This is the story of 2 Group RAF during World War II. Much of it is told by the men who flew the Blenheim, Boston, Mitchell and Mosquito aircraft that carried out many daring daylight and night-time raids on vitally important targets in Nazi-occupied Europe and Germany. These were not the famous 1,000 bomber raids that hit the wartime headlines, but low-level, fast-moving surprise attacks flown by small formations of fleet-footed and skilfully piloted twin-engine light bombers. Their targets were usually difficult to locate and heavily defended because of their strategic importance to the enemy. From the very start of the war, the men and machines of 2 Group were at the forefront of the RAF's offensive. On 3 September 1939, the day war broke out, a Blenheim from 2 Group carried out the first British operational sortie to cross the German frontier in the Second World War. The following day saw the Group's Blenheims make the first British bombing attack of the war. No.2 Group also played a vital part in the invasion of Europe both before and after D-Day. Often, its crews would fly at wave-top height across the English Channel or North Sea to avoid detection and then hedge-hop deep into enemy territory to deliver their precision attack. Enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire were a constant risk. This is a remarkable story of skill and bravery by a little-known branch of the RAF.

About the Author
MARTIN BOWMAN is a renowned aviation historian who has written many well-researched books on World War II. He met many of the legendary aircrew veterans who can be found within this book and has carefully researched RAF and other wartime records to create this fascinating overview of 100 Group's history. He lives in Norwich and is active in historical research concerning East Anglia and the many RAF and USAAF squadrons that were based there during the war.


Book Information
ISBN 9781526760838
Author Bowman, Martin W
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Pen & Sword Aviation
Publisher Pen & Sword Books Ltd