Shot Down and in the Drink - RAF and Commonwealth Aircrews Saved from the Sea 1939-1945

Pitchfork, Air Commodore Graham; Cruickshank VC, Flight Lieutenant John (foreword)

ISBN 10: 1903365872 / ISBN 13: 9781903365878

Published by The National Archives, Surrey, UK, 2006

About this Item

First Edition / Second Print (first published in 2005). Hardback copy in dark blue cloth boards with silver gilt lettering to spine. Unclipped dustjacket in new removable protective clear sleeve. 276pp. B/w photographs throughout. Not library copy, no inscriptions. (62/5).

Seller Inventory # ABE-1706693950562

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Shot Down and in the Drink - RAF and Commonwealth Aircrews Saved from the Sea 1939-1945
• Publisher: The National Archives, Surrey, UK
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1903365872
• ISBN 13: 9781903365878
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

Providing an ideal companion to Shot Down and on the Run - the author's previous book about land-based rescue - this is the first full history of RAF Air Sea Rescue during the Second World War. Using extensive research into official records held at The National Archives, Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork describes the formation and development of Air Sea Rescue as it evolved to adapt to wartime events. He examines how aircrews were trained to act in crash scenarios, the survival equipment they used, and the different methods of possible rescue - by RAF or Royal Navy launches, by airborne lifeboats, or by aircraft such as the Lysander or specialist amphibious and flying boats. The second half of the book focuses on the three main operational areas, particularly north-west Europe, but the Mediterranean area and the Far East are also covered. First-hand accounts of rescue and survival are included throughout these chapters. Many of these accounts are published for the first time - the result of new archival research or interviews with surviving members of the aptly named Goldfish Club. Useful maps, diagrams and many previously unpublished official and private photographs are reproduced throughout.

About the Author

Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork is an aviation historian and defence consultant. During his 36 years in the RAF he served as navigator, commanded a Buccaneer squadron and, before retiring in 1995, was appointed a Director of Military Intelligence at the Ministry of Defence. His previous books include the companion volume about land-based rescues 'Shot Down and on the Run' (2003), 'The Buccaneers' (2002) and 'Men behind the Medals' (1998); he has also written numerous articles on aviation history. He lives in Gloucestershire.