Through Adversity

Through Adversity is a unique book that provides a comprehensive account of Britain and the Commonwealth’s war in the air during the Second World War. It combines detailed studies into the tactics, techniques and technology,together with the personal accounts of the aircrew themselves as they executed some of the most hazardous operations of the war. Through Adversity is exceptional in the breadth of the war it covers. Twenty-five separate chapters explain all aspects of the air war ranging from subjects such as the air defence of Britain to anti-shipping strikes in the Mediterranean or close air support missions in Burma. Even some of the rarer elements of British air power are given an appropriate place in this book. Through Adversity has a global and cosmopolitan feel to it. It includes exciting and thought-provoking accounts from not only RAF personnel, but also those of the RAAF, RNZAF, RCAF, SAAF, The Fleet Air Arm, as well as Poles, Frenchmen and other personnel from occupied countries. It is exceptionally well Illustrated with over 150 photographs and diagrams, many never published before, as well as over 15 maps and diagrams. The book will undoubtedly appeal not only to aficionados, who will find considerable new information and insights, but also the more general reader who will appreciate it as the most comprehensive book written on Britain’s war in the air to date.

 

''This book is no dreary tome. It is a very well written and engrossing read where the author has achieved the difficult task of blending descriptions of policy and strategy with that of the individual airman into a cohesive narrative. Highly recommended.'' Britain at War

 

"This book is no dreary tome but a well-written and engrossing read that cohesively blends descriptions of policy and strategy with the experience of the individual airman. Highly recommended.'' Flypast Magazine

 

"...the first half of an excellent reference work for historians, history buffs, and especially those seeking to understand what the air war was like for their Commonwealth ancestors in skies and at airfields across the world.....The military aviation community anxiously awaits the publication of Undaunted: Britain and the Commonwealth’s War in the Air – Volume 2." www.balloonstodrones.com

 

"Coherent and comprehensive, and very nicely presented by the publisher, this book is unreservedly recommended." RAF Historical Society Journal

 

"Inside you will get more than 150 photos with quite detailed analysis from Ben Kite.....[the] book will be handy not only as a source of visual material, but to improve your understanding of British tactics." Details Scale View

 

"This is a book of immense value with good, clearly argued logic. It should be part of any library for the study of air power in its historical context. It will no doubt find its way on to the Chief of the Air Staff's recommended reading list, especially as Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston wrote the foreword." Aerospace Magazine

 

"These two volumes are certainly a solid starting point for understanding the British and Commonwealth air war. They are splendidly illustrated throughout, and there are excellent maps. Each volume has a string of appendices giving the essential statistical and technical data for the air war for anyone curious to know more. No-one reading them could be left in doubt that the air effort, for all the misjudgements, mistakes, and deficiencies that are now evident, did contribute in multiple and significant ways to the overall victory of the Allied powers." The Critic