Book a fitting war tribute

The RAF’s No 1 Group of Bomber Command is paid a fine tribute in a new book, Swift To Attack, by Patrick Otter from the Pen and Sword stable.

The book, researched in great detail with a plethora of pictures, is principally concerned with the bombing exploits from Lincolnshire airfields including Swinderby, the home of Polish squadrons and their Wellington aircraft.

Nottinghamshire’s Newton and Syerston are featured. Syerston, hosting Manchesters and Lancasters, had Guy Gibson in charge of 106 Squadron before he commanded 617 Squadron for the Dambuster Raid when he won the VC.

Another VC went to Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid who won his medal after a raid from Syerston on Dusseldorf in 1943.

Patrick Otter’s excellent book, priced £25, is a fitting and comprehensive contribution to the second world war bomber story — RWKP.