Our list of Odd Bod related books is growing. The depth of writing about WW 2 aviation experiences is immense and we hope you can find something of interest to improve your knowledge of family connected experiences or simply to wile away the time during a covid lockdown.
Flyers Far Away - Australian Aircrew In Europe During World War II - Michael Enright (also recommended by Committee Member, Robyn Bell).
The Last Navigator - by Paul Goodwin. "From the Queensland Bush to Bomber Command and Pathfinders.... "
Only Owls and Bloody Fools Fly At Night - by Group Captain Tom Sawyer DFC.
Odd Bods At War 1939-45 - published by Odd Bods UK Association NSW Branch. - A compendium of member's concise interviews about war experiences.
From Vice-President and Secretary Peter Randell:
“Bomber Harris” by Dudley Saward is an excellent biography of the Chief of Bomber Command, giving great insight to the man many of our guys called their boss- personal, political, strategic and his belief in how to end the war.
“Under a Bomber’s Moon” by Stephen Harris describes an actual crew’s tour in a Stirling cut short by being shot down by German night fighters - gives the story of the RAF crew and Luftwaffe crew as well - really interesting perspective from both sides.
“Hell Above Earth” by Stephen Frater tells the story of Hermann Goering’s nephew in the US piloting a B17 on bombing missions over Germany and the plan to not let him fall into German hands if he was shot down- full on descriptions of what the daylight raids were like and an amazing twist at the end- true story.
“Pathfinder” by Dennis Warner is Peter Isaacson’s biography and covers his time in the RAF, touring Australia including flying twice under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and then his civilian life developing and running the Leader newspaper group. Peter was heavily involved in the Odd Bods and the Shrine.
“From Luftwaffe to RAAF” by Frank Kobl MBE is a riveting true story of the author’s flying with the Luftwaffe through WW2, surviving a never ending tour of ops, emigrating to Australia and then picking up a role with the RAAF in which he excelled, reaching senior rank and significant leadership roles.
“Only Owls and Bloody Fools Fly At Night” by Gp Capt Tom Sawyer is all about Halifaxes!! Talks about the author’s experience of several 4 Group squadrons, including my dad’s - 51 RAF- flying out of Yorkshire in the latter stages of 43 - 45. Personal recollections of life and ops at this time from another less known aircraft.
“The Battle of Britain” by James Holland gives a much broader overview of this well known aerial contest, drawing on naval, army, hone defence, civilian, airforce and strategic sources to tell the full story behind what was happening in the air. Comprehensive and fascinating.
“War in the Air” a Freedoms Battle Compilation with multiple authors, tells, through linked personal accounts from all theatres of operations, the story of WW2 as fought in the skies.
“Full Circle” by AVM J E Johnnie Johnson CBE, DSO, DFC takes us from the air war in WW1 right through to present day via extensive stories from WW2, to Korea, covering aircraft, tactics, strategies and personal recollections.
“Lancaster Men” by Peter Rees is another account of RAAF aircrew serving in Bomber Command throughout the UK and their return home, being disregarded for the work they did and price they paid. Many personal accounts bring their experiences to full life.
“Beyond the Call” by Lee Trimble and Jeremy Dronfield is the true story of a USAAF B17 and B24 pilot, having survived a full tour of ops over Germany, taking on a special mission over Russian occupied territory to rescue allied POWs left for dead by the Russians. Riveting.
Availability of these books is unknown, but perhaps start with a google search. If you have trouble locating a book, please mention it in the comments or email us and we may be able to help.
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