A Time for Courage: The Royal Air Force in the European War, 1939-1945

Of the hundreds of books that I have read regarding the history of WWII this ranks as one of the best. It is not just another sterile catalog of the various battles and campaigns of the war. Rather it puts in context the efforts of the RAF in terms of the total war effort. The author traces the development of RAF doctrine from WWI right through to the end of WWII and highlights how the erroneous understanding regarding the proper use of airpower, especially the myopic emphasis on "strategic" bombing, prevalent in the high command of the RAF and the British government, warped political and military decision making both prior to and during the war. In addition, he makes a number of insightful observations regarding other areas in connection with the war, which only make the overall impact of the book that much more powerful. Though the book offers a thorough sampling of action vignettes where appropriate, it is not for those seeking a "blood and guts" narrative of the RAF in WWII. If, however, you are looking for an insightful analysis of the role of the RAF and of airpower in general in WWII, I cannot recommend a book more highly.

It is tragic that this fine book is out of print. Get one of the used copies advertised. Terraine gives a comprehensive history of the RAF in WWII. He dicusses the developement of doctrine, equipment and the political debates as well as batttle history. If you like to get in to the muck and mire of war this book is for you. It is not a novel but it will keep your intrest if you want to know the nitty-gritty of fighting an air war.

If you want a serious but well-written history of the Royal Air Force in Europe during the Second World War, John Terraine's "A Time for Courage" is it. (Published in England as "Right of the Line.")The roots of Britain's air strategy in the decisions taken in the 1920's and '30's are explored. He notes high points without getting bogged down. (The highly publicized but strategically insignificant Dam's Raid, for example, is covered in less than a page.) Terraine is sober without being boring, and explores issues often neglected in many histories, such as personnel policies and equipment decisions. What a pity that the book is out of print.

The emminent British historian John Terraine has produced a compelling overview of the RAF in WW II. A hefty tome (800ish pages) it covers everything. It thus covers nothing in any great detail, but it is the one place where you can find at least mention of everything. Its also exhaustively researched, and not afraid to offer (sometimes idiosyncratic) commentary. This is not a book that you're likely to sit down and read cover to cover, but all students of the RAF in WW II need to have this on their shelf. Its particularly strong on the personalities (and their opinions) of the RAF's key commanders.