Dangerous Sky: A Resource Guide to the Battle of Britain

by Eunice Wilson

Overview

July 1990 marked the 50th anniversary of one of the most critical and decisive struggles in the European theater of World War II. Following the withdrawal of British forces at Dunkirk and the fall of France, the Battle of Britain pitted some 2,800 Luftwaffe aircraft against some 650 serviceable RAF fighter aircraft. For the next four months Britain faced daily attacks against airfields and military installations, ports, and civilian and industrial centers. The failure of the Luftwaffe to overwhelm and destroy the RAF undercut German efforts to mount an invasion of Britain, and by November the airwar shifted to the Blitz phase, the attempt to destroy civilian morale through attacks on urban centers and airfields, which was to last essentially for the rest of the war.

Dangerous Sky attempts to bring together all the main sources published through 1989 dealing with the battle. The Guide provides information on how to conduct RAF research, and it organizes materials ranging from official documents through memoirs and biographies to secondary histories under major categories. Within each category, materials are cited in alphabetical order and short descriptive comments are provided. Access to materials is augmented by an author index. This research guide is essential to students, military buffs, and researchers concerned with the British side of this crucial phase of World War II.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313282164
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/14/1995
Series:	Bibliographies of Battles and Leaders , #12
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.44(d)
Lexile:	850L (what's this?)

About the Author

EUNICE WILSON is a professional writer and freelance accredited researcher at the Public Record Office, London. Among her earlier works are numerous articles in RAF News, Fly Past, and Airmail as well as a guide to the RAF, How to Find the Few, RAF Quiz Book, and the D-Day Quiz Book.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
Abbreviations
General Guidelines for RAF Research
The RAF in 1940
Maps, Classifications, Squadrons
Subject List
Alphabetical List by Author

Editorial Reviews

A comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of RAF research, with the Battle of Britain as the focal point. In addition to the subject listing, which arrays resources under 68 topical headings, other sections provide general guidelines for RAF research; a narrative/chronology of the RAF in 1940; miscellaneous background material; an alphabetical listing by author; and a subject index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews