his one came to me as a birthday present from my dear wife. Normally she doesn’t try this sort of things – given the number of books I’ve read (I’ve reviewed hundreds on this website), she doesn’t risk it. But this one stood out for obvious reasons.

It is the historic recount of an American who started out as an ambulance driver in France and ended up enlisting in the Royal Air Force. Hailing from far-away, different-world Kansas City, the fellow had to start the lengthy process of becoming a Lancaster Bomber pilot in command, involving months of effort.

And his name? Robert S Raymond.

So, get the appeal?

Anyway, so it’s interesting as he tells his stories in letters to the girl he left behind (with some mention from other sources). It isn’t just flying a plane – it’s about managing a multi-national crew, of long hours of night flying, of accounting for who didn’t come back, of watching for night fighters and dealing with aircraft so primitive by our standards, miles and hours from home base. It’s all the things that make up real life, and not the thrill-a-minute Hollywood expectation most of us think war really is.

One of the most interesting things I discovered was that when the Yank in his Lank flew across occupied France, they’d see the porch lights flash “V for Victory” in Morse code. I’d never thought of pouch lights, light switches and such mundane yet significant matters seventy years ago. But that’s history; it takes away your expectations and makes it real.

And Mr. Raymond’s book did that for me.

Great read. Have a look if you can find a copy.

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