! She writes the most perfect wartime stories.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘A well-researched and well-written book... All in all a thoroughly good read – which actually brought me to tears at one point – a sign of a good book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘What a great start to a new series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
The Ops Room Girls
Author: Vicki Beeby
Publisher: Canelo
ISBN: 1800320884
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
Shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Saga of the Year AwardWhen Evie’s dreams come crashing down, she’s determined to still make something of herself in these trying times... It is 1939 and working class Evie Bishop has received a scholarship to study mathematics at Oxford when tragedy turns her life upside down. Evie must seek a new future for herself and, inspired to contribute to the war effort, joins the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as an Ops Room plotter. Posted to a fighter station on the Sussex Coast, Evie befriends two other WAAFs – shy, awkward May and flirty, glamorous Jess. Faced with earning the approval of strict officers and finding their way in a male dominated world, the three girls band together to overcome challenges, navigate new romances and keep their pilots safe in the skies. But the German bombers seem to know more than they should about the base’s operations, and soon Evie, May and Jess are caught up in a world more dangerous than they ever imagined... This heartwarming, dramatic World War II saga is perfect for fans of Daisy Styles, Kate Thompson and Rosie Clarke. Praise for The Ops Room Girls ‘A fabulous tale of courage, comradeship and romance.’ Glynis Peters, author of The Secret Orphan ‘A lovely book. Vicki Beeby is a saga author to watch.’ Margaret Dickinson, Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author 'Full of excitement, energy and romance, this story kept me turning the pages eagerly.' Lesley Eames, author of The Brighton Guest House Girls 'An exceptional historical saga about young women forging new paths in an uncertain world at war... rich with historical detail, and a must read for historical fiction fans.' Andie Newton, author of The Girl I Left Behind 'An utter joy to read, from the first page to the last. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone with a liking for strong characters, a taste for danger, and a deeply romantic soul.' Terri Nixon, author of Penhaligon's Gift ‘Entertaining from beginning to end. I can’t recommend it highly enough.’ Gemma Jackson, bestselling author of the Ivy Rose series
Publisher: Canelo
ISBN: 1800320884
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
Shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Saga of the Year AwardWhen Evie’s dreams come crashing down, she’s determined to still make something of herself in these trying times... It is 1939 and working class Evie Bishop has received a scholarship to study mathematics at Oxford when tragedy turns her life upside down. Evie must seek a new future for herself and, inspired to contribute to the war effort, joins the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as an Ops Room plotter. Posted to a fighter station on the Sussex Coast, Evie befriends two other WAAFs – shy, awkward May and flirty, glamorous Jess. Faced with earning the approval of strict officers and finding their way in a male dominated world, the three girls band together to overcome challenges, navigate new romances and keep their pilots safe in the skies. But the German bombers seem to know more than they should about the base’s operations, and soon Evie, May and Jess are caught up in a world more dangerous than they ever imagined... This heartwarming, dramatic World War II saga is perfect for fans of Daisy Styles, Kate Thompson and Rosie Clarke. Praise for The Ops Room Girls ‘A fabulous tale of courage, comradeship and romance.’ Glynis Peters, author of The Secret Orphan ‘A lovely book. Vicki Beeby is a saga author to watch.’ Margaret Dickinson, Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author 'Full of excitement, energy and romance, this story kept me turning the pages eagerly.' Lesley Eames, author of The Brighton Guest House Girls 'An exceptional historical saga about young women forging new paths in an uncertain world at war... rich with historical detail, and a must read for historical fiction fans.' Andie Newton, author of The Girl I Left Behind 'An utter joy to read, from the first page to the last. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone with a liking for strong characters, a taste for danger, and a deeply romantic soul.' Terri Nixon, author of Penhaligon's Gift ‘Entertaining from beginning to end. I can’t recommend it highly enough.’ Gemma Jackson, bestselling author of the Ivy Rose series
Christmas with the Ops Room Girls
Author: Vicki Beeby
Publisher: Canelo
ISBN: 1800320892
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 358
