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This
book is a different approach to aviation archaeology
literature, as the
author, together with small, but dedicated, team of fellow
enthusiasts explore aircraft crash sites in the North West
of England, treating each of the incidents selected to
detailed in-depth research and meticulous on-site
investigation. Each of the eighteen chapters explores, in
previously unpublished detail, the background to an
incident, the units, aircraft and airmen involved, as well
as the conclusions drawn from piecing together the story and
the artifacts uncovered. Emphasis is placed on revealing who
these individuals were, their previous service history and
subsequent flying career, if they survived, often based on
accounts from their friends, comrades and relatives, giving
a unique insight into the human story behind each
geographical site. Many of the projects have involved major
excavations to uncover the remains of these aircraft and
this work is described in detail by the author, who actually
organised and attended the digs, sharing with the reader the
excitement of the discovery of important artifacts that have
lain buried and forgotten for some 60 years or more. These
digs and the finds uncovered are illustrated throughout,
together with period photographs of pilots and crew members
and many ‘then and now’ comparisons of the crash sites
themselves. The addition of a comprehensive index and
appendices giving outline details of nearly 2000 other
incidents also make this work a valuable reference resource
in its own right.
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 Customer Reviews
- Average Customer
Review:
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
Aviation
Enthusiasts In The North West Will Want This!, 30
Nov 2006
Aviation enthusiasts together with local and
family history researchers with an interest in the
North West of England will, I promise find this handy
sized volume fascinating.
Sub titled "New Insights Into Dramatic Last
Flights" this splendid 18 chapter very readable
publication provides the reader with a wealth of
information, much of which was previously unpublished
and obtained from a wide variety of sources, including
official archives and statements from families,
friends and eye witnesses to the crashes.
It describes an entirely new approach to aviation
archeology as it explores aircraft crash sites in an
area that covers Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside and
the North West. However having said that there are
mentions of crashes in the Peak District, Northumbria
and North Yorkshire too.
In the usual Pen and Sword style, it is packed to the
hilt with many superb black and white photographs of
personalities involved, their aircraft and many crash
sites too. The excellent appendices detailing over
2000 aircraft crashes in the area during the period
between 1917 and the late 1990's makes it an
invaluable source of reference and therefore a must
for many bookshelves.
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