Flying Bomb: The Story of Hitler's V-Weapons in World War II - Hardcover

Peter G Cooksley

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0684162849 ISBN 13: 9780684162843

Publisher: Prentice Hall & IBD, 1979

Synopsis

The tale of the flying bomb and rocket attacks on Great Britain and parts of the Continent during the summer of 1944 was one of the last great untold stories of World War II. Here the atmosphere of life as it was in those days is re-created in detail, recalling what the papers had to say, the everyday prices, and even what football pools the British people went in for at that time. Also revealed here is the way the Robot Age was conceived long before Hitler's Germany, and how the final realization made possible a new Battle of Britain. The work of the Royal Observer Corps, the fire brigades, the police and the Salvation Army is here, with that of the RAF, already stretched to support the Normandy landings, but still expected to meet the new threat with Spitfires pressed into service as dive bombers until the pilots one by one succumbed to the horrors of internal haemorrhage caused by the bodily stresses they endured. Also detailed are the muddles and conspiracies at high level on both sides; but clearly shown also is the ability, often ignored today, of the British to have the right man at the helm in time of need. Surprisingly, America also flirted with the idea of a flying bomb and the development and trial of it, in addition to the Nazis' attempts to adapt theirs as a suicide weapon, are covered in some detail. The text is supported by a wealth of illustrations including specially prepared charts and diagrams. Among the appendices is an investigation in the markings and colour schemes of the weapons and a list of examples which have survived in collections throughout the world.

About this title

About the Author

Peter G. Cooksley has served both on the executive committees of The Croydon Airport Society and of Cross and Cockade International, being also an associate of the Royal Historical Society and has formerly co-operated with such aviation notables as Bruce Robertson and occasionally J.M. Bruce and John Taylor. His books have almost exclusively concentrated on aviation - all this beginning from writing for model and historical aviation magazines from the age of fifteen. He has also occasionally acted as a film consultant. Peter Cooksley is an experienced horseman, a keen photographer and artist, and has a deep interest in the history of Surrey, where he lives.

Edition details

• Publisher: Prentice Hall & IBD
• Publication date: 1979
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0684162849
• ISBN 13: 9780684162843
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1