Bomber Command

By: Max Hastings

Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards

Length: 18 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

With an introduction read by Max Hastings. Bomber Command's offensive against the cities of Germany was one of the epic campaigns of the Second World War.

More than 56,000 British and Commonwealth aircrew and 600,000 Germans died in the course of the RAF's attempt to win the war by bombing. The struggle began in 1939 with a few score primitive Whitleys, Hampdens and Wellingtons, and ended six years later with 1,600 Lancasters, Halifaxes, and Mosquitoes razing whole cities in a single night. Max Hastings traced the developments of area bombing using a wealth of documnets, letters, diaries, and interviews with key surviving witnesses. Bomber Command is his classic account of one of the most controversial struggles of the war. Max Hastings, author of over 20 books, has been editor of the Daily Telegraph and the Evening Standard. He has received many awards for his journalism and was knighted in 2002.

©1979 Max Hastings (P)2014 Audible Studios

Excellent, in-depth analysis

Hastings as always brings both the humanity and the horror to war. His tales of the bravery of Bomber Command's crews and breathtaking and the aftermath of a firebombed German city will leave you heartbroken and horrified. His is a master of his craft.

A well told story

This is a well told story of the other great air campaign of the Second World War. In the US we normally only hear of the 8th Air Force. Well done on a wonderful telling of the story of Bomber Command from 1939 to 45.

Another great book by Max Hastings

A master writer at the top of his game. Well worth the time. Well narrated too.

Excellent

Stunningly great. Exhaustingly emotional when you put your head into the minds of the young men flying into harms way. Not that much different to the Somme.

Outstanding

Max Hastings demonstrates his skill as an author. Well done! Especially for one of his early works.

Superb

Excellent gripping book on an astonishing
terrifying - for both sides period during WW2 technically detailed and beautifully researched -Hastings at his best

Good overview of British bomber campaign

Hastings gives a comprehensive overview of the British WWII bombing campaign. He describes it from pretty much all angles. After listening to it, I had an even greater respect for the British bomber crews (it seems like being assigned to a heavy bomber crew was almost a death sentence during the war) while also confirming my already very negative opinion of the British leadership for their callous disregard for the massive civilian casualties -- or even for the lives of their own airmen. If the allies hadn't been the victors, Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur "Bomber" Harris, in particular, would have almost certainly been charged as a war criminal. The need for area bombing of civilian targets by all the allies is a debate that will probably never be settled, but I think it will remain a serious black mark on an otherwise noble war effort.

On a side note, why do the Brits think that all american's talk like John Wayne? Barnaby Edwards' narration is great except when he tries to do accents. His american accent is absolutely awful and detracts from the book. His Canadian accent isn't much better. Can we make an agreement that the American's won't try to do a British accent if the the Brits will agree not to try sound like Americans?

another great book by mr hastings

the remarkable courage of these men can not be adequately described. my 30 years in the USAF and that of my fellow service members is utterly pale by comparison. as far as the opionions expressed about the killing of civilians, I for one do not share this compassion. war is a very ugly ordeal and unless all those involved military and civilian feel the pain it will inevitably always be with us. That I'm sorry to have to say.

Superb

Great analysis, great history, and exceptionally well spoken. Highest recommendation. A fascinating and moving story very relevant for today's issues.

Stunningly real. Gritty. Breathtaking.

My favorite WWII book, second only to The Rise and Fall. I often fear getting into my car to hear the book, wondering what our poor lads will suffer tonight. And the most thoughtful and cogent analysis of area bombing you will EVER hear. I told my WWII POW father to NOT read this book. He will be right back there in the 15th AF flying over Poland and Hungary. Too real. Just awesome.