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Low Attack: The Story of Two Mosquito Squadrons in World War Two
A vivid account of two Mosquito squadrons which revolutionised aerial warfare.
Perfect for people who enjoyed the memoirs of Robin Olds, Pierre Clostermann and Geoffrey Wellum.
John Wooldridge was a commanding officer of 105 Squadron during World War Two and his book recounts how he and his fellow pilots of 105 and 139 Squadrons utilised the Mosquito plane to sting Nazi defences with daring low-level attacks.
The de Havilland Mosquito was developed at a time when metal was at a premium for Britain’s hard-pressed aircraft industry and it was constructed out of wood by a range of unlikely firms, from coachbuilders to furniture makers. Able to carry two thousand pounds of bombs, it had a range of 1,200 miles and a top speed of 380mph which meant that the Mosquito was the perfect plane for low-level daylight assaults on pinpoint targets.
Low Attack provides personal insights into the activities of the men of both 105 and 139 Squadrons, highlighting some of their most courageous attacks, including the raid on the Gestapo H.Q. in Oslo, during September 1942, the engine works in Copenhagen and the main broadcasting station in Berlin both in January 1943. The latter being the first daylight attack made by the R.A.F. on Berlin.
John Wooldridge interviewed many of his fellow pilots to gain a thorough and varied view of what it was like flying these little ‘Wooden Wonders’. This book should be essential reading for all interested how one wooden plane and few brave pilots changed the course of the battle of the skies in Allies’ favour.
“The skill and high courage of the aircrews whose exploits are the subject of this book need no commendation or embellishment. The targets attacked with such determination and success by these numerically small bomber forces … was a contribution of real value to the Bomber Offensive”. Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris
Perfect for people who enjoyed the memoirs of Robin Olds, Pierre Clostermann and Geoffrey Wellum.
John Wooldridge was a commanding officer of 105 Squadron during World War Two and his book recounts how he and his fellow pilots of 105 and 139 Squadrons utilised the Mosquito plane to sting Nazi defences with daring low-level attacks.
The de Havilland Mosquito was developed at a time when metal was at a premium for Britain’s hard-pressed aircraft industry and it was constructed out of wood by a range of unlikely firms, from coachbuilders to furniture makers. Able to carry two thousand pounds of bombs, it had a range of 1,200 miles and a top speed of 380mph which meant that the Mosquito was the perfect plane for low-level daylight assaults on pinpoint targets.
Low Attack provides personal insights into the activities of the men of both 105 and 139 Squadrons, highlighting some of their most courageous attacks, including the raid on the Gestapo H.Q. in Oslo, during September 1942, the engine works in Copenhagen and the main broadcasting station in Berlin both in January 1943. The latter being the first daylight attack made by the R.A.F. on Berlin.
John Wooldridge interviewed many of his fellow pilots to gain a thorough and varied view of what it was like flying these little ‘Wooden Wonders’. This book should be essential reading for all interested how one wooden plane and few brave pilots changed the course of the battle of the skies in Allies’ favour.
“The skill and high courage of the aircrews whose exploits are the subject of this book need no commendation or embellishment. The targets attacked with such determination and success by these numerically small bomber forces … was a contribution of real value to the Bomber Offensive”. Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2023
334 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 2, 2024
Heroes All
As a former advanced student pilot in general aviation, I can relate to aircraft that did not possess all the wondrous modern avionic equipment and redundant systems now available, albeit with more complex learning curves. Once you can get around the sky on your own, it gets and stays in your blood. WW2 flying seems closer to the kind of flying I was familiar with. Regardless of the uniform worn, these young aviators were heroes--all! From milk runs to night bombing to transport to recovery, these often young heroes risked their lives and those of their crews for their countries, family, and friends. They knew what they were fighting for and it was rarely political. They are not called "the greatest generation" for nothing. They grew up in a great depression and not only survived, but prevailed. How can we not give them the salute which they so richly deserve. Today, we stand on their shoulders and can see further because of what and how they did it. Perhaps one day, we will see another such generation that has always managed to arrive when needed.
