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The Cauldron
May, 1940.
World War Two is at its height.
A formidable flyer and outstanding marksman, at twenty Charles Hubbard stands out amongst his comrades.
Shooting down an enemy aircraft before even being sent to France, he quickly gains a reputation as an Ace before being himself shot down.
Returning to England as the Nazi push continues, Hubbard continues to gain renown as he becomes embroiled in the Battle of Britain before being posted to North Africa.
Soon he finds himself fighting a very different war to the one he is used to, a war not just against the Germans and Italians but against the desert itself.
In an area known simply as The Cauldron , Hubbard’s bravery and moral stamina are pushed to the very limit time and again.
Teetering on the verge of breakdown, his men are looking up to him to lead them on towards victory.
Hubbard does not know if he has the strength left within himself to rise up once more and overcome his fears…
The Cauldron is a thrilling World War Two adventure from Richard Townshend Bickers.
‘A valuable history of the air war that began it all… by an ex-flyer of the Second World War who has a genuine feeling for the feats of his predecessors’ – The Birmingham Post
‘His sympathy with the fighting man (and woman) shines out of every page’ – Liverpool Daily Post
Richard Townshend Bickers volunteered for the RAF on the outbreak of the second world war and served, with a Permanent Commission, for eighteen years. He wrote a range of military fiction and non-fiction books, including Torpedo Attack , My Enemy Came Nigh , Bombing Run and Summer of No Surrender .
World War Two is at its height.
A formidable flyer and outstanding marksman, at twenty Charles Hubbard stands out amongst his comrades.
Shooting down an enemy aircraft before even being sent to France, he quickly gains a reputation as an Ace before being himself shot down.
Returning to England as the Nazi push continues, Hubbard continues to gain renown as he becomes embroiled in the Battle of Britain before being posted to North Africa.
Soon he finds himself fighting a very different war to the one he is used to, a war not just against the Germans and Italians but against the desert itself.
In an area known simply as The Cauldron , Hubbard’s bravery and moral stamina are pushed to the very limit time and again.
Teetering on the verge of breakdown, his men are looking up to him to lead them on towards victory.
Hubbard does not know if he has the strength left within himself to rise up once more and overcome his fears…
The Cauldron is a thrilling World War Two adventure from Richard Townshend Bickers.
‘A valuable history of the air war that began it all… by an ex-flyer of the Second World War who has a genuine feeling for the feats of his predecessors’ – The Birmingham Post
‘His sympathy with the fighting man (and woman) shines out of every page’ – Liverpool Daily Post
Richard Townshend Bickers volunteered for the RAF on the outbreak of the second world war and served, with a Permanent Commission, for eighteen years. He wrote a range of military fiction and non-fiction books, including Torpedo Attack , My Enemy Came Nigh , Bombing Run and Summer of No Surrender .
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1999
125 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Richard Townshend Bickers
85 books14 followersRichard Leslie Townshend Bickers has written more books about the RAF and its predecessor, the RFC, than any other author past or present - some under a pseudonym. Being multilingual, he does his own research in foreign archives and by interviews and correspondence. His short stories and newspaper articles were first published and broadcast while he was a serving RAF officer. By the time he left the RAF his first four novels had appeared. His biography of his friend "Ginger" Lacey, the top-scoring pilot in the Battle of Britain, was published to acclaim in 1962.Bickers volunteered for the RAF on the outbreak of war and served, with a Permanent Commission, for eighteen years. In England he operated with Fighter and Coastal Commands; in North Africa and Italy with Desert Air Force and Mediterranean Allied Coastal Air Force. After the war he did a tour in Hong Kong and Malaya.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 24, 2017
Enjoyable to read
Enjoyed the action and inspection of one's self by the main character were interesting. The following of character through the theaters and times of the war were enlightening.
Enjoyed the action and inspection of one's self by the main character were interesting. The following of character through the theaters and times of the war were enlightening.
November 15, 2019
Good exciting read
A good RAF history at before and the very beginning of America’s involvement. The Spitfire contained the same Rolls Royce Merlin engine that eventually the P51D would use.
A good RAF history at before and the very beginning of America’s involvement. The Spitfire contained the same Rolls Royce Merlin engine that eventually the P51D would use.
January 25, 2020
Good read
This historical novel regarding the Battle of Britain and the early part of the war in Africa is an interesting and fast read. The downside is that the ending comes abruptly and is rather unsatisfying.
This historical novel regarding the Battle of Britain and the early part of the war in Africa is an interesting and fast read. The downside is that the ending comes abruptly and is rather unsatisfying.
January 26, 2018
Great read.
Like all his books, most enjoyable. I can't wait to get another. I really liked the way it ended up.
Like all his books, most enjoyable. I can't wait to get another. I really liked the way it ended up.
March 16, 2017
Great Story
Captures the intensity and courage of the British fighter pilots in the Battle of Britain and in the north African campaign. Well-written with good descriptions and dialogue.
Captures the intensity and courage of the British fighter pilots in the Battle of Britain and in the north African campaign. Well-written with good descriptions and dialogue.
April 11, 2024
Written as a memoir of a British fighter pilot in WW2, this book, though fiction, provides an apt portrayal of the physical and mental stress faced by these men. Squadron mates come and with difficulty become competent in their trade. Skills, come slowly to most so early losses are very high. Those who survive now command but time takes it's toll of leaders as well. The Battle of Britain and early days in Africa were particularly deadly as they faced experienced German pilots flying superior aircraft. A brief but compelling read.
October 9, 2015
Another Good Read!
Another good story with authentic action and characters for anyone that enjoys historical aviation stories! The author has again written a story of realistic characters and content.
Another good story with authentic action and characters for anyone that enjoys historical aviation stories! The author has again written a story of realistic characters and content.
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May 23, 2016English Warrior Humor
Typical dry sense of humor exhibited in this writing. A fun read with expectations of wearing a bowler and wielding a cricket bat.
Typical dry sense of humor exhibited in this writing. A fun read with expectations of wearing a bowler and wielding a cricket bat.
February 1, 2016
Excellent book
This was a very good book. The writing was great. The stories were fantastic. One really felt as if one were there.
This was a very good book. The writing was great. The stories were fantastic. One really felt as if one were there.
May 22, 2016
The Cauldron
Good read , a very enjoyable book . Would recommend the story to anyone who is interested about the RAF in combat in WW2 .
Good read , a very enjoyable book . Would recommend the story to anyone who is interested about the RAF in combat in WW2 .
July 18, 2016
Each a bit different
How ever there is enough of the same that other than actual battle scenes, it is a bit repetitive to a non English person
How ever there is enough of the same that other than actual battle scenes, it is a bit repetitive to a non English person
September 26, 2016
Enjoyable Read
Written by deep experience. Easily understood by even non pilots and non combatants. I enjoyed this book and I hope everyone else does also.
Written by deep experience. Easily understood by even non pilots and non combatants. I enjoyed this book and I hope everyone else does also.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews