STANFORD TUCK

STANFORD TUCK: HERO OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN 

by Helen Doe. 

Roland Robert Stanford Tuck, known to all as 'Bob', is a name synonymous with the Battle of Britain. In the many books & pilot biographies from the time it is rare for his name not to be mentioned. 

Whilst on the subject of books, Helen regularly mentions Larry Forrester's 'Fly For Your Life', a biography of Bob written in the mid-fifties. The book is described as a loose interpretation, concentrating on the excitement of Bob the fighter pilot, rather than Bob the man. In fact as the reader travels further into Helen's book, Forrester's work appeared to me to slide more into fiction, than fact. The reader will soon learn that Helen does an outstanding job of correcting many of the myths & errors previously recorded. 

After leaving school at 16 & following several unsuitable jobs, including joining the Merchant Navy, Bob joins the RAF in 1935. Here he arrives in my home county of Lincolnshire to start his flying training.

(There is a fabulous 'flying selfie' photo taken during this time that is included in the book)

As we soon learn, trouble was never too far away from Bob. On the ground, or in the air. One collision involving Bob sadly resulted in the death of another pilot, though Bob was soon cleared of any blame.

By the time of the outbreak of the second world war Bob, now 23, is described as an 'exceptional' pilot & as we will soon learn, a very accurate shot. 

His first combat & victory would be over France during the BEF's evacuation from Dunkirk. 

Bob would eventually learn that his older brother Jack, was fighting on French soil below & would soon be taken prisoner.

As the events turn to British skies in the summer of 1940, the pages continue to be an enthralling read. Helen not only describes the action & events that involved Bob, but also those of his squadron & fellow pilots. With the great list of many well known books included in Helen's Bibliography, we will go on to hear about some very familiar names.

Victories brought awards & promotions. But Bob would also occasionally be a victim of German pilots himself.

Which leads me on to the next part of his story as a POW.

Whilst on an operation over France in January 1942, Bob's aircraft is hit by ground fire & he manages to crash land in a field. Now a POW he finds himself in Stalag Luft III. Here not only would he room with his old RAF Commander, Roger Bushell, but he would also find & make contact with his brother. 

Most of you reading this will know the story of 'The Great Escape'. Unfortunately, or probably fortunately, Bob is transfered to another camp in Poland just days before that famous night in March 1944. He is soon to learn that something has happened to his dear friend Roger Bushell. As we now know, captured & subsequently murdered by the Germans along with dozens more escapees.

The harsh winter of 1944/45 brings the Russians closer to the POW camps. The Germans evacuate tens of thousands of POWs by forcing them to march through snow & freezing temperatures. Bob & a fellow Polish pilot plan an escape that eventually leads them into the hands of the Russians. Ever suspicious, the Russians repeatedly question them both & often keep them in squalid conditions, whilst delaying their return home. Eventually repatriated, Bob finally arrives back home in April 1945.

A review should never reveal everything & despite what I have included, I have left so much more out.

Helen's narrative continues with Bob's story up until his death in 1987. It is equally as fascinating & includes Bob's advisory role in the fabulous 'Battle of Britain' film. 

That generation were heroes & will remain so. Bob was clearly a highly skilled fighter pilot.

Remarkable to think that is flying ability was assessed only one month after returning home. Yet despite those years as a POW, his report described him once again as 'exceptional'. He most certainly was.

When you read so much positive feedback beforehand about a book, it naturally raises expectations. But the praise is so well deserved & I can only add to what has been said before.

It is an enthralling & engaging read throughout & as wartime biographies go, one of the very best that I have had the pleasure to read.

This hardback book is published by Grub Street & is available now.

I thank Grub Street for this review copy.