Colin Pateman infuses his narratives with a profound understanding of military history, drawn from over three decades of experience as a police officer, including roles with specialist search dogs and as a Police Search Advisor. His passion for aviation, particularly World War II, is evident in his meticulous research and empathetic approach to capturing the stories of pilots and aircrews. Pateman grounds his work in primary sources, utilizing original logbooks and veteran interviews to bring to life firsthand accounts of life in the RAF. His dedication to in-depth research, including uncovering previously undocumented evidence in archives, lends a unique depth and authenticity to his compelling historical accounts.
Glorious in Solitude reveals detailed accounts from flying logbooks composed by young men who served in the RAF as Rear Gunners in WWII. Casualty rates were exceptionally high for these exposed and vulnerable men who shouldered the heavy responsibility of providing protection from the Luftwaffe who preyed upon his crew.
A detailed account of the Nazi's judicial terror and brutal executions of civilians convicted of domestic resistance
RAF Liberators over Burma provides an insight of operational flying in the Far East, including an examination of the importance of bombing bridges and railway constructions to thwart the Japanese transit infrastructure. In many cases the efforts and sacrifice by dedicated Commonwealth aircrew are recounted from their own flying logbooks.
Airmen who Fell, Floated, and Walked from Adversity in the Second World War
Remarkable survival stories from World War II highlight the resilience of aircrew who faced the loss of their aircraft. Featuring accounts of individuals like Captain R.L. Morrison, who was rescued after being shot down in North Africa, and Flight Lieutenant Charles Parish, who swam seven miles to safety after his Wellington bomber was downed, the book delves into the experiences of members of exclusive clubs like the Goldfish and Caterpillar Clubs. With over twenty gripping narratives, it sheds light on their bravery, escapes, and the gallantry awards they received.
Thrilling rare and previously unpublished special operations flown by the RAF during World War 2
Fuel, Fire and Fear examines Bomber Command's undertaking to create a unique member of aircrew. In many cases the duties by dedicated Flight Engineers are recounted from their own flying logbooks. An insight of operational flying managing 14 fuel tanks with a maximum load of 2,304 Imperial gallons of high Octane petrol was a heavy responsibility.
These clubs were recognised and regarded as an important area within RAF history that boosted moral. Members were allowed pins and badges to be worn on RAF and Commonwealth flying uniforms. This book allows the reader to experience a number of individual stories and understand the relevance of being a 'Goldfish', a 'Caterpillar', or 'Guinea Pig'.
'Arming for Accuracy' examines the early development of dropping aerial ordinance and Bomber Command's undertaking to create a unique member of aircrew. In many cases the duties by dedicated Bomb Aimers are recounted from their own flying logbooks. Operational flying, manning guns and accurately dropping bomb loads carried a heavy responsibility.