In For a Penny, In For a Pound: The Adventures and Misadventures of a Wireless Operator in Bomber Command

by Howard Hewer

The author tells of his wish for heroic action like Billy Bishop. His wish came true. He flew night raids, ventured behind enemy lines and dug for victims in the Blitz.

Genres: World War II, Military History

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[John Eldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, the story of a young Canadian heading off to fly in Bomber Command in WW2. Wing Commander Hewer wrote his story in a way that didn't shy away from the awful events he witnessed but presented his experiences in a very dignified manner. He didn't address the after effects of the war very much but one wonders if he would have suffered from some form of PTSD after seeing his fellow airmen being blasted out of the sky on their bombing runs over Europe. In spite of those images, I liked the book, one young man's adventure in the early 1940s. It reminded me of my own early days in the RCAF, without the experiences of war that the author endured.

[Bill Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is of particular interest to me because my father was a RCAF wireless op/air gunner in World War Two, the same as the author, Howard Hewer. My father flew in Halifax bombers in 158 Squadron RAF 4 Group and Hewer flew in Wellington bombers in 218 and 148 Squadrons RAF. This book is a well written, honest, informative and interesting account of Hewer's adventures during WWll on the ground and in the air in the UK, over Europe and in the Middle East.

Bill Sharp

[Michael Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

With visions of Spitfires in his head, 19 year old Howard Hewer enlisted with the RCAF in 1940--but piloting fighters was not his lot, and he ended up a wireless operator in the RAF's Bomber Command. After numerous hair-raising raids over Germany, Hewer was sent to North Africa where the targets were new even if they were no less dangerous. Falling ill, he was sent to recover in Cairo, where, on a whim, he volunteered for the motor pool even though he couldn't drive. Adventures in the desert ensued (he even met David Sterling of the SAS), before the RAF in its infinite wisdom sent him back to England via South Africa. This is a coming of age story with the backdrop of WWII looming in every scene. The author's obvious decency and feeling for his fellow airmen make it easy to slip into the world he describes. This is an engaging read by a proud member of the greatest generation.

[TheIron Paw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read a number of books on bomber command, in particular 6 Group RCAF, this account by a Canadian wireless operator in the RAF bomber squadrons provides a different perspective. While the operations out of Britain against Germany are similar to other accounts, the author's experiences in the middle east theatre were significantly different. In addition to the description of bomber operations the author's accounts of his personal experiences within the class-conscious RAF and his many non-flying adventures provided a unique story. Well worth reading.

[David Van Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that tells the real story of the men that voluntarily put their lives on the line for our freedom.

[Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written memoir by Canadian wireless operator Howard Hewer, who flew more than his share of ops during WWII and contributed in both the European and North African theatres. Ironically, the title, "In for a Penny, in for a Pound" is also part of the libretto of Gilbert and Sullivan's light opera, Iolanthe, which continues: "It's love that makes the world go round." One wonders if the author intended any hidden commentary by referring to this particularly well-known couplet in such a context.

Laced with stories typical of the war, Mr. Hewer's fine recounting also provides insight into that damnable situation which existed on the Allied side: the treatment of so-called "colonials" by RAF personnel. Truly, it's a wonder the English were able to win the war at all, when one considers the tomfoolery they frequently got up to in relation to Canadian, South African, NZ, Australian and other Commonwealth troops fighting alongside. Since Mr. Hewer flew mainly as a non-com, this work also provides us with insight into the lives of the lower ranking members of the military establishment of the day.

Bomber Command was perhaps the most effective force fighting against Nazism prior to D-Day, but there was a very high cost paid in lost aircrews on each mission. Mr. Hewer reflects on the obvious: why was it he somehow always came back. This tension is woven throughout the text, making the book successful at yet another level, since who would really want to write or read a war memoir and come away smiling. It is not a pretty story, yet the author has presented it to us in a lively and balanced manner, making the book eminently readable while allowing a strongly-voiced message about war to come through as well. Highly recommended.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling account of one particular airmans experiences flying Wellingtons for Bomber Command during WW2. Well written and easy to read and more than enough detail and adventure to keep ones attention. Interesting to note the author was stationed briefly at such familiar places as Trenton and Mountain View. Well worth giving this one a try !