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The Pathfinders

The Elite RAF Force that Turned the Tide of WWII

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The Pathfinders

By: Will Iredale
Narrated by: Richard Burnip
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

Military History Matters Book of the Year Bronze Award Winner
'Compelling... sensitive, colourful and moving' -- Saul David, Telegraph

The incredible story of the crack team of men and women who transformed RAF Bomber Command and helped the Allies deliver decisive victory over Nazi Germany.

The Pathfinders were ordinary men and women from a range of nations who revolutionised the efficiency of the Allies' air campaign over mainland Europe. They elevated Bomber Command - initially the only part of the Allied war effort capable of attacking the heart of Nazi Germany - from an impotent force on the cusp of disintegration in 1942 to one capable of razing whole German cities to the ground in a single night, striking with devastating accuracy, inspiring fear and loathing in Hitler's senior command.

With exclusive interviews with remaining survivors, personal diaries and previously classified records, The Pathfinders brings to life the characters of the airmen and women - many barely out of their teens - who took to the skies in legendary British aircraft such as the Lancaster and the Mosquito, facing almost unimaginable levels of violence from enemy fighter planes to strike at the heart of the Nazi war machine.

© Will Iredale 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

20th Century Air Forces Armed Forces Europe Great Britain Military Modern War Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Aviation
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Critic reviews

Book of the Year Bronze Award Winner
They were the bravest of the brave... [an] absorbing history
A sensitive, colourful and moving account... Compelling (Saul David)
Another excellent book by Will Iredale, delving into the story of Bomber Command's Pathfinder Squadrons with drama and pace. The human stories, and the incredible advancements in aerial warfare, leap from the page from start to finish
Fascinating and utterly gripping ... Will Iredale's painstaking research is impeccable, as is his storytelling. This stunning book is scored with unforgettable characters, reminding us this is a human story of resourcefulness, ingenuity, and above all, extraordinary courage (James Holland)
Painstakingly researched and brilliantly told: Will Iredale has really captured the essence of the RAF's elite pathfinder force
A highly-readable account of raw courage and technical innovation, brought to life by a master historian
A superb book full of evocative stories
Mesmeric ... their contribution to Britain's victory was vital ... skillfully interweaves details of the brave pilots' lives with a weighty account of British military strategy
All stars
Most relevant
Having no knowledge or prior interest in the Pathfinders, this excellent book opened my eyes to so much.
What a great debt we owe to these young men now almost all gone. This book told their story plus the bravery of this generation of the young men and women.
We must remember them.
It also highlighted the death and destruction of war.
The narration was perfect for this book. One certainly to listen to again.

Fascinating and moving

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To many people experiences of the conflicts such as WW2 are but historical events that we reflect upon and hopefully will remain distanced from for our lifetimes. This audiobook brings to life the horrors, suffering and bravery of those that were directly and indirectly engaged in the conflict. It has a lot of details and personal stories that could be lost to history for which we would be the poorer for. An outstanding work and narrated to perfection.

A Fitting Tribute

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How these men PFF and Bomber Command climbed into their aircraft time after time is beyond comprehension.
An incredible story , extremely well told

Incredible story of bravery dedication to duty

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Super narration throughout this comprehensive history of the Pathfinder squadrons. Warts n All! Highly recommended to any WW2 aviation nuts.

Excellent history of the Pathfinders

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An absolutely amazing account of those brave lads who flew those few years, who gave so much, truly inspiring, A wonderful listen and well read with so light hearted moments, loved it!

The bravery of those young men

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