Lancaster

Living aboard the bomber

■ Author: John Nichol

■ Publisher: Simon and Schuster

■ Price: £20.00 (approx. $24.50)

■ Release: Out now

Flown by the Royal Air Force during World War

II, the Lancaster bomber provided British troops with the extreme precision, impressive manoeuvrability and high-quality technology needed to carry out their duties. Many of us know the achievements of the Lancaster bomber through historical accounts, but this book is here to take the reader inside the plane using the captivating memories of surviving veterans. Enduring many hours cramped in the rear of the plane, join the missions through the eyes of Lancaster bomber’s rear gunner Ron and his fellow comrades.

Following the stories of those who took control of these planes, author John Nichol explores what it was truly like to take off in these Lancasters and fly into the unknown. How did it feel to sit thousands of metres in the air as a flying target, not knowing whether you would ever make it safely back to land again? How can you watch your friends die and continue to be thankful? What can you do when things go wrong? The touching words of RAF veterans provide the greatest possible understanding.

Lancaster takes you on a gripping ride of your own, as true accounts of bravery, determination, anguish and pride are told through vivid depictions. Not only does this book reveal personal hardships of this war, but demonstrates real gratitude for the simplest of life’s beauties. Mixed in with the trauma, pain and sorrow, these pages pour with equal measures of love stories and companionship – above all it is a tribute to all who served aboard the Lancasters and those who aided them. ★★★★★