What do you think?
Rate this book
Bloody Dangerous
Flight-Lieutenant Colin Bell's Bloody Dangerous is a powerful and inspiring portrait of bravery in action, full of touching admiration for his RAF comrades - one in three of whom were killed. He paints an extraordinarily vivid picture of what it was like to fly a Mosquito - the wooden wonder - in 50 raids over Germany, 13 of them to Berlin itself. There, coned by searchlights, he experienced the terror of being tracked by devastatingly effective 88 mm radar-controlled anti-aircraft guns when he wasn't being chased by night-fighting Messchersmitt 262s - the only aircraft in the German armoury capable of outrunning the Mosquito. Bell suffered engine failures, fuel starvation, near fatal ice, numerous hits to his plane and, on one occasion, an explosion so close there was shrapnel in his parachute and burn marks on his navigator's flying suit.
Bell takes us from pre-war London, where he wooed his girlfriend with tickets to see a new film opening in Leicester Square (it was Gone with the Wind), to terrifying scenes of the Blitz itself - he joined up after seeing a bomb fall on the other side of the street on which he was walking. As a member of the elite Pathfinder 608 squadron he was part of the force that, arguably, did more than any other bombing unit to bring about the Nazis' final surrender.
Bell takes us from pre-war London, where he wooed his girlfriend with tickets to see a new film opening in Leicester Square (it was Gone with the Wind), to terrifying scenes of the Blitz itself - he joined up after seeing a bomb fall on the other side of the street on which he was walking. As a member of the elite Pathfinder 608 squadron he was part of the force that, arguably, did more than any other bombing unit to bring about the Nazis' final surrender.
- GenresNonfiction
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 24, 2026
7/10 - Written in a very friendly, honest and accessible way written by a 105 veteran of the war - a Mossie pilot. It covers his interest in aviation and training, journey through the war and finishing up with his take on the modern world and the importance of keeping history alive now more than ever.
It’s a quick read that gives an excellent account of one persons journey through the war, primarily in a pathfinder squadron. However, those wanting a deep dive into military history will not find it here. Those that aware of the shifts in tactics, technology and the bomber campaign will not find much new at all - but that’s note the point. There are some exhilarating accounts (his fight with a 262 and his final ever mission with a near crash landing).
Surprisingly, the sections about his non combat flying were actually the most intriguing - his training. These were life affirming first experiences that he was able to look back on and remember in a much more wondrous way. A lot of the combat missions perhaps suffer from being recounted so many years later, as it becomes evident a lot of them are just embellishing the details based on his log book (plane number, co-pilot, how long flown on instruments, target etc.) generally only able to remark if there was a note added about an encounter etc. but these serve as explanation points for new improvements to the aircraft or the bombing campaign, which for a reader that knows a fair bit about this already didn’t really give any new insights, although the perspective from a pilot is more historically interesting than a historian giving their option professionally and in hindsight.
It’s a quick read that gives an excellent account of one persons journey through the war, primarily in a pathfinder squadron. However, those wanting a deep dive into military history will not find it here. Those that aware of the shifts in tactics, technology and the bomber campaign will not find much new at all - but that’s note the point. There are some exhilarating accounts (his fight with a 262 and his final ever mission with a near crash landing).
Surprisingly, the sections about his non combat flying were actually the most intriguing - his training. These were life affirming first experiences that he was able to look back on and remember in a much more wondrous way. A lot of the combat missions perhaps suffer from being recounted so many years later, as it becomes evident a lot of them are just embellishing the details based on his log book (plane number, co-pilot, how long flown on instruments, target etc.) generally only able to remark if there was a note added about an encounter etc. but these serve as explanation points for new improvements to the aircraft or the bombing campaign, which for a reader that knows a fair bit about this already didn’t really give any new insights, although the perspective from a pilot is more historically interesting than a historian giving their option professionally and in hindsight.
March 15, 2026
Remarkable Man and Outstanding Autobiogrhy
This is one of those rare books that should be required reading in every university history. The author, now 106 years of age, is the last surviving pilot of the World War Two Pathfinder Mosquito.
What sets this autobiography apart, aside from the fact that it was written by a 105 year old, is the very high quality of the writing. Bell tells the story of his RAF enlistment, flight training in the USA, duties as an instructor pilot, an assignment that likely saved his life, his return to Britain and assignment to night bombing roads over Germany between September 1944 and March 1945. He flew fifty missions. He survived in spite of horrific Bomber Command casualties. He downplays, in typical British fashion of his generation, his heroism. He vividly describes flying into radar controlled anti aircraft fire and night fighters. He has a self deprecating sense of humor and is a thoroughly likable young man. He doesn’t avoid the moral quandary presented by the strategic bombing campaign, particularly the RAF’s area bombing. He forcefully reminds us of the alternative had the Allies lost and asks that we judge him and his comrades fairly in the context of their time, not from the hindsight of our own. There are thousands of WW2 biographies and autobiographies. This one is well worth the read. BTW there are some priceless “birthday interviews” with the author on You Tube.
This is one of those rare books that should be required reading in every university history. The author, now 106 years of age, is the last surviving pilot of the World War Two Pathfinder Mosquito.
