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(original 1983 cover).
This book was the first to be written about the history of 578 Squadron. Researched in the 1970’s when it was realised that memories of WWII were starting to fade. In the words of the Author he wanted to get things recorded before those that remained got the chop.
This book was written by Charles William Adams (squadron nickname 'Chuck'), rear gunner of the F/O Jim Bluring crew. He was lucky enough to survive numerous operations as a rear gunner of Halifax LK-O (Oboe) 'Sweet Sue'. Although sadly not all his crew were so fortunate .
Charles was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal whilst in the RAF. For many years he attended the annual squadron reunion at Burn/Selby. He died in 1993, aged 73, and lies in Intake Cemetery, Sheffield.
His Son Martin Adams takes up the story:
The author (my father) produced this book around 1980, using a very early home computer. His research included visits to London to inspect squadron records, and talking to squadron members at annual reunions or on the phone. At the time this book was written the annual squadron reunions in Selby were still well frequented, and memories of World War 2 were still reasonably fresh in the mind. My father was always proud of the work of 578 squadron, and he wished to capture stories about the squadron whilst he could. His book is intended to be a factual account, and it is mainly based on extracts from official squadron records.
This version leaves his work unaltered except for my attempts to correct any grammatical and spelling errors. I am sure errors still remain, so please accept my apologies for these. I have also added a few photographs, and small amounts of extra information that I have sourced from the internet. (Martin Adams.).
Thanks must go to Martin for releasing this online for everyone to read:
(Click on book cover image).
There have been a few other books which contain accounts of 578 Squadron. I have attempted to list those that I know of here. If you know of others please let us know.
578 Squadron Books |
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Based at Burn MKII: After 50 Years the Biography of an Outstanding Airman and a Diary of the Bomber Squadron He Founded and Commanded
The definite work on the History of 578 Squardon by the late Hugh Cawdron: The book contains biographies of WC D S Wilkerson, DSO, DFC, founder & First Commanding Officer & Cyril Barton VC, flying officer plus recollections of over 120 airmen & women & wartime residents of Burn. The book describes each of the 161 operations in detail. Essential reading for anyone interested in 578 Squadron. 512pp, 68 photos, 24 original drawings, 10 maps & two fold-out, full colour reproductions of paintings by Keith Woodcock. Sadly this book is now out of print. Copies do occasionally appear on online book sales sites. |
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Cyril Joe Barton V.C.
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The Pendulum and the Scythe: A History of No.4 Group Bomber Command
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Royal Air Force Bomber Command Squadron Profile 113: No 578 Squadron
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Bombers In The Night Sky
The Author describes this book as: In 1944, as a thirteen-year old, I saw a Halifax bomber come down in a ball of fire close to our home in the Netherlands. Sixty-three years later, I met up with the pilot of that plane living in Canada. This book describes not only his evasion but also my own wartime experience. Hugh Timmermanns book is divided into two parts. The first graphically relates his experiences as a teenage farmer’s son in Holland during the occupation, Market Garden Operation, German counter attack, final liberation and aftermath. It was on April 22nd 1944 that he witnessed the shooting down of LK-Y MZ563, the front fuselage crashing down in flames on his farm. |