Book Description
When there’s so much to be afraid of, can May help bring festive cheer to the Ops Room? After failing to help evacuee siblings whom she witnesses being separated, May wishes she’d had the confidence to speak up. When Jess suggests a pantomime to boost morale on the station, May is desperate to help – but is held back by her own insecurities. With her low self-esteem also affecting her relationship with Squadron Leader Peter Travis, May is fed up with being her own worst enemy and decides to take charge of her destiny. But the past she ran from, plus a crisis with one of the evacuees, throw May into the midst of a drama that will test all of her newfound confidence. May, Jess and Evie must work together once again to help each other through the challenges of war and of their own hearts. This heartwarming WAAF saga is perfect for fans of Daisy Styles, Kate Thompson and Rosie Clarke. Praise for Vicki Beeby 'A fabulous tale of courage, comradeship and romance.' Glynis Peters, author of The Secret Orphan 'A lovely book. Vicki Beeby is a saga author to watch.' Margaret Dickinson, Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author 'Entertaining from beginning to end. I can't recommend it highly enough.' Gemma Jackson, bestselling author of the Ivy Rose series 'This is a wonderful story of hope, love and friendship during the Second World War.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'Another wonderful book in this series, characters that come alive, and a storyline I enjoy following from book to book. Saga lovers this is a series for you.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'This was the most charming, evocative and beautiful book. The friendship between May, Jess and Evie, the ops rooms girls, is joyously written and their characters lovingly drawn and expanded. This is a many layered book, it will leave you wanting more!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
Publisher: Canelo
ISBN: 1800320892
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 358
Book Description
When there’s so much to be afraid of, can May help bring festive cheer to the Ops Room? After failing to help evacuee siblings whom she witnesses being separated, May wishes she’d had the confidence to speak up. When Jess suggests a pantomime to boost morale on the station, May is desperate to help – but is held back by her own insecurities. With her low self-esteem also affecting her relationship with Squadron Leader Peter Travis, May is fed up with being her own worst enemy and decides to take charge of her destiny. But the past she ran from, plus a crisis with one of the evacuees, throw May into the midst of a drama that will test all of her newfound confidence. May, Jess and Evie must work together once again to help each other through the challenges of war and of their own hearts. This heartwarming WAAF saga is perfect for fans of Daisy Styles, Kate Thompson and Rosie Clarke. Praise for Vicki Beeby 'A fabulous tale of courage, comradeship and romance.' Glynis Peters, author of The Secret Orphan 'A lovely book. Vicki Beeby is a saga author to watch.' Margaret Dickinson, Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author 'Entertaining from beginning to end. I can't recommend it highly enough.' Gemma Jackson, bestselling author of the Ivy Rose series 'This is a wonderful story of hope, love and friendship during the Second World War.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'Another wonderful book in this series, characters that come alive, and a storyline I enjoy following from book to book. Saga lovers this is a series for you.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'This was the most charming, evocative and beautiful book. The friendship between May, Jess and Evie, the ops rooms girls, is joyously written and their characters lovingly drawn and expanded. This is a many layered book, it will leave you wanting more!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
A New Start for the Wrens
Author: Vicki Beeby
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780750550574
Category : Domestic fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Following a humiliating experience involving the man she thought she'd marry, Iris Tredwick signs up to the Wrens in order to escape - and please her mother by finding the right sort of man. After a bumpy start, she befriends outspoken Mary and dreamer Sally as they are sent to their first posting in Orkney. There she meets mechanic Rob, whose flirtatious nature both charms and confounds strait-laced Iris. Much more appropriate for her is local doctor Stewart - if only she felt the same spark for him as she does for Rob... As Iris, Mary and Sally work to interpret signals from incoming ships, they realise the enemy is somehow one step ahead of their manoeuvres, dropping sea mines under the cover of darkness. Could there be a spy on the island? And can the Wrens prevent disaster striking before it's too late?
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780750550574
Category : Domestic fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Following a humiliating experience involving the man she thought she'd marry, Iris Tredwick signs up to the Wrens in order to escape - and please her mother by finding the right sort of man. After a bumpy start, she befriends outspoken Mary and dreamer Sally as they are sent to their first posting in Orkney. There she meets mechanic Rob, whose flirtatious nature both charms and confounds strait-laced Iris. Much more appropriate for her is local doctor Stewart - if only she felt the same spark for him as she does for Rob... As Iris, Mary and Sally work to interpret signals from incoming ships, they realise the enemy is somehow one step ahead of their manoeuvres, dropping sea mines under the cover of darkness. Could there be a spy on the island? And can the Wrens prevent disaster striking before it's too late?
The Girls of Bomber Command
Author: Vicki Beeby
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781038656926
Category : Air pilots
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
With an enemy in their midst, can they still protect their fighters in the skies? Pearl has given up on her dreams of being a journalist after being denied a promotion because of her gender. Joining the WAAF as a radio telephone operator for Bomber Command, Pearl's new job at RAF Fenthorpe serves two purposes - providing an income for her grandmother, and keeping a close eye on her younger sister, Thea, an instrument repairer at another Lincolnshire bomber station. Pearl befriends Met WAAF Jenny as well as Australian pilot Greg, who she guides home safely during an emergency. Pearl's journalism background doesn't go to waste, however - a series of thefts from pilots rekindles her investigative fire and she is soon caught up in the mystery. But when all signs point to the perpetrator being her sister, she finds herself up against the clock to prove her sister's innocence.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781038656926
Category : Air pilots
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
With an enemy in their midst, can they still protect their fighters in the skies? Pearl has given up on her dreams of being a journalist after being denied a promotion because of her gender. Joining the WAAF as a radio telephone operator for Bomber Command, Pearl's new job at RAF Fenthorpe serves two purposes - providing an income for her grandmother, and keeping a close eye on her younger sister, Thea, an instrument repairer at another Lincolnshire bomber station. Pearl befriends Met WAAF Jenny as well as Australian pilot Greg, who she guides home safely during an emergency. Pearl's journalism background doesn't go to waste, however - a series of thefts from pilots rekindles her investigative fire and she is soon caught up in the mystery. But when all signs point to the perpetrator being her sister, she finds herself up against the clock to prove her sister's innocence.
Blood and Fears
Author: Kevin Wilson
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1681773791
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 443
Book Description
The US 8th Air Force came of age in 1944. With a fresh commander, it was ready to demonstrate its true power: from Operation Argument in February—targeting German aircraft production plants—to bringing the Luftwaffe to battle over Berlin, the combined US Air Force-Royal Air Force forces’ round-the clock campaign bottled up the German army in Normandy.In this authoritative history, Kevin Wilson reveals the blood and heroism of the 8th Air Force. At the same time, he opens up the lives of the Women's Army Corps and Red Cross girls who served in England with them and feared for the men in the skies, and he hasn't flinched from recounting the devastation of bombing or the testimony of shocked German civilians.Drawing on first-hand accounts from diaries, letters, and his personal audio recordings, the author has brought to life the ebullient Americans' interaction with their British counterparts, unveiling stories of humanity and heartbreak. Thanks to America's bomber boys and girls, the tide of World War II shifted forever.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1681773791
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 443
Book Description
The US 8th Air Force came of age in 1944. With a fresh commander, it was ready to demonstrate its true power: from Operation Argument in February—targeting German aircraft production plants—to bringing the Luftwaffe to battle over Berlin, the combined US Air Force-Royal Air Force forces’ round-the clock campaign bottled up the German army in Normandy.In this authoritative history, Kevin Wilson reveals the blood and heroism of the 8th Air Force. At the same time, he opens up the lives of the Women's Army Corps and Red Cross girls who served in England with them and feared for the men in the skies, and he hasn't flinched from recounting the devastation of bombing or the testimony of shocked German civilians.Drawing on first-hand accounts from diaries, letters, and his personal audio recordings, the author has brought to life the ebullient Americans' interaction with their British counterparts, unveiling stories of humanity and heartbreak. Thanks to America's bomber boys and girls, the tide of World War II shifted forever.