What sets this autobiography apart, aside from the fact that it was written by a 105 year old, is the very high quality of the writing. Bell tells the story of his RAF enlistment, flight training in the USA, duties as an instructor pilot, an assignment that likely saved his life, his return to Britain and assignment to night bombing roads over Germany between September 1944 and March 1945. He flew fifty missions. He survived in spite of horrific Bomber Command casualties. He downplays, in typical British fashion of his generation, his heroism. He vividly describes flying into radar controlled anti aircraft fire and night fighters. He has a self deprecating sense of humor and is a thoroughly likable young man. He doesn’t avoid the moral quandary presented by the strategic bombing campaign, particularly the RAF’s area bombing. He forcefully reminds us of the alternative had the Allies lost and asks that we judge him and his comrades fairly in the context of their time, not from the hindsight of our own. There are thousands of WW2 biographies and autobiographies. This one is well worth the read. BTW there are some priceless “birthday interviews” with the author on You Tube.
May 14, 2026
Bloody dangerous by Colin Bell was a fantastic read, it was a biography of his experience in World War II as a mosquito pilot.
This man was incredibly brave as he done bombing raids over Germany in World War II. He describes some frightening and also very interesting experiences he had. I loved his humour and found it very exciting listening to his dangerous flights where he escaped death on many occasions.
The narrator was also very good at reading and capturing the true humour and professionalism of Colin Bell himself.
I think anyone who is interested in World War II, or even to be honest, everyone in Britain, especially young people should read this book and understand the bravery of men and women like Colin Bell in World War II.
May 17, 2026
It’s to men like this that we owe our freedom…
Almost unputdownable, certainly a page turner, but occasionally lacking in detail, hence 4 stars. Colin Bell always comes across as quite full of himself but I suppose when you’ve cheated the grim reaper as often as he has then perhaps he’s earned the right to be that way. Or, as his flying training in the US taught him to fly by the seat of his pants, that probably is how he has always looked at life, to be lived to the full as you only get one chance; live every day as if it was your last. A Recommended Read with a capital ‘R’…
Almost unputdownable, certainly a page turner, but occasionally lacking in detail, hence 4 stars. Colin Bell always comes across as quite full of himself but I suppose when you’ve cheated the grim reaper as often as he has then perhaps he’s earned the right to be that way. Or, as his flying training in the US taught him to fly by the seat of his pants, that probably is how he has always looked at life, to be lived to the full as you only get one chance; live every day as if it was your last. A Recommended Read with a capital ‘R’…
May 19, 2026
One of the best WW2 memoirs I’ve come across, Colin has a fantastic story to tell and does it well. I found myself possibly more interested in the stories outside of the cockpit, but that’s a testament to Colin’s fantastic storytelling.
There’s a good level here too, readers new to WW2 aviation have everything explained to them, whilst those more knowledgeable won’t feel they’re been spoon fed basic information. I think that’s a hard line to find in WW2 memoirs, but, I guess the pathfinder in him got it right on target.
There’s a good level here too, readers new to WW2 aviation have everything explained to them, whilst those more knowledgeable won’t feel they’re been spoon fed basic information. I think that’s a hard line to find in WW2 memoirs, but, I guess the pathfinder in him got it right on target.
Review of advance copy
Excellent and thoroughly readable account of his wartime experiences by one of the very few last surviving Mosquito pilots from WW2. This first hand account of flying on 50 wartime bombing missions into the heart of Germany gives the reader a real sense of the dangers faced by bomber crews. It also provides a fascinating insight into what life was like for people during the war years and especially the minutiae of operational routine on a bomber station during the war
August 4, 2026
The story of Flt Lt Colin Bell who flew Mosquitoes during WW2.
From his early experience of visiting Croydon airfield with his father to see Charles Lindbergh to the end of the war and his subsequent appearances at charitable events. The story of Flt Lt Colin Bell has you hooked from beginning to the end
A man who flew 50 bombing raids over Germany during WW2, has you laughing and gasping in the same breath with stories of his experiences.
Well written and an easy read.
From his early experience of visiting Croydon airfield with his father to see Charles Lindbergh to the end of the war and his subsequent appearances at charitable events. The story of Flt Lt Colin Bell has you hooked from beginning to the end
A man who flew 50 bombing raids over Germany during WW2, has you laughing and gasping in the same breath with stories of his experiences.
Well written and an easy read.
March 8, 2026
Pathfinder hero’s story
A fascinating insight into life in a front line pathfinder squadron. Colin Bell is an extraordinary man; he and his fellow WWII heroes deserve total respect.
A fascinating insight into life in a front line pathfinder squadron. Colin Bell is an extraordinary man; he and his fellow WWII heroes deserve total respect.
March 17, 2026
The story of the courageous account of the pilot’s life during the Battle of Britain during World War 2. Doing a job to save a nation that he loved. Colin Bell DFC looks back to share a moment in time filled with heroic moments and humor. An outstanding read from one of Britains heroes.
July 31, 2026
Really interesting book to understand what it was like to be a civilian joining the RAF futing the Second World War, well written. Never realised how amazing and important the mosquito aircrafts were in British warfare history.
April 10, 2026
Such a great autobiography but an absolute gentleman, I met Colin two weeks ago when I purchased the book and he was on top form. Thank you for your service during the Second World War sir! 🫡
May 6, 2026
Excellent book. If you want an invite to a mosquito pilot and their career read this.
May 25, 2026
A true hero
My wife's uncle Chris capper was a mosquito pilot and later a test pilot for Dr havilanf.
A great true story which I really enjoyed.
I salute you Colin Bell.
My wife's uncle Chris capper was a mosquito pilot and later a test pilot for Dr havilanf.
A great true story which I really enjoyed.
I salute you Colin Bell.
June 13, 2026
A great read - easy to read, and written by a speedskating Mosquito pilot - what's not to like?! 😁
Review of advance copy
A really human story, puts you in the pilot seat, a truly amazing man. An enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews