Using medal groups as a starting point, chosen for their unique combinations of gallantry and campaign awards, Graham Pitchfork reviews the fascinating flying careers of twenty Allied airmen who flew combat operations during the Second World War, across a wide cross-section of operational roles, theatres, aircraft types and aircrew categories. They include a Wellington bomber gunner who was shot down on the first thousand-bomber raid and evaded capture through Spain; a Beaufighter pilot on anti-shipping operations over the Aegean Sea; a Battle of Britain Hurricane pilot who later flew from Java and escaped to Ceylon in the face of the Japanese advance; an Army Air Corps pilot flying Austers in the Italian campaign; and a Wellington navigator who took part in air drops to Yugoslav and Greek partisans, including a night field landing outside Warsaw behind enemy lines. Each chapter is accompanied by photographs of the subject, relevant aircraft types and operational activities in which the subject was involved, plus rare 'action' shots. There are examples of flying gallantry awards such as the DSO, DFC, AFC, DFM and AFM, as well as numerous foreign gallantry awards like the Polish Cross of Valour and Belgian Croix de Guerre.

Men Behind the Medals

Pitchfork, Graham

History

Sutton Pub Ltd

The Royal Air Force Day by Day is a diary of significant daily events providing a fascinating record of the RAF’s 100-year history, illustrated with more than 500 photographs. It describes not only the great air battles and major events, but also the tapestry of activities, traditions and culture that have created the rich history of the world’s oldest Air Force. Central to this history are the experiences of RAF officers, airmen and women, ground trades and aircrew during war and peacetime. Created in April 1918, the RAF has made a major contribution to peacekeeping and offensive actions worldwide since the First World War and has maintained its position at the forefront of aviation and weapons technology.

The Royal Air Force Day by Day: 1918-2018

Europe

The History Press

This edition of The Royal Air Force Day by Day is a diary of significant daily events providing a fascinating record of the RAF's history. It describes not only the great air battles and major events, but also the tapestry of activities, traditions and culture that have created the rich heritage of the world's oldest air force. Central to all these themes are the experiences of RAF officers, airmen and women, ground trades and aircrew during war and peacetime.

The Royal Air Force Day by Day

Military

Of the many characteristics that emerge in warfare, none generates more admiration than gallantry. Using medal groups chosen for their unique combinations of gallantry and campaign awards, Graham Pitchfork pays tribute to the bravery of 20 Allied airmen who flew combat operations during World War II. Encompassing a wide cross-section of operational roles, theaters, aircraft types, and aircrew categories, the men behind the medals’ experiences and actions are narrated in relation to the wider war. These crucial operations are seen through a variety of different actions, including a night-fighter crew and a navigator who took part in supply drops to Resistance movements. The air war at sea is seen through the experiences of a Beaufighter pilot and a Royal Navy observer who attacked the Italian Fleet at Taranto. As the World War II generation fade into history, their exploits need to live on forever as an example for future generations. In describing the exploits of the lesser-known heroes of that air war, Graham Pitchfork has ensured that "The Many" will never be forgotten.

Men Behind the Medals: A New Selection

The summer of 1940 witnessed the greatest air battle in history and its 70th Anniversary provides a unique occasion to remember the men—dubbed by Winston Churchill as "The Few"—who fought over the skies of Britain to prevent the Luftwaffe from gaining air superiority, which would have paved the way for Hitler to invade the UK. With the march of time, this is likely to be the last significant anniversary where survivors of the historical battle can join in the various celebrations. Graham Pitchfork charts the development of the epic battle fought by Fighter Command as it reacted to the changes in the Luftwaffe's strategy, reaching a climax on September 15th before finally coming to a conclusion in October 1940. In addition to the exploits of the pilots in the air, the contribution of the many ground organizations that played such a crucial role is also highlighted in this lavishly illustrated book

The Battle of Britain Story (Story series)

A senior RAF veteran and researcher has used the medals and decorations awarded during World War II to present a picture of the war as seen by the ordinary air and ground crews of the RAF, backed up by a unique collection of photographs.As Sir Ivor Bloom points out in his Foreword, 'A few names have become household legends,' and one is forced to wonder whether 'The Few' have not stolen the limelight from 'The many'. If that is so, Air Commodore Pitchfork's book is a timely reminder of the debt we owe to all those gallant airmen whose aerial adventures he so vividly records, are worthy representatives.

MEN BEHIND THE MEDALS: The Actions of 21 Aviators during World War Two

Pen_and_Sword

Thousands of airmen shot down over enemy soil between 1940 and 1945 miraculously escaped capture. This compelling narrative reveals their stories, based on first-hand interviews, photographs and official documents, featuring heroes from Britain, Canada, Australia and other Commonwealth countries. These men knew extreme adversity: hunger, thirst, injury, isolation and the constant fear of capture. They also knew great kindness from the local people who risked everything to help them. Their journeys to safety – often across savage terrain – tested human endurance and ingenuity to the very limit.

Shot Down and on the Run: True Stories of RAF and Commonwealth Aircrews of WWII

Australia & Oceania

Osprey_Publishing

The RAF's Air Sea Rescue Service saved thousands of RAF, Commonwealth and Allied airmen between 1939 and 1945. This fascinating account draws on first-hand interviews, photographs and official documents to reveal some of its most dramatic missions in northwest Europe, the Mediterranean and the Far East. Those shot down at sea faced terrifying dangers, from weather extremes to enemy fighters, and rescue by airborne or seaborne craft was fraught with difficulty. These incredible stories celebrate the courage, persistence and ingenuity of the men who found themselves 'in the drink' and those who saved them.

Shot Down and in the Drink: True Stories of RAF and Commonwealth Aircrews Saved from the Sea in WWII

Of the many human characteristics, few evoke greater admiration and respect than gallantry in the service of one’s country. Here, Graham Pitchfork describes the outstanding bravery of twenty-one air men who served in the Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War. These accounts encompass most theaters of operation as well as a host of aircraft types and aircrew categories. Accounts of the gallantry of those who served on the ground in support of flying operations are also relayed in this substantial anthology. The book explores the gallantry of airmen who fought in a variety of contexts, including that band of men who are so often forgotten, the Burma veterans. A gallant RAF sergeant and an RAF doctor who cared for and inspired fellow prisoners in Japanese camps are both included here, as are stories relating the extreme bravery of a Fleet Air Arm pilot, a Pathfinder pilot and a Typhoon wing leader. The valorous acts of these airmen serve as inspirational examples to a new generation of flying men and women. Graham Pitchfork extracts the drama and poignancy of their tales, enlivening them to great effect in this riveting publication that is sure to appeal broadly to enthusiasts of the era.

Air Men Behind the Medals

Biographies & Memoirs

Historical

Pen and Sword Aviation

The stories of many POW escapees are well known, but what about those who miraculously evaded capture in the first place and returned to fight another day? This compelling book tells some of the epic stories of the thousands of shot-down airmen, including Canadians from across the country, who got out from behind enemy lines in Europe, the Far East, and Africa during the Second World War. Based on special first-hand interviews and new research into official debriefing documents held at Britain’s National Archives, many of these accounts have never been published before. This books explores the pivotal role of military intelligence in the training, support, and organization of escape and evasion; it also features rare photographs of the evaders and their helpers.

Shot Down and On the Run: The RCAF and Commonwealth Aircrews Who Got Home from Behind Enemy Lines, 1940-1945

Americas

Dundurn Press

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Books by Pitchfork, Graham