Ghosts of Targets Past: The Lives and Losses of a Lancaster Crew in 1944-45

by Philip Gray

Born in Scotland, Philip Gray was a journalist living in Canada, but in WW2 he found himself captain of the crew of a ‘mighty Lanc’, operating with 186 Squadron as the RAF took the war right into the heart of Germany. Both Gray and his crew felt they were in charge of the undisputed king of the skies, but danger lurked around every corner and on every mission.

In an engaging yet frank style, Gray reveals the true relationships between himself and his team, and between the team members themselves. He also searches his own soul as he struggles to survive in love and war.

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1995

Reviews

[Christopher Storey · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half of the book, dealing with the training and assembling of an RAF bomber crew in 1943/44 is interesting , as is the account of the bravery of those engaged in the very dangerous task of operational flying in 1944/45. Unfortunately, the latter half of the book is written in a gauche Daily Mail style which rarely, if ever, works, whereby conversations purport to be reported verbatim at a distance of 50 or so years. Those with a young woman Intelligence Officer are particularly cringeworthy, but those with the fellow members of the author's crew are not far behind. There are, sadly, many better first hand accounts of the Bomber offensive

[Ian Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a an intensely personal account of flying Lancaster bombers in WW2... Warts and all from barrack room tales to the ever present fear of death. Highly recommended.

[Frederick Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully written tale of a lesser told side of WW2. A book that leaves you amazed at man’s perseverance and bravery, and questioning whether you could do the same.

[Lorina Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philip Gray, former RAF pilot, presents an honest, raw memoir of his days piloting one of the famed flying fortresses (Lancaster bombers) during WWII.

Although not a literary work by any stretch of the imagination, Gray's sincerity and no-nonsense approach offers an important insight into his training days, bombing runs, the fear and psychological strategies dealing with the necessities of war, and the later shattering experiences of delivery peace-time hope and deliverance to survivors.

To an educator, I recommend the book for any WWII school curriculum. To any individual, I recommend the book for personal edification and insight.