THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP discussion

This thread is open to discuss any book covering aviation battles and campaigns of WW2 with a theme month - June - for reading books on the topic.

I'm thinking that my theme book will be A Higher Call, what are others thinking of reading in June?


by Adam Makos

Glad you picked this area. I will try to finish as it didn't grab me the first time and I put it down. But I'll give it a second chance. Then I'm for Mr. Kershaw with .

I'm probably going to go with this one

All good books mentioned so far. I think you will like The Few by Alex Kershaw Mike.

I will also be interested in your views on Hell Above Earth Happy.

I have a number of books on this theme so will have to have a think.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I'm thinking that my theme book will be A Higher Call, what are others thinking of reading in June?


[bookcover:A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies..."

I was thinking of reading this book next so maybe I will hold off until June. Good suggestion!

This is one of my favorites:

A Higher Call was written by my friend Adam makos. Good book, and I felt honored to be mentioned in it and contribute.

Dr. Michael wrote: "This is one of my favorites: "

I've not seen this one before and with your recommendation Dr. Michael I have added to my TBR.

I'm gonna stick with . I've heard nothing but good stuff about it.

I'm sure you will enjoy it Tionne. You may also like to have a look at this book as well:


by Robert J. Mrazek

May I also be so bold as to also recommend a book looking at the 'other' side which I found quite interesting:

by M.G. Sheftall

Aussie Rick, I have read the story of those two men in your book, , but I can't remember where I read it. It would be great if you could let us know how your book is, its going on my TBR pile! Remarkable story of those two!

I will keep you posted once I start :)

Offbeat, But I recommend Tonya. I also recently read

Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II, which is good.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I'm thinking that my theme book will be A Higher Call, what are others thinking of reading in June?


[bookcover:A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies..."

I've read it - got it for my mother last year and did what any proper reader would do - read the book before giving it to the receiver.

I actually just finished in the last two months a book on the air campaigns. Japanese Naval Aces and Fighter Units in World War II

Perhaps i'll read again Duel of Eagles: The Struggle for the Skies from the First World War to the Battle of Britain

I'm open for suggestions - though part of me is a bit curious if there were Polish or Free French Volunteers in the EATO in the RAF or American Army Air Forces.

Hi Bracken, here are a few books that may interest you:


by Lynne Olson

by Adam Zamoyski

Destiny Can Wait: The Polish Air Force in World War II (no cover) by M. Lisiewicz


by John D. Clarke

Fire In The Sky: The Air War In The South Pacific

Long time since I read this one. Will take it home for a 'second round'

And with this one as back up if the 700 odd pages of 'Fire In The Sky' should prove to be too much of a thing ;-)

Spitfire Ace Over Malta: A Personal Account of Ten Weeks of War, April-June 1942

Jesper wrote: And with this one as back up
Spitfire Ace Over Malta: A Personal Account of Ten Weeks of War, April-June 1942 ..."

I have that one in my to-be read pile as well but for the group read I'm going to start with Tom Neil's Silver Spitfire.

Good book you have selected Jesper! Same for you Caroline, l hope it's a great read :)

looks like we're going to have a really good mix of books being read by people. Still not sure what to read myself although I may read one by Martin Middlebrook

You can't fail with one of his books Geevee!

Caroline wrote:

I have that one in my to-be read pile as well but for the group read I'm going to start with Tom Neil's Silver Spitfire. "

That is the worst thing about Goodreads; Too many titles by to many authors 'popping up' all the time. And now Tom Neil too *sigh*. Had to add 'Gun Button To Fire: A Hurricane Pilot's Dramatic Story Of The Battle Of Britain' to my 'To Read' list. (Is the 'only' book by Mr. Neil I can find in the library database ;-)

Hi Jesper this is worth watching - it's an interview with Tom Neil on BBC Radio 5 from 2011: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00fktzs

Looks like two great books there by Tom Neil. You're right Jesper about so many good books always popping up!


