Night Intruder: A Personal Account of the Radar War Between the RAF and Luftwaffe Night-Fighter Forces

by Jeremy Howard-Williams

An engrossing memoir of one RAF fighter pilot’s battle against the Luftwaffe in the dead of night.

Ideal for fans of Roderick Chisholm, E. C. R. Baker and Brian Lane.

After a tour of operations under the guidance of night-fighter ace, John ‘Cat’s Eyes’ Cunningham, Jeremy Howard-Williams was made flight commander of Fighter Command’s night experimental unit. This elite force was at the forefront of aerial night-fighting, attacking German airfields with newly developed radar equipment and defending Allied airspace by utilising a wide variety of aircraft from the Mosquito and Tempest to the Black Widow and Messerschmidt 410.

Howard-Williams provides fascinating insight into his life as a night-fighter, what it was like to fly these planes and how they navigated in pitch darkness. We are also given an insight into the ground organisation, mess parties, the author’s feelings about the war, his allies and his special relationship with his navigators.

Night Intruder explores not only how British night-fighting and radar was developing through the course of the war but what progress the Germans were making, thus providing a fascinating view of this unique aspect of aerial warfare.

This book should be essential reading for all interested in learning more about how night-fighting developed through the course of the war from someone who was at its experimental forefront.

‘a fine document of the great and thrilling experience of flying, and of the exciting challenge of night flying in particular.’ Rudolf Schoenert, Luftwaffe night-fighter ace

Genres: World War II

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2023

Reviews

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently published book that provides a gripping and detailed insight into the intense battles that took place in the skies during World War II. Howard-Williams, a former RAF pilot, brings a unique perspective to the narrative, recounting his own experiences and those of his comrades with vivid detail. The author’s writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy for readers to visualize the high-stakes aerial combat that took place during the war. His personal anecdotes add a human element to the story, allowing readers to connect with the individuals involved in these harrowing events. One of the standout features of the book is Howard-Williams’ in-depth exploration of the radar technology that played a crucial role in the night-fighter forces’ strategies. His explanations are clear and accessible, making complex concepts easy to understand for readers with varying levels of knowledge about military technology. Overall, “Night Intruder” is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II history, aviation, or military technology. Howard-Williams’ account is both informative and emotionally resonant, offering a compelling look at the bravery and sacrifice of the individuals involved in this vital aspect of the war.

[Louis N. Webber · Rating 1 out of 5]

I caught myself for the first time actually asleep while reading this book. I have read other book about this subject by other Authors. And I quite enjoyed them. This book was dry and dragging. The information seemed more like a lecture than a book. It was not a positive experience for me. It was written in an academic manner with personal things scattered into it in a hap hazard manner. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE.

[Donald M. Rhodes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Night Intruder

The book has some interesting information .. that there were several radars used, and the story of shooting down the flying bombs . Each time another radar was introduced it was as though it was just put in the aircraft, and they flew with and used it. There was never anything said about how they learned to use each one or some of the challenges of using them ..

[Mark Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Or more acuratly "Flying Black Boxes"

This volume is not for the non-technical, but as a life-long pilot and avionics tech, I became intreaged with the scores of radio gear the RAF carried to defend against the simalar hord the Nazis also carried! Bravo Britannia, you defeated the Bosh at their own game!

[Daniel Patitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important and not very documented part of the air war was played by radar on both sides. The invention and subsequent improvements were kept secret and not documented in normal publications. This story related these developments and their contribution to the air war. Many lives were spared due the early warning radar made possible.

[Thomas C. Pelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

I was impressed to read of the early work with radar on both the allied and axis side. Other similar accounts held that the Germans were convinced that such gear could not be fitted into anything smaller than a naval vessel! Obviously wrong. Very enlightening book!

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informative

Excellent opportunity to learn about airborne radar developments and usage during WW2. Includes materials on radar jamming, radar warning systems communications jamming and use of IFF.

[Chuckdee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting…enjoyed the format and diary entries with his color commentary

[William Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author gives a good description of operational and social activities of a RAF night fighter pilot.

[Everett Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

No gung ho antics, just seeming honesty from a very, very brave man who like his colleagues gave me at 73 years of age, freedom.

[Derek P Cannon]

Great read and informative

[Neil Ferguson-lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent account

A lucid, technically fascinating and readable account. Definitely worth reading. It will make you want to learn more about early radar.