As a former advanced student pilot in general aviation, I can relate to aircraft that did not possess all the wondrous modern avionic equipment and redundant systems now available, albeit with more complex learning curves. Once you can get around the sky on your own, it gets and stays in your blood. WW2 flying seems closer to the kind of flying I was familiar with. Regardless of the uniform worn, these young aviators were heroes--all! From milk runs to night bombing to transport to recovery, these often young heroes risked their lives and those of their crews for their countries, family, and friends. They knew what they were fighting for and it was rarely political. They are not called "the greatest generation" for nothing. They grew up in a great depression and not only survived, but prevailed. How can we not give them the salute which they so richly deserve. Today, we stand on their shoulders and can see further because of what and how they did it. Perhaps one day, we will see another such generation that has always managed to arrive when needed.
December 26, 2025
Brave Guys And Fast Airplanes … Made Of Wood
This book is brief and interesting but hardly the definitive source about those who flew “The Wooden Wonder.”
My wife’s uncle, an RCAF officer, was a Mosquito pathfinder navigator in 627 squadron after a tour in Wellington and Lancaster big bombers. I wanted to know more about serving in these speedy, ingenious aircraft, but this book is mostly a brief flight log testimonial from a few brave air crew. Its greatest virtue is that it was written from air crew reports compiled immediately after missions.
If this bit of niche WWII service interests you, this will add to your understanding, but don’t make it your only source.
This book is brief and interesting but hardly the definitive source about those who flew “The Wooden Wonder.”
My wife’s uncle, an RCAF officer, was a Mosquito pathfinder navigator in 627 squadron after a tour in Wellington and Lancaster big bombers. I wanted to know more about serving in these speedy, ingenious aircraft, but this book is mostly a brief flight log testimonial from a few brave air crew. Its greatest virtue is that it was written from air crew reports compiled immediately after missions.
If this bit of niche WWII service interests you, this will add to your understanding, but don’t make it your only source.
December 25, 2023
Great Book
This was the first book that I’ve read about the Mosquito being used for low level flying before they used as pathfinders, anti shipping strikes, night fighters. The book was well written but I would have liked to know about their pathfinder missions.
This was the first book that I’ve read about the Mosquito being used for low level flying before they used as pathfinders, anti shipping strikes, night fighters. The book was well written but I would have liked to know about their pathfinder missions.
January 29, 2024
A good and readable account of a previously unknown to aspect of WW2. The discontinuation of the program is explained which gives an overview of allied air tactics. The mission reports are less formal than one might expect, and do a good job to describe the missions.
February 23, 2024
Just the facts
I enjoy reading about WW2. I knew a little bit about the fastest
Fighter of that era,the Mossi. Flying F-4 out of Spangdahlem was near Trier so it brought back memories. Good read!
I enjoy reading about WW2. I knew a little bit about the fastest
Fighter of that era,the Mossi. Flying F-4 out of Spangdahlem was near Trier so it brought back memories. Good read!
April 23, 2024
Fantastic reading and history.
Finally able to live the experience through the words written by these extraordinary brave men. And how through the actions helped the Allies achieve victory.
Finally able to live the experience through the words written by these extraordinary brave men. And how through the actions helped the Allies achieve victory.
November 3, 2024
Another outstanding read
But I am probably biased. During the Cold War, decades after the Mosquitos flew, we flew low !evel attack missions using very similar tactics, techniques, & procedures pioneered by crack Mosquito crews.
But I am probably biased. During the Cold War, decades after the Mosquitos flew, we flew low !evel attack missions using very similar tactics, techniques, & procedures pioneered by crack Mosquito crews.
December 24, 2023
A look at the Mosquito in action. A fascinating read.
September 7, 2024
The first part consists of a description of tactics employed Mosquitos.The second part is the operational reports of the crew.They were very brave men.
February 3, 2025
Excellent collection of first hand accounts of actions during a critical period of the war and their pioneering work.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews