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Tail End Charlie: The Last Battles Of The Bomber War 1944 To 1945
Tail-End Charlies by John Nichol and Tony Rennell is the story of the controversial last battles of Bomber Command through the eyes of the heroic men who fought them.
Night after night, they swallowed their fears and flew long distances through packs of enemy fighters to drop the bombs that could destroy Hitler and bring about the end of the war. Tens of thousands of young men never came back, blown up or bailing out from burning aircraft to drop helplessley into enemy hands. Yet history has condemned their brave and valiant actions, denouncing them for the destruction of German cities and civilians, rather than acknowledging them for the heroes that they are.
For the first time John Nichol and Tony Rennell tell the story of the controversial last battles of Bomber Command through the eyes of the heroic men who fought them.
'Gripping, moving and thoughtful. The excellent team of Nichol and Rennell have done it again' Patrick Bishop, author of Fighter Boys
John Nichol is a former RAF flight lieutenant whose Tornado bomber was shot down on a mission over Iraq during the first Gulf War. He was captured and made a prisoner of war. Tony Rennell is a writer for the Daily Mail and a former deputy editor of the Sunday Times. Their previous books include The Last Escape, Tail-End Charlies and Home Run.
Night after night, they swallowed their fears and flew long distances through packs of enemy fighters to drop the bombs that could destroy Hitler and bring about the end of the war. Tens of thousands of young men never came back, blown up or bailing out from burning aircraft to drop helplessley into enemy hands. Yet history has condemned their brave and valiant actions, denouncing them for the destruction of German cities and civilians, rather than acknowledging them for the heroes that they are.
For the first time John Nichol and Tony Rennell tell the story of the controversial last battles of Bomber Command through the eyes of the heroic men who fought them.
'Gripping, moving and thoughtful. The excellent team of Nichol and Rennell have done it again' Patrick Bishop, author of Fighter Boys
John Nichol is a former RAF flight lieutenant whose Tornado bomber was shot down on a mission over Iraq during the first Gulf War. He was captured and made a prisoner of war. Tony Rennell is a writer for the Daily Mail and a former deputy editor of the Sunday Times. Their previous books include The Last Escape, Tail-End Charlies and Home Run.
470 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2003
22 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
John Nichol
31 books59 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Flight Lieutenant Adrian John Nichol (born December 1963) is a retired Royal Air Force navigator who was shot down and captured during the first Gulf War.
Flight Lieutenant Adrian John Nichol (born December 1963) is a retired Royal Air Force navigator who was shot down and captured during the first Gulf War.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 11, 2011
I am somewhat biased in reading this book as one of the principle characters - Bob Pierson - was my father. John & Tony have written a true account of how life was like for the guys who flew at the rear of the Lancaster during WW2. My father kept quiet about his wartime experiences for many many years post war, until his retirement when he felt that the younger generations should know the history from veterans who could speak on behalf of those guys who did not come home (54,000) bomber command aircrew. Bob gave little lectures to schoolchidren in Lincolnshire, where he and his wife Joyce retired to and thoroughly enjoyed helping John & Tony in their research. Sadly Bob died in February 2010, but his memory will live on forever in this book, as well in the hearts of Joyce, his family and friends. Thank you John & Tony for a wonderfully written book.
January 12, 2022
The last eighteen months of the bomber campaign in Europe during the second world war are described by gunners and aircrew in this excellent book.
I liked the fact that it was also seen through the eyes of the American eighth air force as well as the RAF. Every other book I've read was purely from a British or German perspective so it was good to read about the American attitudes to the air war.
There's a lot of evaluation of the controversial commander of British Bomber Command, Arthur 'Bomber' Harris and his dedication to bombing cities rather than strategic targets, oil refineries, railways etc.
This is still controversial to this day and the man his actions, their consequences and Bomber Command are regarded as pariahs even now.