Keeping Watch
Author: Pip Beck
Publisher: Goodall Publications Limited
ISBN: 9780907579380
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
A sensitively written true story by a RAF Bomber Command wartime R/T operator who talked down the crews on their return from operations, met them off duty and so often, mourned their loss within days. The book sparkles with anecdotes and humour yet has a very special poignancy as the author reiterates her deep admiration for these truly remarkable men of Bomber Command.
Publisher: Goodall Publications Limited
ISBN: 9780907579380
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
A sensitively written true story by a RAF Bomber Command wartime R/T operator who talked down the crews on their return from operations, met them off duty and so often, mourned their loss within days. The book sparkles with anecdotes and humour yet has a very special poignancy as the author reiterates her deep admiration for these truly remarkable men of Bomber Command.
The Codebreaker Girls
Author: Ellie Curzon
Publisher: Orion Dash
ISBN: 1398702943
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
'Saga lovers will really enjoy this book and i look forward to more' NetGalley reviewer 'What a fantastic read. This book pulled me in from the get go, so naturally was finished in one sitting' NetGalley reviewer 1944. Rosie Sinclair is full of pride to be doing her bit for the war effort as a driver at Cottisbourne Park - the secret heart of Britain's fight against Germany, where a team of brilliant and eccentric codebreakers are battling to save the country. But when she's given a new mission to drive Major-General 'Bluff' Kingsley-Flynn down to Cottisbourne, Rosie finds herself on the frontline of a new battle - to uncover a possible spy at the Park who is jeopardising their vital work, and to resist her own growing attraction to the dashing Bluff himself... As the threat to her fellow codebreaker girls grows ever stronger, Rosie realises her country needs her more than ever. Can she save the day without losing her heart? A heartwarming, funny and utterly charming World War II saga, perfect for fans of Kate Hewitt, Jenny Holmes and Annie Murray.
Publisher: Orion Dash
ISBN: 1398702943
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
'Saga lovers will really enjoy this book and i look forward to more' NetGalley reviewer 'What a fantastic read. This book pulled me in from the get go, so naturally was finished in one sitting' NetGalley reviewer 1944. Rosie Sinclair is full of pride to be doing her bit for the war effort as a driver at Cottisbourne Park - the secret heart of Britain's fight against Germany, where a team of brilliant and eccentric codebreakers are battling to save the country. But when she's given a new mission to drive Major-General 'Bluff' Kingsley-Flynn down to Cottisbourne, Rosie finds herself on the frontline of a new battle - to uncover a possible spy at the Park who is jeopardising their vital work, and to resist her own growing attraction to the dashing Bluff himself... As the threat to her fellow codebreaker girls grows ever stronger, Rosie realises her country needs her more than ever. Can she save the day without losing her heart? A heartwarming, funny and utterly charming World War II saga, perfect for fans of Kate Hewitt, Jenny Holmes and Annie Murray.
The Girls They Left Behind
Author: Lilian Harry
Publisher: Orion
ISBN: 1409130339
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 409
Book Description
The second novel in the April Grove series, following the lives of working-class families during the Second World War. It is 1940, and the neighbours in April Grove are close knit, patriotic and proud - but the onset of the Blitz tests their loyalties and courage as never before. Betty Chapman meets a devastatingly attractive man in the Land Army, who upsets all her settled ideas; Olive Harker, just married, must now decide whether to risk motherhood; and Nancy Baxter offers comfort to lonely serviceman while her son runs wild... Their stories are played out against the backdrop of a great seaport at war: the horror of the air raid sirens, the naval dockyards buzzing with activity and the overwhelming desire to survive the city's darkest hour...
