A question RE: Shore's 'Air War for Burma'

[Jim Oxley]

There are books that deal with the early Japanese attacks on Darwin in 1942 - but the Spitfires did not operate at that time. They only started in 1943.

In 1942 the defence of Darwin was in the hands on the USAAF. The 49th Fighter group was given the responsibility of that role, being equipped with the venerable P-40. An excellent book covering this period is "Protect and Avenge, The 49th Fighter Group In WWII', by S.W. Ferguson. Brilliant detail with superb photographs (and lots of 'em).

[Brian]

Hi guys

I was co-author of 'Bloody Shambles' Volume 1 and 2 but was not involved in 'Air War for Burma' (I didn't know it was being written! I wasn't invited to the party!) Nonetheless, it's worth a place on the bookshelf as a work of reference rather than an in depth account of air operations; unfortunately here are very few first-hand accounts. Regarding air operations over Northern Australia, I would like to advise those interested that Dennis Newton and I are currently working on 'Fighters over Darwin' 1942-45, which should hopefully be published by Grub Street in 2007. Apologies for the long wait. And yes, it will include first-hand accounts.

Cheers
Brian

[NickM]

Brian:

Cool, Dude...another of your works to add to my bookshelf!

NickM

[Brian]

Hi Nick and others

The last time I was called a Cool Dude was by my little granddaughter! But thanks anyway! Just one point - as an air historian/writer with 20+ books to my credit - I believe that bods like me who write about times before we were born and have no experience of being in the armed services, let alone a pilot - should be chroniclers of events that occurred and not judge and jury. That's just my opinion but one I have always observed. The reason I mention this is that American historian/author Dan Ford was highly critical of my 'Buffaloes over Singapore' because it was full of first-hand accounts (gathered over many years of painstaking research and dedication to seeking the truth) - and did not contain my personal opinions and cionclusions. I didn't respond to him at the time - but should he read this - hard cheese! I will continue my style and he can continue his! Fair dues! Here endeth the sermon. You may or may not agree with me - perhaps you'll let me know. I can take criticism (I hope!!)

Cheers
Brian

[Ruy Horta]

Brian wrote: reason I mention this is that American historian/author Dan Ford was highly critical of my 'Buffaloes over Singapore' because it was full of first-hand accounts (gathered over many years of painstaking research and dedication to seeking the truth) - and did not contain my personal opinions and conclusions. I didn't respond to him at the time - but should he read this - hard cheese! I will continue my style and he can continue his! Fair dues! Here endeth the sermon. You may or may not agree with me - perhaps you'll let me know. I can take criticism (I hope!!)

Dan Ford's own AVG book did go one step further in certain areas.

To me it illustrated obvious parallels with later US involvement in South East Asia, incl. the role / influence of Chennault. If correct, US involvement in China would probably have escalated to a war with Japan within a few years anyway. Now that sort of material would not appear in a more chronicle style history book. His book tries to stimulate critical thought, which IMHO is important (even if you do not agree).

The AVG was not a regular outfit and became a source of legend, as such it needs a more critical approach, call it an author who is prepared to be judge and jury, to give the subject any substance.

I do not agree with all of Ford's assessments, but overall his approach is as valued as a chronicle style book, but perhaps that extra step does give it more punch.

It all boils down to the old dilemma of recording versus judging.

My personal taste tends to prefer a healthy mix, where the author records without any judgement, until he reaches the end of his chronicle (or at the beginning) where he has room (or obligation) to to provide a framework, the glue which binds the chronicle, and conclusion (or introduction). If the subject needs a criticle appraisal, there may be a need to judge.

Just some thoughts, no critique!

[Brian]

Thanks Ruy - I couldn't have put it any better!

Cheers
Brian

[NickM]

Brian:

No worries! I am quite fond of Ford's book on the AVG but his style of writing is very different from the yours & the rest of the 'Grub Street Bunch'; what can I say? I like both ways of writing;

NickM

PS: Keep 'em coming!

[alex crawford]

Hi Brian,

Excellent, I look forward to your new book. A quick glance at my library shows I have 9 of your previous books, all well researched and written.

Buffaloes over Singapore is my latest addition. It has a lot of info I diddn't know about, well done.

Alex