633 Squadron: Operation Titan

633 Squadron #6

by Frederick E. Smith

The immense Allied build-up on the south coast of England in June 1944, and the massive assault across the Channel that heralded D-Day, caused the might of the German army to switch its forces to the Normandy coast. As the Panzer divisions hurtled northwards, 633 Squadron embarked on what was to prove its most hazardous mission, and its final contribution to the war a hundred-mile flight to destroy a crucial bridge across the River Loire.

Hardcover

First published October 1, 1982

Reviews

[Roy Szweda]

Found this in the attic and took it on hols - perfect easy read if you like some WW2 aerial action. Not as preposterous as some novels of this ilk and not as trashy as the Kessler collection (though I like reading them too). Sometimes fiction is a good way of reminding us of what it took to win WW2. This book like the others in the series and the films does the air- and ground-crews no disrespect so is worth the time to read this fairly short book.
I had loved the original film as a kid and bought the novel (which I think was written before that) so I shall try to acquire the others in for reading in my dotage. Have just enjoyed a wry grin recalling Michael Baldwin (the Corrie star villain) in the cockpit of a Mozzie - his finest moment maybe his only cinematic moment. Yes, there is humour here to temper the serious action and sadness when characters cop it.
In some respects this story is a "what if" scenario. Barnes Wallis had many tricks up his sleeve before and after the famous "bouncing bombs" for another famous, but real, RAF squadron. But instead of the Lancaster the Mosquito is once again the star of this novel. And though a fraction of its initial line-up the team is restored under the 633 banner ready for another precision attack but not one Barnes Wallis had in mind for his other special weapon.
As far as I know no one thought of aerial demolition of this kind but it is food for thought. The stakes were at their highest and a special team with a special aircraft were required. Like today in the real world, the RAF has such people thank goodness.
OK, time to conclude the writing and get back to the next in the series from that attic box as there are others to enjoy including Operation Valkyrie.
One last thought it has always disturbed me how some military units seem to be more than the airmen or soldiers who take their turn to fly the flag. The people can come and go but the standard will endure. Somehow sad and yet heartwarming. Some things are clearly bigger than individuals, 633 Squadron is/was just one example.

[Jaanus Tramberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dramatic World War II missions of Squadron 633

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great 'Boy's Own' read from WWII