Battle of France book
 

It may be of interest to forum members that Peter Cornwell's new book "The Battle of France: Then & Now" will be available at a special launch/book signing at the Aviation Bookshop, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on Saturday 23 February from 11.00 am to 3pm. The author and Wg Cdr Peter Ayerst DFC will be present to sign copies.

This book is certainly a "must have" !

Andy Saunders

Re: Battle of France book
 

The Battle of France started on 5 June, when most of the RAF units had been withdrawn.
So what this author is talking about?

Re: Battle of France book
 

May I suggest that you read the book.

Re: Battle of France book
 

Absolutely, Peter! For the enlightenment of CJE, though, perhaps the sub-title might help him understand things a little better:

"The Battle of France Then & Now: Six Nations Locked in Aerial Combat September 1939 to June 1940"

However....and as Peter says.... reading the book first is essential. Strangely there does seem to have been lots of recent critical comment, in various quarters, about publications which have (a) either not yet been published, or, (b), where the critic has not actually read the book even when it has been published.

Well...thats my tuppeny worth!

Andy

Re: Battle of France book
 

Any German soldiers on French soil before then were ... what, tourists?

Re: Battle of France book
 

The Battle of Britain did not last up to 1945, did it? The period before the Battle of France was called Phoney War, something different I think.
Andy, nobody is criticising the book or rather its contents. It is the title which is criticised and which we could read before the book was printed. And yes, I find the title inaccurate, misleading and offensive.

Re: Battle of France book
 

Polish logic seems to be really inverse. Franek´s reaction is parallel to me finding "Franek Grabowski" inaccurate, misleading and offensive.

Re: Battle of France book
 

Such interest, indeed passion, generated by the cover alone - this is most gratifying. Thank you gentlemen.

Re: Battle of France book
 

Gentlemen, please take a breather and discuss the issue constructively.

Any book about this period by an author of proven worth is welcome.

This discussion is pretty similar to the one about the Battle of Britain, where there is difference of opinion about the exact dates and campaign phases, but with a stronger emotional factor.

I can sympathise with the French if they lay "claim" to their Battle of France as a distinct separate phase of the war and one which in a way is underestimated and overshadowed by subsequent events.

But Peter, please let me again emphasise that personally I am looking forward to your work, regardless of the title.

Re: Battle of France book
 

Thank you Ruy for those comments, tempered as they are by a refreshing degree of objectivity that one could reasonably expect from any true historian.

Re: Battle of France book
 

I've always followed the adage of "never judge a book by its cover" (or title!), and I, for one, have been waiting impatiently for this volume.

From the snippets that Peter has offered up in answering members questions I think it's contents will be a great addition to that period of the war.

Re: Battle of France book
 

Ruy
I do not think that comments of Chris or me were unconstructive. Phoney War and French Campaign (or Battle of France) are two distinctive periods as was Polish Campaign or Battle of Denmark and Norway.
The same about the number of nations/countries involved.
I guess the bulk of the book will be filed by details of crashed aircraft, and such inaccuracies would be a fraction of the book, nonetheless I cannot consider them unsignificant. This is founded criticism, and frankly, I have no idea, why any such critical remarks cause such a furious reaction.
I must note here, that removing Czechoslovakia and Poland is fulfilling Hitler's dream of erasing those countries. No, I am not suggesting anything, but perhaps an ignorance that caused a certain British FO minister to claim the Russian border is on Vistula river.

Re: Battle of France book
 

In an attempt to lighten things a little, could I suggest that if it ever goes to reprint the title is changed to something a little more, well, snappy? How about:

"The War In The Air from some unspecified date in 1939 to some uncontrovesial date prior to the Battle of Britain; Several Nations locked in Air Combat and involving representatives of all Beligerent Nations"

That should about cover it.

Re: Battle of France book
 

Dear Franek,
I can't believe you're ignoring the brave contributions of the Luxembourgers, Andorrans, Rhodesians and Mauritanians!! Not to mention those magnificent South Moluccans. Hitler wasn't too fond of those countries either.

Your many grievances have been duly noted. Repeating them ad nauseam will NOT result in the book being boycotted. I would suggest that you express your outrage by not buying a copy, and then moving on. Please!

Here's a clue: It's not the message, it's the messenger. Get it?

Re: Battle of France book
 

Andy
Sarcasm intended but missed the point. For example Western Front September 1939 - June 1940 T&N; Phoney War, Battle of Benelux and Battle of France.
This does not change the fact the title caused criticism before printing.

Anonymous
If Andorran AF took part in combats it should be mentioned. My aim is not to cause boycott of the book, but to let the people know about the problem, because as Hitler said, lie repeated long enough becomes the truth.

Re: Battle of France book
 

Peter,
No offense intended.
It's just because "Battle of France" makes little or no recognition to the Belgian and Dutch armies which fought gallantly despite the overwhelming superioty of the Germans, even though it only was for too short a time.
Be sure that I'll read with considerable interest your book.

Chris

Re: Battle of France book
 

Chris,

No offence taken. I hope that you enjoy it.

Re: Battle of France book
 

Hi, the title "Battle of France" was what traditionaly historians called the compaign fought during the German invasion of West in 1940, this "title" did not mention British either, you did not see them complain

Re: Battle of France book
 

Storm in a teacup.

I for one am looking forward to receiving my copy which I have no doubt will be devoured with gusto.

Arguing the title seems a tad pedantic, it is fairly obvious as to what and when it refers to, and I can't believe there are those so sensitive as to honestly take offence with it. Still each to their own.

As I said I am thoroughly looking forward to it, no matter what the thing's got written on the cover.


All the best with sales Peter,

Tim

Re: Battle of France book
 

Well say, Smithy, I am also looking forward to it, wish it would be available on amazon soon

Re: Battle of France book
 

I think they have been delivered already, just had a call from the other half to say 'book at home' battle something! - I was not expecting til feb!!!

Re: Battle of France book
 

hi, could you please tell me where did you order "battle something" ? It would be great news for me if you ordered this book from some online bookstore, thanks !

Re: Battle of France book
 

I ordered the book direct from the Publishers at

http://www.afterthebattle.com/

Re: Battle of France book
 

thank you

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Just to confirm the book has been published 3 weeks earlier than stated!- I have my copy in front of me

Re: Battle of France book
 

Well whats the verdict so far Paul?
As good has we anticipated.

Best regs,
Steve.

Re: Battle of France book
 

Put simply, a must and worth every penny. I expect it will go like hot cakes so get it now. I will be reviewing it for 'Air Mail' and it will be easily the book of the edition if not year

Re: Battle of France book
 

Thanks Chris, ive not been as excited about a book like this, since i saw the first promotional leaflets for Winston Ramsey's BoBTN book.
This period as longed for a book of this magnitude, for years!

Best get my order off!!

Thx Chris,
Steve.

Re: Battle of France book
 

I would echo Chris Goss' sentiments. A must have! Congratulations, Peter, an incredible and truly invaluable piece of work.

Re: Battle of France book
 

Does it have pilot accounts and combat reports?

Re: Battle of France book
 

The book has some but to include all, the book would be 3' thick!

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How many pennies is it by the way?

Re: Battle of France book
 

.. according to amazon, about 4,500 ! time to raid the jam jars..

Re: Battle of France book
 

...and its only 4000 pennies if you order direct from the publisher before 15th February 2008... take a look via the link below for more details on this offer... :)

http://tinyurl.com/2cnyqj

Cheers

Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

Re: Battle of France book
 

How many (approx.) is "some"?

Re: Battle of France book
 

...just a quick note to confirm that after speaking with a nice lady at After the Battle earlier, they are shipping copies from today... :)

Cheers

Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

Re: Battle of France book
 

In my humble opinion, chaps, you won't be sorry you raided the jam jars, piggy banks or the wife's handbag for this one. And no, I'm not on a commission!

Re: Battle of France book
 

Hi,

I just got my copy. Very, very good book! A must have!

Regards

Robert

Re: Battle of France book
 

Thank you Robert. I know that you are someone that can & will make very good use of it. Enjoy.

Re: Battle of France book
 

...my copy arrived today, and boy is it a huge volume! Congratulation on the work Peter, I can't wait to find the time to read it :)

Cheers

Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator