The Whitley Boys: 4 Group Bomber Operations, 1939-1940

by G.L. Donnelly

When Britain first took on the might of Hitler's Third Reich, the RAF had to use aircraft that were available to them at the time. To the men of 4 Bomber Group that aircraft was the lumbering, angular and, as some would say, downright ugly Armstrong Whitworth Whitley. From the very day war was declared, the Whitley Boys were at the forefront, flying over Germany and all of the German occupied countries of Europe in their Armstrong Whitworth Whitleys. This is their story.

222 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Nathan Trachta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one long time ago and the mood hit me to reread it. Have to say it’s still a five star book. Mr. Donnelly was a crew member (air gunner and wireless operator) in No 10 Squadron and The Whitley Boys tells his tale. Focus is Mr. Donnelly’s experience but Mr. Donnelly gives us the bonus of describing how Group 4 does as a whole moth by month and concludes each chapter listing the missions each squadron from Group 4 flew. Merge this with being well written with some great photos of Whitley bombers and the uniqueness of Bomber Commands early war missions.