Publisher: Orion
ISBN: 1409130339
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 409
Book Description
The second novel in the April Grove series, following the lives of working-class families during the Second World War. It is 1940, and the neighbours in April Grove are close knit, patriotic and proud - but the onset of the Blitz tests their loyalties and courage as never before. Betty Chapman meets a devastatingly attractive man in the Land Army, who upsets all her settled ideas; Olive Harker, just married, must now decide whether to risk motherhood; and Nancy Baxter offers comfort to lonely serviceman while her son runs wild... Their stories are played out against the backdrop of a great seaport at war: the horror of the air raid sirens, the naval dockyards buzzing with activity and the overwhelming desire to survive the city's darkest hour...
Wings, Women, and War
Author: Reina Pennington
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
ISBN: 0700615547
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 352
Book Description
The Soviet Union was the first nation to allow women pilots to fly combat missions. During World War II the Red Air Force formed three all-female units-grouped into separate fighter, dive bomber, and night bomber regiments-while also recruiting other women to fly with mostly male units. Their amazing story, fully recounted for the first time by Reina Pennington, honors a group of fearless and determined women whose exploits have not yet received the recognition they deserve. Pennington chronicles the creation, organization, and leadership of these regiments, as well as the experiences of the pilots, navigators, bomb loaders, mechanics, and others who made up their ranks, all within the context of the Soviet air war on the Eastern Front. These regiments flew a combined total of more than 30,000 combat sorties, produced at least thirty Heroes of the Soviet Union, and included at least two fighter aces. Among their ranks were women like Marina Raskova ("the Soviet Amelia Earhart"), a renowned aviator who persuaded Stalin in 1941 to establish the all-women regiments; the daredevil "night witches" who flew ramshackle biplanes on nocturnal bombing missions over German frontlines; and fighter aces like Liliia Litviak, whose twelve "kills" are largely unknown in the West. She also tells the story of Alexander Gridnev, a fighter pilot twice arrested by the Soviet secret police before he was chosen to command the women's fighter regiment. Pennington draws upon personal interviews and the Soviet archives to detail the recruitment, training, and combat lives of these women. Deftly mixing anecdote with analysis, her work should find a wide readership among scholars and buffs interested in the history of aviation, World War II, or the Russian military, as well as anyone concerned with the contentious debates surrounding military and combat service for women.
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
ISBN: 0700615547
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 352
Book Description
The Soviet Union was the first nation to allow women pilots to fly combat missions. During World War II the Red Air Force formed three all-female units-grouped into separate fighter, dive bomber, and night bomber regiments-while also recruiting other women to fly with mostly male units. Their amazing story, fully recounted for the first time by Reina Pennington, honors a group of fearless and determined women whose exploits have not yet received the recognition they deserve. Pennington chronicles the creation, organization, and leadership of these regiments, as well as the experiences of the pilots, navigators, bomb loaders, mechanics, and others who made up their ranks, all within the context of the Soviet air war on the Eastern Front. These regiments flew a combined total of more than 30,000 combat sorties, produced at least thirty Heroes of the Soviet Union, and included at least two fighter aces. Among their ranks were women like Marina Raskova ("the Soviet Amelia Earhart"), a renowned aviator who persuaded Stalin in 1941 to establish the all-women regiments; the daredevil "night witches" who flew ramshackle biplanes on nocturnal bombing missions over German frontlines; and fighter aces like Liliia Litviak, whose twelve "kills" are largely unknown in the West. She also tells the story of Alexander Gridnev, a fighter pilot twice arrested by the Soviet secret police before he was chosen to command the women's fighter regiment. Pennington draws upon personal interviews and the Soviet archives to detail the recruitment, training, and combat lives of these women. Deftly mixing anecdote with analysis, her work should find a wide readership among scholars and buffs interested in the history of aviation, World War II, or the Russian military, as well as anyone concerned with the contentious debates surrounding military and combat service for women.