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andrew_russell's review against another edition
3.0
This very short biography of WW2 RAF hero Guy Gibson, is lacking in the personal touch but does nonetheless do everything it says on the tin. It is well researched and covers the key moments in Gibsons life.
barnsey's review
4.0
Dambuster: The Life of Guy Gibson VC is a must-read for anyone with an interest in military history. Author Susan Ottaway, an acclaimed historian, has written a moving account of the life of this distinguished WWII airman.
The book paints a sad picture of an unhappy childhood. His parents separated whilst the family lived in India; his mother returning to England with Guy, his brother Alick and sister Joan. Her lack of parenting skills and subsequent descent into alcoholism meant the siblings were often neglected. His father was a cold, uncaring man who wanted little to do with his children; preferring instead to pursue his own selfish needs.
Despite his dysfunctional background, Guy was determined to make a success of his life and remained close to his brother and sister. In 1936 he joined the RAF and after several postings and promotions led 617 Squadron on the famous Dambuster Raid in 1943. Later that year he was awarded the Victoria Cross and at the age of just 24 he had become the most decorated man of the entire war. His life was tragically cut short in 1944 when he died in an air crash over Holland.
The book brings to the forefront the sacrifice and bravery of servicemen during WWII. It's an extremely well-researched and well-written account of an incredible man who gave his life for his country. I very much enjoyed the writing style; it wasn't too bogged down with facts and figures. Everything was presented in way that could be easily understood and digested. Reading it has given me a greater understanding and depth of knowledge of this period in our history.
*My thanks to author Susan Ottaway and David Haviland at Andrew Lownie Literary Agency for a copy of this book.
Read my review on my blog: http://bit.ly/2GO79OI
The book paints a sad picture of an unhappy childhood. His parents separated whilst the family lived in India; his mother returning to England with Guy, his brother Alick and sister Joan. Her lack of parenting skills and subsequent descent into alcoholism meant the siblings were often neglected. His father was a cold, uncaring man who wanted little to do with his children; preferring instead to pursue his own selfish needs.
Despite his dysfunctional background, Guy was determined to make a success of his life and remained close to his brother and sister. In 1936 he joined the RAF and after several postings and promotions led 617 Squadron on the famous Dambuster Raid in 1943. Later that year he was awarded the Victoria Cross and at the age of just 24 he had become the most decorated man of the entire war. His life was tragically cut short in 1944 when he died in an air crash over Holland.
The book brings to the forefront the sacrifice and bravery of servicemen during WWII. It's an extremely well-researched and well-written account of an incredible man who gave his life for his country. I very much enjoyed the writing style; it wasn't too bogged down with facts and figures. Everything was presented in way that could be easily understood and digested. Reading it has given me a greater understanding and depth of knowledge of this period in our history.
*My thanks to author Susan Ottaway and David Haviland at Andrew Lownie Literary Agency for a copy of this book.
Read my review on my blog: http://bit.ly/2GO79OI
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