The authors redress the balance to highlight the bravery of the aircrew who were conveniently forgotten after the war by a government and politicians who wished to distance themselves from the destruction of Germany.
An often moving tribute to the brave men who flew in the Lancasters, Fortresses and Liberators and a shocking testimonial of the carnage wrought on German cities and their inhabitants.
I liked the fact that it was also seen through the eyes of the American eighth air force as well as the RAF. Every other book I've read was purely from a British or German perspective so it was good to read about the American attitudes to the air war.
There's a lot of evaluation of the controversial commander of British Bomber Command, Arthur 'Bomber' Harris and his dedication to bombing cities rather than strategic targets, oil refineries, railways etc.
This is still controversial to this day and the man his actions, their consequences and Bomber Command are regarded as pariahs even now.
The authors redress the balance to highlight the bravery of the aircrew who were conveniently forgotten after the war by a government and politicians who wished to distance themselves from the destruction of Germany.
An often moving tribute to the brave men who flew in the Lancasters, Fortresses and Liberators and a shocking testimonial of the carnage wrought on German cities and their inhabitants.
January 14, 2025
A poignant read comparing the experience of both British and American bomber crews at the “tail end” of the Second World War. As with the author’s other texts, the voice of the veterans (through a mix of primary and secondary sources) lies at the heart of the story. The horrors of the final raids for those on the ground are juxtaposed with stories in later months of civilians lynching downed airmen.
Strong on historical testimony, although slightly weaker tackling historiography. Written twenty years ago, the authors also make a strong case for finally recognising the service of Bomber Command - who received no service medal or national memorial until 2012. They contrast this with the American idea of the “greatest generation” and the reverie afforded to the 8th Air Force.
A great read, although quite a bit of repetition for those who may have read ‘Lancaster’ by the same author.
Strong on historical testimony, although slightly weaker tackling historiography. Written twenty years ago, the authors also make a strong case for finally recognising the service of Bomber Command - who received no service medal or national memorial until 2012. They contrast this with the American idea of the “greatest generation” and the reverie afforded to the 8th Air Force.
A great read, although quite a bit of repetition for those who may have read ‘Lancaster’ by the same author.
July 30, 2019
A very interesting book that actually encompasses more than the main title implies. It's not just the about the guys sitting in the tail gunner position (although it certainly details their harrowing experiences) and not just about those bombers in the rear position (although it also covers the dangers involved in being the last over the bomb target), but it goes into great detail about the entire bombing campaign in Europe and in particular the last year as Germany's air defenses were nearly eliminated. Much of that probably isn't much of a surprise to the average WWII enthusiast, although there are probably some new-to-you anecdotes. What I found most enlightening and fascinating, however, was that this book also goes into great depth about the differences between the British and American strategies and crew management, and in particular the career and motivations of Sir Arthur Harris, who was Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief. It details his personality and strategy clashes with those above him, explains and justifies (or excoriates) his decisions, and ultimately defends him after decades of his character being trashed by politicians and British historians for doing what he'd been ordered to do (Churchill in particular immediately abandoned him to the wolves after the war).
I highly recommend this book if you're in any way interested in the air war over Europe.
I highly recommend this book if you're in any way interested in the air war over Europe.
May 26, 2025
I've been searching for a book on the strategic air campaign against Germany covering Q4 1944 to the war's end as this tends to not get much coverage. Instead, the bulk of the books cover the 1943 to D-Day period as some of the greatest dramas occurred then - Schweinfurt, Regensburg, Ploesti, Hamburg plus all of the lead-in to D Day including "the Big Week". Great reading for sure. If anything gets featured post D-Day, it would be Dresden for obvious reasons.
So, when I saw the subtitle of this book "The Last Battles of the Bomber War, 1944-45", I got enthused.
This book was written more or less when Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany was written. Unlike the latter, the authors cover equally the experiences of the airmen of the RAF as well as the Eighth Airforce. It is extensively based on first hand accounts of survivors, many of whom were interviewed by the authors.
