RAF CONINGSBY IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR

RAF CONINGSBY IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR 
by Robert Perry.

Author Robert Perry is a Senior Engineer in the RAF who has served at Coningsby. This book has been helped by having access to the official operations books for the squadrons who were based at Coningsby during the war.

If any readers didn't know, RAF Coningsby is in the county of  Lincolnshire. Still in operational service today, it currently has RAF Typhoon squadrons based there as well as being the home of the BBMF.
As a Lincolnshire lad myself, I'm familiar with both RAF Coningsby and the village itself. So I was quite excited to get hold of this book.

The book covers the period from early 1941 to late 1945.
Whilst the book provides a day-by-day account of its wartime role, this is not another repetitive account of dates followed by squadron, aircraft, target, losses etc. Whilst that information is very important and included, here it is told in a narrative form rather than a listed format.
Robert's narrative provides a far more pleasant experience for any general readers by telling more of the story behind the raids carried out from Coningsby. 
He also shares other events of note that happened. For example, Coningsby was occasionally bombed by the Luftwaffe.

As Coningsby expanded in size throughout the war, the roles of those squadrons based there also changed, especially after D-Day. Those serving on the base would certainly play an important role right up to the war's end. 

For readers of Bomber Command especially, this will be a great addition to your bookcase. Approaching 500 pages, it provides plenty of general reading, whilst a particular date could be easily found for reference.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and learning more about Coningsby's role in the war. I have quite a few of those reference books that I mentioned above, some were my very first buys as a schoolkid nearly four decades ago. This book is a perfect companion for them.
Not that we should ever need a  reminder, but these type of books keep the remarkable bravery and achievements of the men and women of the Royal Air Force, in our thoughts. 🙏

The hardback book is published by Fonthill Media and is available now from their website. 
I thank them for this review copy.


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