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Bomber Command

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Bomber Command

By: Max Hastings
Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards
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About this listen

With an introduction read by Max Hastings. Bomber Command's offensive against the cities of Germany was one of the epic campaigns of the Second World War.

More than 56,000 British and Commonwealth aircrew and 600,000 Germans died in the course of the RAF's attempt to win the war by bombing. The struggle began in 1939 with a few score primitive Whitleys, Hampdens and Wellingtons, and ended six years later with 1,600 Lancasters, Halifaxes, and Mosquitoes razing whole cities in a single night. Max Hastings traced the developments of area bombing using a wealth of documnets, letters, diaries, and interviews with key surviving witnesses. Bomber Command is his classic account of one of the most controversial struggles of the war. Max Hastings, author of over 20 books, has been editor of the Daily Telegraph and the Evening Standard. He has received many awards for his journalism and was knighted in 2002.

©1979 Max Hastings (P)2014 Audible Studios Europe Germany Great Britain Military War Thought-Provoking Inspiring Imperialism Air Force City Submarine

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I did not think a book this long could hold my interest, but it certainly did. Superb research, skill and writing held me enthralled. The narration was skilful and a real pleasure to listen to. This is a magnificent but sad epic well told

Superb

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full of information from both the offencive angle and the victims experiences giving the listener a clear picture to hold your own personal judgements.

enlightening, very informative and opinionated.

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Fantastic insight into the desparate situations these young men found themselves in. Full of facts and anecdotes from the airmen themselves. Also I was moved by the chapter towards the end detailing the accounts of what is was like to be on the receiving end of the bomber offensive. Well worth a read.

Well Narrated, Very interesting listen.

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As so often with Hastings' histories, I found my previously held notions on the subject are added too, amended and enhanced.Well worth the time and attention invested.

Special mention of narration by the always excellent Barnaby Edwards.

Extensive, enlightening and enjoyable

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An extraordinary account of life within Bomber Command from the lowest echelons to the leaders. Sobering statistics regarding the tonnage of bombs rained down upon German civilians and seemingly pointless destruction of towns. Max Hastings leaves no stone unturned as usual in presenting a rounded case for consideration. We owe those airmen respect and recognition for their courage and selflessness

Enthralling and thought-provoking

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Brilliantly told. I do not wish to pass judgement on this chapter in British history. Undoubtedly Harris was mid guided in his approach. His inability to allow debate or review was so disappointing.

Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to everyone as history. We learn from past mistakes but only if we study the past and debate results. Harris didn't seem to understand this notion.

Brave Men doing their Job

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Brave young men asked to do what most people today wouldn’t have the mental fortitude to do, night after night. Another example of the bravest thrown under the bus by cowardly politicians and condemned by chattering post war revisionists. Isn’t it ever so?

Lions led by donkeys

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Sir Max Hastings delivers the absolute echelon of Historic WW2 Documentaries. The in-depth research and its delivery is astounding. This book details the personalities and politics determining the lives of so many both in the air and the resultant raw horror of civilian populations on the ground. A troubling catalogue of the necessary response to destroy Germanys War Machine in WW2 and to strive to bring peace for those of us that as a result survive and enjoy Freedom in our time. The narrative is well delivered and well paced giving many astonishing statistics and giving an insight to the characters and strategies employed in response to Nazi and Luftwaffe aggression.

Compelling Listening

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Detailed but highly listenable. A fascinating and masterful exposition of Hastings's thesis on bomber command's successes and failures as well as descriptions and accounts of life for the aircrew. Excellent narration.

First Rate Account and Analysis

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This is an exceptionally well written account of British bombing of Germany during WW 2, in Hasting's own style.
One truly awe inspiring part is the detailed story of a bombing as experienced by its victims.
Highly recommended.

First of a long series of truly exceptional books

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