Tail Gunner - Softcover

Rivaz, Squadron Leader R C

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0752459481 ISBN 13: 9780752459486

Publisher: The History Press, 2011

Synopsis

First published in 1943, this is the gripping story of one man's involvement in RAF Bomber Command's fledgling offensive between August 1940 and December 1941. Dick Rivaz was tail gunner to Leonard Cheshire, one of the most famous RAF pilots of the Second World War, flying in Whiteleys with 102 Squadron and latterly in Halifaxes with 35 Squadron. Unique among wartime memoirs, Tail Gunner was written within months of the events described, with all the immediacy of being at the very heart of the action. Rivaz graphically describes his experiences on night bombing attacks against heavily defended enemy targets like Duisberg, Dusseldorf and Essen, and relates a dramatic shoot-out with German fighters over La Rochelle in broad daylight during July 1941. Rivaz reveals the fine spirit of comradeship which developed in RAF bomber crews during the Second World War. Having survived the war, including two rescues from the North Sea, he was killed in October 1945, aged just thirty-seven.

About this title

About the Author

RICHARD RIVAZ volunteered to be a pilot with the RAF in 1940, but was considered too old at thirty-two, so became an air-gunner and was awarded the DFC in 1941. His daring missions in action are the stuff of legend.

Edition details

• Publisher: The History Press
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0752459481
• ISBN 13: 9780752459486
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128