Early days of RAF Fighter Command in Sussex

To the pre-war military planners, Sussex was never really intended to be a major base for the RAF and its fighters. It was confidently predicted that any war with Germany would be fought out in a similar fashion to the last one. Long lines of trenches would stretch across northern Europe with British and French armies on one side, and German armies on the other. Much of the RAF would be in France, behind the front line, flying patrols over the battlefields. Those that flew from Britain would be concentrated in Kent and East Anglia, either flying bombing raids to Germany across the North Sea or fighting off raids coming the other way.

It did not turn out like that, of course, and Sussex found itself in the front line for four long, arduous years. Yet, the face of Fighter Command in Sussex grew out of that pre-war thinking, so to understand what follows it is necessary to look briefly back to the very birth of Fighter Command on 14 July 1936.

When it was formed, Fighter Command had 15 squadrons, plus three Auxiliary squadrons. The government had authorised an expansion to 35 squadrons and was providing phased payments to make this possible by 1942. There were nine stations, of which only one – Tangmere – was in Sussex.

from "Heroes of RAF Fighter Command, Sussex" by Rupert Matthews.

Buy your copy at a bookshop or Amazon

Throughout the second half of the 1930's, war with Germany seemed increasingly likely. The RAF, preparing for the coming struggle, formed Fighter Command in July 1936 under the legendary Air Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding. In this well researched and excellently written book Rupert Matthews tells the story of courageous individuals whe despite the odds, flew mission after mission during the 2nd World War.

The Fairey Battles come home, June 1940

Meanwhile the men of Bomber Command in Lincolnshire continued with the job in hand. The squadrons of 5 Group were joined by those of 1 Group. Ten squadrons of Bomber Command had been sent out to France in September 1939 to act as a battlefield support group to the British Expeditionary Force, being officially known as the Advanced Air Striking Force. They were all equipped with the Fairey Battle, which proved spectacularly ineffective in combat. The Battle was a single-engined, two seater able to carry two 500lb bombs. In theory the Battles were supposed to launch short range raids on enemy troops and supply columns. In practice those that were hurled forward against the advancing German armies in May and June 1940 were outclassed by the German fighters. The squadrons suffered appalling casualties – one raid of 71 Battles attacking the bridges over the Meuse River at Sedan lost no fewer than 41 aircraft.

The battered survivors of 1 Group were brought back to England. They thankfully gave up their Battles in favour to far superior Vickers Wellington and were sent to new stations. Squadrons 12 and 103 came to Lincolnshire to form the basis of a new 1 Group.


from "Heroes of RAF Bomber Command, Lincolnshire" by Rupert Matthews.

Buy your copy at a bookshop or Amazon

At the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939, such was the build-up of men and materials in the R A F that Lincolnshire was already known as 'Bomber Country'. Its four main airfields - Hemswell, Scampton, Waddington and Cottesmore - were home to eight squadrons of Bomber Command under the legendary Arthur 'Bomber' Harris. Night after night the skies of Lincolnshire reverberated with the sound of aircraft taking off and landing. For the aircrews the missions were very dangerous and physically exhausting. The chances of surviving a full tour of 30 operations were only 50/50, less in the first five sorties while aircrews gained valuable experience. Their targets were roads, railways, bridges, harbours, dams, factories and oil installations. Many medals were won - some of them posthumously. On the Dambusters Raid alone, 36 were awarded; a VC for the leader Guy Gibson, five DSOs, 14 DFCs, 12 DFMs and three Conspicuous Gallantry Medals. In this well researched and excellently written book, Rupert Matthews - himself the son of a Bomber Command sergeant who fought in the Second World War - describes many of the operations in detail and tells the story of courageous individuals who, despite the odds, flew mission after mission - heroes every one of them.

The Real Robin Hood

Entertaining yet scholarly account of how an obscure English outlaw has become the star of Hollywood movies, television shows, novels and comics across the world.

Robin Hood is one of the most instantly recognisable figures in world history — but did he ever really exist?

We are all familiar with the tales of a bold outlaw who stole from the rich to give to the poor. His faithful Merry Men — Little John, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet, Much the Miller’s Son — are almost as well known as Robin himself.

In this book, the truth behind the legend is revealed. Was there really a Maid Marion? How did Robin Hood get his hood? Why is he so beloved of film makers?.

This fascinating book draws on the most recent academic research into folklore and legends to put together an accurate account of Robin Hood’s original life story, and how he has developed in folklore and legend to become what he is today.

Contents

1 - Robin Hood in Sherwood Stood
2 - And by him stood Little John
3 - A Bonny Fair Maid
4 - Until I that Curtled Friar see
5 - The Outlawed Earl of Huntingdon
6 - With a Coat of Lincoln Green
7 - Despoil the Rich only to Give to the Poor
8 - Robert Hood, Yeoman
9 - The Legend Lives

About the Author
Rupert Matthews has written over 150 books for different publishers, achieving significant sales in a variety of markets both in the UK and abroad. His works have been translated into 19 languages and have been shortlisted for a number of awards. Rupert has been a freelance writer for 20 years, working in-house at a major book publisher before going freelance.

About the Author

Rupert Matthews has written over 150 books for different publishers, achieving significant sales in a variety of markets both in the UK and abroad. His works have been translated into 19 languages and have been shortlisted for a number of awards. Rupert has been a freelance writer for 20 years, working in-house at a major book publisher before going freelance. 

 

 Buy your Kindle copy HERE

 

Other formats available on www.BretwaldBooks.com

 

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Product details Format: Kindle Edition File Size: 1911 KB Print Length: 96 pages Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited Publisher: Bretwalda Books (19 April 2013) Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l. Language: English ASIN: B00CGAKEK8 Text-to-Speech: Enabled

Book Launch Event announced

My friend Janet Seal has a book launch organised.

The King’s Chalice
The new book
by Janet K.L. Seal
After the death of King Alfred, a small town in Wessex is plunged into conflict and kinship rivalry. A royal prince flees leaving his slave behind. Udda lives in hiding but renders a service to a noble.
Remarkable events follow the owners of the farm, whose loyalty to their King brings riches and tragedy in equal measure.


Local Author Janet K.L. Seal will be at The Priest's House Museum to sign copies her new book
on - 26th October
at - 2pm to 4.30pm
Refreshments