In theme, it overlaps with Masters of the Air but not in specifics. Tail-End Charlies is not quite as comprehensive (e.g. no chapter on internment in Switzerland or much of anything on the POW experience). In account after account, you relive the fear and horror of an airman in a Lancaster, Halifax, B-17 or B-24. The whole sequence from early morning wakeup, briefing, takeoff, battles against the Luftwaffe, flak, damage, death, and finally, if lucky, return to base is well-described and quite engrossing.
After the chapter on Dresden, the authors squarely confront the post-war criticisms of the strategic bombing campaign, especially the area bombing tactics ordered by RAF Air Chief Marshal Arthur Harris. Read the book to see where they came down on the controversy.
Now, why only 4 stars and not 5? First of all, it was not as insightful as Master of the Air as I didn't learn anything (see my review of Masters of the Air). Secondly, it didn't really go into the topics I was interested in - notably the learning process of how to more effectively use the air resources at hand, the intelligence process on deciding the targets, the Germans response to Allied tactics, and an ROI
analysis of the effort+costs versus results. To be fair, there are some paragraphs scattered about that addressed my goals but primarily, this is a book about the lived experiences of the airmen who flew those bombing raids during the last 12 months of the war. Their stories are not often told. Riveting to be sure, but not what I was looking for.
Definitely worth reading. Well-written
One map and a few photos.
So, when I saw the subtitle of this book "The Last Battles of the Bomber War, 1944-45", I got enthused.
This book was written more or less when Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany was written. Unlike the latter, the authors cover equally the experiences of the airmen of the RAF as well as the Eighth Airforce. It is extensively based on first hand accounts of survivors, many of whom were interviewed by the authors.
In theme, it overlaps with Masters of the Air but not in specifics. Tail-End Charlies is not quite as comprehensive (e.g. no chapter on internment in Switzerland or much of anything on the POW experience). In account after account, you relive the fear and horror of an airman in a Lancaster, Halifax, B-17 or B-24. The whole sequence from early morning wakeup, briefing, takeoff, battles against the Luftwaffe, flak, damage, death, and finally, if lucky, return to base is well-described and quite engrossing.
After the chapter on Dresden, the authors squarely confront the post-war criticisms of the strategic bombing campaign, especially the area bombing tactics ordered by RAF Air Chief Marshal Arthur Harris. Read the book to see where they came down on the controversy.
Now, why only 4 stars and not 5? First of all, it was not as insightful as Master of the Air as I didn't learn anything (see my review of Masters of the Air). Secondly, it didn't really go into the topics I was interested in - notably the learning process of how to more effectively use the air resources at hand, the intelligence process on deciding the targets, the Germans response to Allied tactics, and an ROI
analysis of the effort+costs versus results. To be fair, there are some paragraphs scattered about that addressed my goals but primarily, this is a book about the lived experiences of the airmen who flew those bombing raids during the last 12 months of the war. Their stories are not often told. Riveting to be sure, but not what I was looking for.
Definitely worth reading. Well-written
One map and a few photos.
March 20, 2023
3.5 Stars
I applaud a book with a great deal of primary source research and the author here have utilized extensive interviews to tell the story of the last year of the bomber campaign against Germany. The book was written with the purpose to defend the RAF and 8th Air Force against accusations that raids at the end of the war served little military purpose. While the book does a good job of describing the last year of the war and especially puts the reader in the experiences of the pilots and gunners of these planes, the author often spends time arguing in circles regarding decisions from Bomber Command.
I applaud a book with a great deal of primary source research and the author here have utilized extensive interviews to tell the story of the last year of the bomber campaign against Germany. The book was written with the purpose to defend the RAF and 8th Air Force against accusations that raids at the end of the war served little military purpose. While the book does a good job of describing the last year of the war and especially puts the reader in the experiences of the pilots and gunners of these planes, the author often spends time arguing in circles regarding decisions from Bomber Command.