& by Tom Neil

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Looks like two great books there by Tom Neil. You're right Jesper about so many good books always popping up
& [bookcover:Gun Button To Fire: A Hurricane..."
I am happy to see the Silver Spitfire book pop up, since I was just about to post

For some reason, my entire post did not show up. I am also reading . I have heard Ted speak several times, and have autographed copies of his books.

Sounds like an interesting book your have there Laurel. One good book that I read covering Canada's contribution to the air war was this title:

by Spencer Dunmore

It may interest you later on down the track.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Sounds like an interesting book your have there Laurel. One good book that I read covering Canada's contribution to the air war was this title:

[bookcover:Reap the Whirlwind: The Untold Story of 6..."
Thank you for the suggestion. You always have a kind suggestion, and I really appreciate your time and kind words.

I love to share a good book with others who have the same passion for history and reading :)

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I'm thinking that my theme book will be A Higher Call, what are others thinking of reading in June?


[bookcover:A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies..."

This was the first book which came to my mind when I read the topic of the theme :)

I just downloaded , for our June read.

Looks like a few of us will be reading a very good book (I hope). I can't wait :)

Geevee wrote: "Hi Jesper this is worth watching - it's an interview with Tom Neil on BBC Radio 5 from 2011: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00fktzs"

Thanks for the heads up Geevee. Will look forward to watch it when I withdraw to my 'man cave' :-)

Starting June 1st, I eagerly anticipate reading "Luftwaffe Test Pilot: Flying Captured Allied Aircraft of World War 2" by Hans-Werner Lerche.

Looks like a good book as well Komet!

KOMET wrote: "Starting June 1st, I eagerly anticipate reading "Luftwaffe Test Pilot: Flying Captured Allied Aircraft of World War 2" by Hans-Werner Lerche.

[bookcover:Luftwaffe Test Pilot: Flying Captured Allie..."

Hi Komet I thought the air theme might see you join in so am pleased and look forward to your thoughts and review on the book.

Hmmm, I have a few more contenders for the aviation month, not sure which one to start off with now:


by Peter Rees

by Mark Johnston

by Dan King

by Robert F. Dorr

Nice selection AR, all look interesting. I'm adding and a book I just picked up yesterday: . Look at both sides of the battle.

Excellent idea Mike. I think you will enjoy The Twilight Warriors and I have heard good things about Thunder Gods.

I'm also adding


to my reading list for this theme read

So I guess I will be reading at least 2 for this read

Damn fine Happy, I will try and do the same, at least two aviation books for June.

I guess I'm getting old, because Jimmy Stewart has always been one my favorite actors, along with Henry Fonda and of course John Wayne.

This has been on TBR at the library for a while and as I was reviewing it this week, the theme read seemed like a good excuse to get it read :D

finally came in for me on an ILL today, so I guess June will really be Aviation Month for me:D

All great actors! I've always liked Jimmy Stewart so that book should be a very interesting story.

I have always loved Jimmy Stewart, and have several biographies relating to him, and his life. Each deals with his military life, but in a cursory way. I ill be adding this book to my list. Thank you for sharing it.

happy wrote: "I'm also adding


to my reading list for this theme read

So I guess I will be reading at least 2 for this read"

Jimmy Stewart was fantastic! Mr. Smith goes to Washington and Harvey are two of my all time fav movies. Someone recommended this to me years ago, but I've been unable to locate it and was wondering of its very existence! What a great post to wake up to! I'll have to track it down before long. Keep us updated on how it is!! :-)

Then I'll start on this one.



When I was in secondary school two friends quarreled over this bomber. One thinks it is a beautiful plane, the other thinks there is none worse. I spent a week in the library with them flipping through picture books on WW2 bombers trying to mediate the disagreement. That was also when I learned that the Lancaster was used to blow up the German dams in WW2.

happy wrote: "I'm also adding


to my reading list for this theme read

So I guess I will be reading at least 2 for this read"

I knew and interviewed Jimmy Stewart, great guy.