Eyes of the Night

Air Defence of North-western England 1940 - 41

Nonfiction, History, Military, Aviation
Cover of the book Eyes of the Night by Joseph Bamford, Pen and Sword
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Joseph Bamford ISBN: 9781783409334
Publisher: Pen and Sword Publication: March 19, 2006
Imprint: Pen and Sword Aviation Language: English
Author: Joseph Bamford
ISBN: 9781783409334
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication: March 19, 2006
Imprint: Pen and Sword Aviation
Language: English

In the early years of WW2 two of Britain's most important industrial cities, Liverpool and Manchester were woefully unprotected from enemy bombing raids. Once the capitulation of France had occurred after Dunkirk, the Luftwaffe was able to base its vast bomber fleet at forward airfields that brought these strategic targets within their range. The effect was catastrophic and the two cities and surrounding industrial centers bore the brunt of the Nazi airborne blitz. It was clear that more anti-aircraft guns and fighter aircraft were desperately required to stop the slaughter of the population and vital industries. Thus was conceived 9 Group of the Royal Air Force, charged with the air defense of the entire region.

This book relates how the Group was formed and the immense difficulties involved - due to shortages of suitable aircraft, guns and operational infrastructure. Fought mostly at night during a period when night-fighter tactics were in their infancy and inexperienced aircrew were having to fly over difficult mountainous terrain and in appalling weather conditions resulting in a high casualty rate.

Eventually things improved and the Squadrons within 9 Group started to bring down significant numbers of raiding bombers whether they approached from the East or took advantage of neutral Ireland's street lights to guide them via the Irish Sea to their intended targets.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In the early years of WW2 two of Britain's most important industrial cities, Liverpool and Manchester were woefully unprotected from enemy bombing raids. Once the capitulation of France had occurred after Dunkirk, the Luftwaffe was able to base its vast bomber fleet at forward airfields that brought these strategic targets within their range. The effect was catastrophic and the two cities and surrounding industrial centers bore the brunt of the Nazi airborne blitz. It was clear that more anti-aircraft guns and fighter aircraft were desperately required to stop the slaughter of the population and vital industries. Thus was conceived 9 Group of the Royal Air Force, charged with the air defense of the entire region.

This book relates how the Group was formed and the immense difficulties involved - due to shortages of suitable aircraft, guns and operational infrastructure. Fought mostly at night during a period when night-fighter tactics were in their infancy and inexperienced aircrew were having to fly over difficult mountainous terrain and in appalling weather conditions resulting in a high casualty rate.

Eventually things improved and the Squadrons within 9 Group started to bring down significant numbers of raiding bombers whether they approached from the East or took advantage of neutral Ireland's street lights to guide them via the Irish Sea to their intended targets.

More books from Pen and Sword

Cover of the book Great War Fighter Aces 1916 - 1918 by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book Naval Battles of World War II by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book Victory Must be Ours by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book Tracing Your Tank Ancestors by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book God's City by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book German Army on the Eastern Front: The Advance by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book The Maginot Line by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book Squadron Leader Tommy Broom DFC** by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book The Jeep by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book Salerno to the Gustav Line 1943–1944 by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book Blackbeard by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book The Panzer IV by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book Veterans by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book 1 Group: Swift to Attack by Joseph Bamford
Cover of the book The Pacer Family by Joseph Bamford
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy