Description
Book SynopsisAt the beginning of the Second World War there was no thought of delivering planes by air across the Atlantic. It was assumed to be too costly and too dangerous, especially in winter. Despite this initial reluctance, between the fall of 1940 and the spring of 1945, Royal Air Force Ferry Command's mixed civilian and military crews flew almost ten thousand aircraft, mainly American-built, to operational squadrons overseas. In Ocean Bridge Carl Christie provides the first full account of the genesis, history, and importance of Ferry Command.
From the pioneer transatlantic flights of the interwar period and the early attempts to initiate regular commercial service, Christie traces London's decision to have aircraft, supplies, and passengers delivered across the Atlantic Ocean from Canada and the United States. Under the inspired leadership of a handful of Imperial Airways' captain-navigators, a group of civilian airmen from Britain, Canada, and the United States undertook
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'There are scores of stories within the narrative, made vivid through the querying of those who took part. You read about their motives, fears, survivals and casualties...A fascinating special history.' -- Douglas Fisher Legion 'This masterly piece of research will surely become the standard reference on the subject.' Aeroplane Monthly 'Well bound and printed, with 50 excellent black and white photos, this book will find a ready home on the shelf of anyone interested in military flying.' The Evening Telegram, St John's Newfoundland 'Christie has mastered a large body of documentation and interviews to write this historical account. Despite the enormous wealth of detail and a cast of thousands, he has managed to produce a clear narrative of interest to anyone who knows how challenging the Atlantic can be.' -- Sidney Allinson The Northern Mariner
