RAF Bomber Command in World War II

Martin Bowman

Book Description

As part of the Aviation Heritage Trail series, the airfields and interest in this book are concentrated in a particular area - in this case Norfolk. The growing importance of the 'electronic war' in the air in 1943 caused the creation of 100 Group to fly both defensive and offensive sorties employing highly secret Radio Counter Measure equipment. The Group flew from airfields at Foulsham, Great Massingham, Little Snoring, North Creake, Swannington and West Raynham. The aircraft flown were Halifax, Beaufighter, Mosquito and Fortress. The Group included RAF Squadron numbers192, 169, 23, 171, 199, 214, 157, 85, 141 and 239. This book looks at the history and personalities associated with each base, what remains today and explores the favourite local wartime haunts where aircrew and ground crew would have sought well-deserved entertainment and relaxation. Other museums and places that are relevant will also be described and general directions on how to get them included.

Review

Martin Bowman commences by remembering back to his teenage visits to the airfields of his native Norfolk, where he discovered the artwork on the walls of the barrack rooms, nissen huts and other airfield buildings, many now disappeared as the airfields returned to peacetime use . Several were dug up to became farmland once again or redeveloped for housing or industrial use, however some buildings do remain and are often still in daily use.

Describing 100 Group from it's formation in November 1943, with headquarters at Bylaugh Hall, Norfolk, specialising in the development and utilization of electronic and countermeasure equipment designed to disrupt enemy activities until the end of the war. 100 Group being disbanded on 17 December 1945.

Each airfield is described as it was during hostilities, and contains details of the types of aircraft used and some of the operations carried out by the squadrons of 100 Group (Bomber Support), including RCM (radio counter measures), ELINT (electronic intelligence) and a host of other measures, created with the intention of confusing the enemy defences. In addition to defensive operations, 100 Group were also charged with an offensive role.

Containing a comprehensive selection of stories, from the actual aircrew involved, the reader is allowed to gain some insight into the realities, complexities and dangers involved in delivering a protective screen around the bombing forces operating over Europe in WW2.

Airfield details are further supported with a selection of 'then and now' photographs, (many from Martin's own camera).

Appendix 1 contains a summary of each airfield, complete with 'how to get there' directions, also useful comments by the author suggesting 'what to see'

Appendix 2 contains the '100 Group' Order of Battle'