2nd Tactical Air Force Vol 2, Shores&Thomas
 

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2nd Tactical Air Force
Volume Two
Breakout to Bodenplatte
July 1944 to January 1945
Christopher Shores & Chris Thomas
Classic / Ian Allan

Perhaps I have missed something, but yesterday I received the message that my copy had been shipped from the UK. Should be as good as the first one covering some interesting ground.

Anyone had a chance to get a peek?

Please constructive remarks only.

Re: 2nd Tactical Air Force Vol 2, Shores&Thomas
 

Not yet. According to my bookshop my copy is also on the way via Post. Waiting with baited breath. Volume 1 I thought was excellent.

Coverage of this topic has been long overdue.

Re: 2nd Tactical Air Force Vol 2, Shores&Thomas
 

Hello Ruy

I received mine on Thursday 19th - excellent, worth waiting for - superb cover photo (Geoffrey Page WingCo Flying 125 Wing at B.11 Longues-sur-Mer) - some slight differences to my own knowledge (but who is correct - them or me!!) and a drawing and photo's of a relatives (Les Mellor) Mosquito FB VI of 107 squadron on pages 330/331.

As Dad served at "Z" Group HQ, Blue Group HQ, 83 Group HQ, 125 Wing HQ and finally, post-war 122 Wing HQ I find these vol 1 and 2 updates interesting as more information comes to light. However, in neither volume, nor the original, can I find any reference to Blue Group. Blue Group fitted in between Z Group and 83 Group.

It receives a brief mention in the official 122 Wing history, published post-war in Copenhagen, stating merely "It was at Ellon that the Wing had once again to change its address. It had passed through Z Group and Blue Group and 83 Group, and then became B.W.E.F. (British Western Expeditionary Force - or Burma When Europe Finished)......" that's all!! cheers - Allan

Re: 2nd Tactical Air Force Vol 2, Shores&Thomas
 

I was working in Coventry yesterday and before I realised what was happening I found myself parking up in front of Midland Counties. I told my wife that I thought I had been captured by aliens......

Volume 2 is well worth waiting for and I, for one, am pleased that it has come out so soon after Vol1. In my view it continues to be a very good buy. Chris Thomas has found even more new stills taken from the newsreels at the IWM. Of course these include quite a lot of Typhoons including stuff on the FRIb. Also Spitfires a number of new photos of Spits with centre line tanks; interesting markings including several senior officer personal codes; a Sea Otter coming in to land at Shoreham over 345Sqdn Spitfires....etc

As before all this is supported by really excellent well-researched captions.

Steve

Re: 2nd Tactical Air Force Vol 2, Shores&Thomas
 

Could someone tell me if these books contain daily summaries along with all pilot claims and serial numbers of lost aircraft?

Re: 2nd Tactical Air Force Vol 2, Shores&Thomas
 

Yes, to all your questions Six.

If you shop around for a good price it is highly unlikely you'll be disappointed.

Wouldn't part with mine ;)

Allan, Steve thanks for the sneak peek!

My guess is end of next week until my greedy paws can start unpacking...

Re: 2nd Tactical Air Force Vol 2, Shores&Thomas
 

Hello Ruy

You will certainly not be disappointed, they are worthy additions to the original publication - my two cost £26.46 for "Vol 1 - Spartan" and £20.99 for "Vol 2 - Bodenplatte", now please don't upset me by having got yours cheaper !!:)

cheers

Allan

p.s. if anybody requires specific information, I will be happy to look to see what it says about any particular event or date. Roll on Vol 3!!

Re: 2nd Tactical Air Force Vol 2, Shores&Thomas
 

(long silence)

I won't upset you, but I am glad that you didn't spoil my day either!

;)

Is that including VAT?

Re: 2nd Tactical Air Force Vol 2, Shores&Thomas
 

Hi Ruy

Now you are worrying me !! yes, total prices (including delivery - free delivery) Allan

Re: 2nd Tactical Air Force Vol 2, Shores&Thomas
 

Not just Sea Otter, but Sparrow with stripes and Wellington with white stripes, no black.

Every bit as good as the first book.

However, I still feel that, like many other books, they concentrate too much on the air-to-air missions. The prime purpose of 2 TAF was support of the Army. I'd like to see rather more emphasis on just what the fighter-bombers were doing, how it fitted into the Army's battles. As it stands it is all a bit repetitive, and out of context.