Reviews

During 1944 and 1945 the squadrons of 205 Group were launching air attacks from bases in Italy. In many ways thier efforts were the same as those of aircrews attached to Bomber Command in Britain, yet conditions for the men were very different. These men fought their war as much against the weather and lack of equipment as against the enemy.

The Wimpy, as the Wellington was affectionately known, had been operational when war was declared and five years on their young crews were still taking them into battle.

Maurice G Lihou joined the Royal Air Force in 1939 before the outbreak of the Second World War. He trained as a Wireless Operator as a means of getting into aircrew, but found himself working in ground stations. He decided to try to re-muster as a pilot and completed the training for this in Canada where he was awarded his "Wings". It was not long after this that he became captain of an aircraft with a crew of five and ferried a Wellington Bomber to North Africa. He was then posted to Italy and joined 37 Squadron, a Bomber Squadron of 205 Group, becoming involved in various operations such as the laying of mines in the River Danube.

During World War 2 very little was made of the extent in which a part of the Royal Air Force's Bomber Command played an important role. This was 205 Group operating first in the Middle East and later in Italy. I joined them in Italy and my book is an authentic record of the 49 operations in which I took part. It also tells of my life generally during this time with flash backs to other events which occurred which led to the comment in the local paper The Guernsey Press Weekender

It also inspired a local person to say: - Not only did I enjoy the adventure but I also enjoyed the romance and humour running through it.

Another wrote to say: - I have more than 30 war books in my library and this is the best I have read.

'Is very readable.... Puts flesh on the bones of an aircraft subject...This book has helped to fill a phase in the history of WW2 which sometimes seems to have been passed over'...Wingspan

'This story is a refreshing change from umpteen books about Lancaster's and B-17's. Proving that the Wimpy did provide sterling service in every theatre of war in which it served'...Flypast

This is a well-written account of a Wellington's crew's experiences in an oft-neglected theatre of operations'... ...Air Britain Aeromilitria

'This is a very human story... a story that had to be told. It illustrates a part of the bombing operations carried out by the RAF which has not been told and for that alone is of some considerable historic value...well told' ...Aviation News

A fascinating account of operating Wellingtons over Italy with 205 Group...RAF history in the raw...good value...Aviation book review

'This is an interesting book...a perfect example of how fate can play some awful tricks...To find out what actually happened...Buy the book ...Aeroplane monthly.

Order your signed copy of his book Its Dicey Flying Wimpys from Maurice direct by e-mailing mlihou@guernsey.net Price £9.99 plus P & P .