February 22, 2022
I can only echo the previous reviews in that this book gives detailed insight into the bomber war during the final 18 months of the conflict. The examination of Arthur Harris and the subsequent treatment he and his men got brings a depth to this subject and caused me to reflect on the suffering on all sides. As in previous books by the authors there are moving accounts of bravery and sacrifice that certainly make one appreciate how the men who took part In the bomber war went through so much.
November 9, 2019
This book includes personal experiences of RAF aircrew as they struggle to complete their 'tour' often starting another tour by choice once the obligatory missions were complete. Tales of extreme bravery, flying at night over Nazi Germany, it doesn't get much more frightening and this was real. Excellent research and well written.
December 6, 2022
A detailed and informative read with a lot of first hand testimony from surviving personnel. The author tries hard to balance the opposing theories which either condemn the idea of area bombing in the final year of the war or support it: not an easy job.
January 1, 2019
Very good book.
January 28, 2020
Well written and some good first hand accounts, only took me 20 years after seeing it to read it!
July 15, 2021
Good overview of the air, specifically the bomber, war over Europe in 1944-45. A lot of time spent talking about Bomber Command's Harris and all that entails. Brave young men.
May 7, 2022
I have read the standard account of Bomber Command in World War Two. However, this book includes the experience of the USAAF. It offers a blended account that is exciting and interesting.
June 20, 2024
Astonishing to read of the tragic numbers of airmen and equipment losses in the latter stages of the war. Bomber command memorial now demands a visit and huge respect.
July 26, 2025
Fascinating account of the last two years of the bomber both from a British and an American perspective. John Nichol never disappoints. Highly recommended.
June 23, 2022
Very well done and readable history.
Gave a good feel of what it was really like.
Even handed view of Bomber Harris that eshews demonising him but is realistic and reasonable.
I find his books mixed bags but well worth the coin and a read.
Gave a good feel of what it was really like.
Even handed view of Bomber Harris that eshews demonising him but is realistic and reasonable.
I find his books mixed bags but well worth the coin and a read.
December 14, 2013
Tail-End Charlies meant different things to the Royal Air Force Bomber Command and the U.S. 8th Army Air Force. To the RAF, it meant a rear gunner in a Lancaster bomber. To the USAAF, it meant the rear-most plane in a formation of B-17s or B-24s, the position that was most vulnerable to Luftwaffe fighters. But, as the author points out, it also applies to those who served towards the end of World War II in 1944-1945.
This book is full of very human stories, all the way from an English boy who was adopted as the mascot and good luck charm of an American B-24 crew to gunners, radio operators, navigators, bombardiers, pilots, all the way up to the top commanders like Generals Jimmy Doolittle and Ira Eaker and the commander of RAF Bomber Command, Sir Arthur "Bomber" Harris. You experience the fear of crews who thought they would never survive to complete their tours only to find that their required number of missions was repeatedly increased. You hear the stories of crews of bombers that were shot down by flak or by fighters, crews that bailed out, some who escaped through occupied France into neutral Spain and others who were captured in Germany. Some of the crews who bailed out were killed by mobs of angry German civilians or by the S.S. You also hear from those who did survive their final missions.
The author covers the strategies used by the RAF and USAAF. The RAF mostly flew night missions and conducted area bombings of German cities that contained military targets. The USAAF flew mostly daylight bombing raids that were supposedly "precision bombing" of military targets. But studies showed that "precision bombing" wasn't very precise for a variety of reasons. There's a chapter devoted to the RAF and USAAF heavy bombers being diverted from their strategic bombing missions over Germany to bomb targets in France in support of the D-Day invasion. There's also a chapter on "Bomber" Harris' struggles with his superiors about whether to concentrate on bombing oil refineries and transportation networks rather than on area bombing.
