2nd Tactical Air Force Vol 2, Shores&Thomas

[Ruy Horta]

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.

[Jim Oxley]

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.

[Allan125]

Originally Posted by Ruy Horta

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.

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

[SteveB]

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

[Six Nifty .50s]

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

[Ruy Horta]

Originally Posted by Six Nifty .50s

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

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...

[Allan125]

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!!

[Ruy Horta]

Originally Posted by Allan125

now please don't upset me by having got yours cheaper !!

(long silence)

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



Is that including VAT?

[Allan125]

Originally Posted by Ruy Horta

(long silence)

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

Is that including VAT?

Hi Ruy

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

[Six Nifty .50s]

Originally Posted by Ruy Horta

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

I'm always apprehensive about laying money on the table for expensive books that I haven't seen yet.

Compared to five years ago, the big US chain stores like Barnes & Noble and Borders have cut back on stocking military aviation titles. Sometimes these turn up in the second hand shops but nearly everything I get now is via the i-net, sight unseen.