One of the things I liked most about this book were the chapters dealing w/ what happened after World War II. At the end of the war in Europe, Churchill left Bomber Command out of his victory message where he mentioned the contributions of the other British forces during the war. "Bomber" Harris didn't help his cause, but he stuck by his airmen and they stuck by him while public opinion in the U.K. turned against Bomber Command in response to the Dresden firestorm and other devastating raids. The American airmen didn't meet the same kind of reception back home.
The book ends w/ former enemies finding some measures of peace and reconciliation during visits to Germany 40 years or more after the end of the war and also with postwar reunions at former bases in the U.K.
I recommend reading this book.
This book is full of very human stories, all the way from an English boy who was adopted as the mascot and good luck charm of an American B-24 crew to gunners, radio operators, navigators, bombardiers, pilots, all the way up to the top commanders like Generals Jimmy Doolittle and Ira Eaker and the commander of RAF Bomber Command, Sir Arthur "Bomber" Harris. You experience the fear of crews who thought they would never survive to complete their tours only to find that their required number of missions was repeatedly increased. You hear the stories of crews of bombers that were shot down by flak or by fighters, crews that bailed out, some who escaped through occupied France into neutral Spain and others who were captured in Germany. Some of the crews who bailed out were killed by mobs of angry German civilians or by the S.S. You also hear from those who did survive their final missions.
The author covers the strategies used by the RAF and USAAF. The RAF mostly flew night missions and conducted area bombings of German cities that contained military targets. The USAAF flew mostly daylight bombing raids that were supposedly "precision bombing" of military targets. But studies showed that "precision bombing" wasn't very precise for a variety of reasons. There's a chapter devoted to the RAF and USAAF heavy bombers being diverted from their strategic bombing missions over Germany to bomb targets in France in support of the D-Day invasion. There's also a chapter on "Bomber" Harris' struggles with his superiors about whether to concentrate on bombing oil refineries and transportation networks rather than on area bombing.
One of the things I liked most about this book were the chapters dealing w/ what happened after World War II. At the end of the war in Europe, Churchill left Bomber Command out of his victory message where he mentioned the contributions of the other British forces during the war. "Bomber" Harris didn't help his cause, but he stuck by his airmen and they stuck by him while public opinion in the U.K. turned against Bomber Command in response to the Dresden firestorm and other devastating raids. The American airmen didn't meet the same kind of reception back home.
The book ends w/ former enemies finding some measures of peace and reconciliation during visits to Germany 40 years or more after the end of the war and also with postwar reunions at former bases in the U.K.
I recommend reading this book.
August 20, 2014
This was certainly a fairly easy to read account of the lot of those bomber crews who flew night after night into the heart of Germany to attack the cities and industrial targets that lay therein.
Positives points regarding this book were that it was easy to read, was rather touching on occasion and gave a good breadth of experiences from across the piste as far as bomber crews during the latter part of the bombing campaign of the second world war is concerned.
I did however, find that it dragged after a certain point and that it lacked a connection to the personal lives of the members of Bomber Command about which it relates. It was, for example difficult to follow the thread of any one bomber crews experiences through the course of the book.
That said, it was fairly easy to digest and had moments of interest. Not a bad book.
Positives points regarding this book were that it was easy to read, was rather touching on occasion and gave a good breadth of experiences from across the piste as far as bomber crews during the latter part of the bombing campaign of the second world war is concerned.
I did however, find that it dragged after a certain point and that it lacked a connection to the personal lives of the members of Bomber Command about which it relates. It was, for example difficult to follow the thread of any one bomber crews experiences through the course of the book.
That said, it was fairly easy to digest and had moments of interest. Not a bad book.
March 17, 2011
A series of stories about the airmen in Bomber Command- principally the guy in the back of the plane.
Well written, from their point of view, which is getting rarer everyday.
Well written, from their point of view, which is getting rarer everyday.
July 25, 2015
Well written History told from the perception of the pertivipants
Read
November 30, 2018After three years, I'm admitting defeat. I haven't finished this one, as much as I wanted to love it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews