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George Yeoman #1
Hurricane Squadron
France, May 1940. Seated in the cockpit of his Hurricane, Sergeant George Yeoman — young, eager, and innocent in the ways of war — is on his way to join his first operational squadron. Meanwhile, the German Panzers advance unchecked through the Ardennes, and as the allied bombers plead to strike at them, the Luftwaffe is already set to launch a decisive blow. Disaster beckons and Yeoman and No. 505 Squadron soon find themselves courting death in a series of increasingly desperate sorties as the allied army begins its retreat towards Dunkirk. There are only a handful of them against the might of Hitler’s war machine, and with each sortie the ranks of the Squadron grow ever more depleted. The odds stacked against them are hopeless… A vivid tale of a fighter squadron at war, Hurricane Squadron is told with painstaking accuracy, charting a young man’s rise to maturity in the face of combat and sudden death. Praise for Robert Jackson 'Takes you to the heart of the action.' - Tom Kasey, best-selling author of Cold Kill Robert Jackson (b. 1941) is a prolific author of military and aviation history, having become a fulltime writer in 1969. As an active serviceman in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve he flew a wide range of aircraft, ranging from jets to gliders. Hurricane Squadron is the first book in the Sergeant George Yeoman series.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1978
About the author
Robert Jackson
239 books54 followersRobert Jackson was born in 1941 in the North Yorkshire village of Melsonby. A former pilot and navigation instructor, his active involvement with aviation lasted many years. Following his retirement from the RAFVR in 1977 as a squadron leader, he became a full-time aviation writer and aerospace correspondent and lectured extensively on strategic issues. He speaks five languages, including Russian, and has written more than forty nonfiction works on military affairs. He is also the author of the popular Yeoman and SAS fiction series.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 20, 2016
"Hurricane Squadron" gives the reader a tangible view and penetrating insight into the life of George Yeoman, a 20-year old Sergeant Pilot in the Royal Air Force, as well as the frontline fighter squadron (No. 505) to which he has been assigned.
The time is May 1940. Yeoman is arriving at the airbase of 505 Squadron in Châlons, France in a brand spanking new Hawker Hurricane fighter. He has had a leisurely flight from Britain, putting his navigational skills to the test. From the time he was a boy, his one abiding dream was to become a pilot. This was at a time when aircraft were not so common as is the case today. Aviation was largely a preserve for the privileged and well-to-do. Yeoman before the war had worked as a clerk in his native Yorkshire and used whatever money he could save to pay for flying lessons on the side. It was not easy, because he didn't earn a lot of money. But if anything, Yeoman was determined. Within a year, he had earned his private pilot's license. From there, he managed to earn a slot in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) at the time of the Munich Crisis of September 1938, where he received more intensive training, including flying some of the latest military aircraft in the RAF. So, with the outbreak of war, Yeoman's training took on more of an urgency. He earned his wings in January 1940 and spent the next 4 months in reserve in Britain.
The Hurricane Yeoman was flying to 505 Squadron in France was to replace one that had been lost in action. The so-called 'Phoney War' was still going on between the Allies (Britain and France) and Germany, with both sides occasionally meeting in infrequent and sporadic air battles on the frontline or just over the German border. But for Yeoman, this situation would soon change, for he had hardly touched down at Châlons and taxied in the Hurricane than 505 Squadron found itself under attack by the Luftwaffe. The German Blitzkrieg in the West had begun. The day was Friday, May 10, 1940.
Yeoman barely survives his first day at war. The book goes on to convey to the reader the full fury of the German offensive as experienced by Yeoman, his squadron mates, some members of the squadron administrative and ground crews, and the various civilians in the surrounding areas who figured prominently in the life of 505 Squadron. There are depictions of intensive air battles across France and Belgium, Yeoman's painfully quick evolution from rookie pilot to seasoned ace over the next month of the battle, and the frenzied efforts made by refugees trying to escape the seemingly unstoppable German advance only to be strafed by German fighters and dive bombers - which, in their own vicious manner, sowed further confusion and chaos for Allied soldiers and civilians alike. The author also provides the reader with a glimpse into the other side through a young Luftwaffe fighter pilot, Joachim Richter, who, like Yeoman, is keen to prove his mettle as a combat pilot in one of the finest fighter planes in the world, the Messerschmitt Bf 109E "Emil".
At 130 pages, "Hurricane Squadron" succeeds brilliantly in imparting to the reader a real sense of the personal cost the Battle of France exacted upon that country and those who vainly tried to save it from an unstoppable German juggernaut.
The time is May 1940. Yeoman is arriving at the airbase of 505 Squadron in Châlons, France in a brand spanking new Hawker Hurricane fighter. He has had a leisurely flight from Britain, putting his navigational skills to the test. From the time he was a boy, his one abiding dream was to become a pilot. This was at a time when aircraft were not so common as is the case today. Aviation was largely a preserve for the privileged and well-to-do. Yeoman before the war had worked as a clerk in his native Yorkshire and used whatever money he could save to pay for flying lessons on the side. It was not easy, because he didn't earn a lot of money. But if anything, Yeoman was determined. Within a year, he had earned his private pilot's license. From there, he managed to earn a slot in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) at the time of the Munich Crisis of September 1938, where he received more intensive training, including flying some of the latest military aircraft in the RAF. So, with the outbreak of war, Yeoman's training took on more of an urgency. He earned his wings in January 1940 and spent the next 4 months in reserve in Britain.
The Hurricane Yeoman was flying to 505 Squadron in France was to replace one that had been lost in action. The so-called 'Phoney War' was still going on between the Allies (Britain and France) and Germany, with both sides occasionally meeting in infrequent and sporadic air battles on the frontline or just over the German border. But for Yeoman, this situation would soon change, for he had hardly touched down at Châlons and taxied in the Hurricane than 505 Squadron found itself under attack by the Luftwaffe. The German Blitzkrieg in the West had begun. The day was Friday, May 10, 1940.
Yeoman barely survives his first day at war. The book goes on to convey to the reader the full fury of the German offensive as experienced by Yeoman, his squadron mates, some members of the squadron administrative and ground crews, and the various civilians in the surrounding areas who figured prominently in the life of 505 Squadron. There are depictions of intensive air battles across France and Belgium, Yeoman's painfully quick evolution from rookie pilot to seasoned ace over the next month of the battle, and the frenzied efforts made by refugees trying to escape the seemingly unstoppable German advance only to be strafed by German fighters and dive bombers - which, in their own vicious manner, sowed further confusion and chaos for Allied soldiers and civilians alike. The author also provides the reader with a glimpse into the other side through a young Luftwaffe fighter pilot, Joachim Richter, who, like Yeoman, is keen to prove his mettle as a combat pilot in one of the finest fighter planes in the world, the Messerschmitt Bf 109E "Emil".
At 130 pages, "Hurricane Squadron" succeeds brilliantly in imparting to the reader a real sense of the personal cost the Battle of France exacted upon that country and those who vainly tried to save it from an unstoppable German juggernaut.
September 9, 2017
I came across this book by chance and nearly discounted it, but I had fond memories of reading Fly for your Life by Larry Forrester about fifty years ago, so I thought I would give it a try.
The book starts with a serious of disasters for George Yeomen; a failed radio when arriving at his base, being blown up as he landed, being ‘jumped’ by a Me109 on his first mission followed by a failed engine. This set the tone for the first third of the book.
The story then follows George’s missions during the early days of the war until he crashes and has to make his way back to his squadron. His journey chronicles the absolute chaos and appalling decisions as the Germans invade Belgium and France.
It was an interesting read, although it felt a bit disjointed at times and I could have done without lieutenant Richter especially as it appears the author wants him to appear in later books.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars, but I will give it the benefit of the doubt in the hope that the series develops with the next book.
The book starts with a serious of disasters for George Yeomen; a failed radio when arriving at his base, being blown up as he landed, being ‘jumped’ by a Me109 on his first mission followed by a failed engine. This set the tone for the first third of the book.
The story then follows George’s missions during the early days of the war until he crashes and has to make his way back to his squadron. His journey chronicles the absolute chaos and appalling decisions as the Germans invade Belgium and France.
It was an interesting read, although it felt a bit disjointed at times and I could have done without lieutenant Richter especially as it appears the author wants him to appear in later books.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars, but I will give it the benefit of the doubt in the hope that the series develops with the next book.
January 3, 2018
From Rookie to Professional
In Hurricane Squadron we have the beginning of what gives promise of a very well done series. We follow, from the very first page, the arrival of our hero, George Yeoman, to the active theatre of the defense of France in early 1940.
This excellent story follows the growth of George Yeoman from raw rookie to experienced Hurricane pilot. Of particular interest to me was the ability of the author to set the stage for the defense of France in early 1940. His description of the Hurricane aircraft, it’s capabilities and weaknesses demonstrates a level of research that just adds to the appeal of this first book in the series. At times, I had the feeling that I was in the cockpit with our hero. I also believe that the author has some pilot experience as well, it shows in the story.
Although this first installment is rather short, the author leaves you with the desire for more. I look forward to many more adventures with George Yeoman.
In Hurricane Squadron we have the beginning of what gives promise of a very well done series. We follow, from the very first page, the arrival of our hero, George Yeoman, to the active theatre of the defense of France in early 1940.
This excellent story follows the growth of George Yeoman from raw rookie to experienced Hurricane pilot. Of particular interest to me was the ability of the author to set the stage for the defense of France in early 1940. His description of the Hurricane aircraft, it’s capabilities and weaknesses demonstrates a level of research that just adds to the appeal of this first book in the series. At times, I had the feeling that I was in the cockpit with our hero. I also believe that the author has some pilot experience as well, it shows in the story.
Although this first installment is rather short, the author leaves you with the desire for more. I look forward to many more adventures with George Yeoman.
April 14, 2021
This is an interesting first book in a series, and I shall likely take a chance on the next one to see how it progresses. The book is based around George Yeoman, a newly minted pilot in the RAF, and charts his progress through the early stages of the war in 1940, up to Dunkirk. To break things up, there is a secondary strand based on an equivalent character - a similarly new Luftwaffe pilot.
It is a bit of a whirlwind to be honest - you race through the weeks very quickly, in what is a short book. There are a few descriptions of Yeoman in combat, and some very broad wrapping up of the progress of the German attack on Western Europe. Yeoman is sketched reasonably well, and I suspect he will get fleshed out more as the series goes.
My reservations are that it all seems a bit rushed. I'm not sure if the author was rushing this to get through this early phase so he can move Yeoman into a Spitfire, or if all the books are like this. I'll give the next one or maybe two a go.
It is a bit of a whirlwind to be honest - you race through the weeks very quickly, in what is a short book. There are a few descriptions of Yeoman in combat, and some very broad wrapping up of the progress of the German attack on Western Europe. Yeoman is sketched reasonably well, and I suspect he will get fleshed out more as the series goes.
My reservations are that it all seems a bit rushed. I'm not sure if the author was rushing this to get through this early phase so he can move Yeoman into a Spitfire, or if all the books are like this. I'll give the next one or maybe two a go.
October 23, 2021
This is the first in a series of books, and it's not bad. It's set in 1940, during the invasion of France by Germany. Yeoman is a newly trained pilot in the Royal Air Force. He's sent to France to join a squadron of Hurricanes, flying patrols against German forces.
Suddenly, the 'phony war' heats up, as the German blitzkreig gets underway, and catches the Allies with their pants down. Ordered to escort bombers to try and hold back the invasion, Yeoman is soon in the thick of the fighting, shooting down several enemy planes, and getting shot down himself. He ends up evacuating from the beaches of Dunkirk.
At the same time, we are introduced to a young German pilot, Joachim Richter, who is Yeoman's counterpart, in many ways. Its a clever way of introducing the enemy's perspective to the story, and it's clear that he will become Yeoman's adversary throughout the series.
I look forward to the next book.
Suddenly, the 'phony war' heats up, as the German blitzkreig gets underway, and catches the Allies with their pants down. Ordered to escort bombers to try and hold back the invasion, Yeoman is soon in the thick of the fighting, shooting down several enemy planes, and getting shot down himself. He ends up evacuating from the beaches of Dunkirk.
At the same time, we are introduced to a young German pilot, Joachim Richter, who is Yeoman's counterpart, in many ways. Its a clever way of introducing the enemy's perspective to the story, and it's clear that he will become Yeoman's adversary throughout the series.
I look forward to the next book.
August 1, 2023
Good story of RAF’s Battle of France
Sergeant George Yeoman, a Hurricane pilot with the RAF (the British, unlike the US, had enlisted pilots as well as officers), first joined his squadron when he landed a new fighter in at their airfield in Belgium. The Germans bombed the airfield, destroying the plane, shortly after.
So begins Robert Jackson’s Hurricane Squadron, which covers the air war from the German invasion of France and Belgium through the heroic defeat and withdrawal at Dunkirk. Well researched and written, it’s an interesting story of the RAF during the first months of the Second World War.
Recommended.
Sergeant George Yeoman, a Hurricane pilot with the RAF (the British, unlike the US, had enlisted pilots as well as officers), first joined his squadron when he landed a new fighter in at their airfield in Belgium. The Germans bombed the airfield, destroying the plane, shortly after.
So begins Robert Jackson’s Hurricane Squadron, which covers the air war from the German invasion of France and Belgium through the heroic defeat and withdrawal at Dunkirk. Well researched and written, it’s an interesting story of the RAF during the first months of the Second World War.
Recommended.
December 28, 2020
If you are interested in a good fictional story about the RAF in WW2, you cannot beat this series of books, I read them as a teenager and re-reading them now on the Kindle, many memories of not putting the book down and reading them in a day.
Brings back memories of Airfix kits, airfield stomps and many more fun times.
Brings back memories of Airfix kits, airfield stomps and many more fun times.
October 26, 2024
Good story
Sergeant Yeoman newly arrived Fighter pilot is thrown into the chaos of the Battle of France. A well written entertaining story full of daring exploits but also covering the realities of war. Some interesting historical details,are thrown into a good story with great characters. Narration is excellent but with a few odd pronunciations. Well worth a listen
Sergeant Yeoman newly arrived Fighter pilot is thrown into the chaos of the Battle of France. A well written entertaining story full of daring exploits but also covering the realities of war. Some interesting historical details,are thrown into a good story with great characters. Narration is excellent but with a few odd pronunciations. Well worth a listen
April 3, 2018
WW2 RAF drama at its best
The first in the series starts with the Battle for France and the Low Countries and ends in Dunkirk, and in between the blooding of George Yeoman a young sergeant pilot in his first posting to an operational squadron. I loved it.
The first in the series starts with the Battle for France and the Low Countries and ends in Dunkirk, and in between the blooding of George Yeoman a young sergeant pilot in his first posting to an operational squadron. I loved it.
June 1, 2020
The Beginning
Always a pleasure to read about the brave men and women who fought against the German take over. A horrible time added to by the politicians that always seem late to act. Great story and characters. I look forward to the next book of the series.
Always a pleasure to read about the brave men and women who fought against the German take over. A horrible time added to by the politicians that always seem late to act. Great story and characters. I look forward to the next book of the series.
August 10, 2020
Short, interesting book centered around the France campaign of 1940
A really good book. Pretty short but well written with interesting characters and good action. Enjoyable read and recommended. Will read the other books in the series
A really good book. Pretty short but well written with interesting characters and good action. Enjoyable read and recommended. Will read the other books in the series
August 17, 2020
Good reading
Very enlightening to read. This was a great day of which to read a worthwhile book, on the beginning of the air war. Well done from the British side of the conflagration.
Very enlightening to read. This was a great day of which to read a worthwhile book, on the beginning of the air war. Well done from the British side of the conflagration.
September 20, 2020
A page turner from first to last!
1940, France.
British and German fighter pilots struggle to survive during the Blitzkrieg.
Strap into the cockpit of the Hurricane or the Messerschmitt 109 Emil, and enjoy the ride!
1940, France.
British and German fighter pilots struggle to survive during the Blitzkrieg.
Strap into the cockpit of the Hurricane or the Messerschmitt 109 Emil, and enjoy the ride!
October 4, 2020
Early WWII account.
I enjoyed this book about a British pilot in the early days of the war. It was very well written with humorous passages as well as the agony they had to go through.
I enjoyed this book about a British pilot in the early days of the war. It was very well written with humorous passages as well as the agony they had to go through.
March 8, 2019
Easy Five Star
Too short. More!! Loved it. A great story teller and great on history too. Hope there is a second book.
Too short. More!! Loved it. A great story teller and great on history too. Hope there is a second book.
December 27, 2019
Great Read!
Being in the military is a very dangerous occupation! This author accurately describes the shear hell of combat and the miserable conditions one is subjected to bear!
Being in the military is a very dangerous occupation! This author accurately describes the shear hell of combat and the miserable conditions one is subjected to bear!
July 26, 2020
This is a very good read
February 23, 2022
Not as old fashioned as I feared, nice perspective, and covers the salient points. Caused me to seek out proper history of the defeat of the French forces in the first days of WW2.
May 30, 2022
This book tells the story of a RAF pilot in a Hurricane squadron (hence the books name), over France in WWII. A good short story. First book in a series.
February 13, 2024
A good start
A good story about the RAF in the Battle of France. The first book in the Yeoman series. Worth reading.
A good story about the RAF in the Battle of France. The first book in the Yeoman series. Worth reading.
May 18, 2024
Good read
Interesting story of the raf in France at the beginning of WWII. Loys of details that I had never read before.
Interesting story of the raf in France at the beginning of WWII. Loys of details that I had never read before.
October 12, 2024
Enjoyable WW2 adventure....BAttle Of France
January 11, 2016
I had never heard of Robert Jackson until discovering this book but now know he’s a very (nay, incredibly) prolific writer of aviation and military history, over 100 titles at rough count. Most are histories but he's also written about 25 aviation novels. Hurricane Squadron (1978) is the first in the “George Yeoman” series. Yeoman is a new recruit to the RAF who ends up in France just as the German invasion begins. Jackson effectively illustrates the dangerous life of a fighter pilot. The book’s main virtue is a solid grounding in both the historical detail of the period and the aeronautical abilities of the various aircraft. The series comprises eight books published between 1978 and 1982. It's very similar to Derek Robinson’s great 1984 novel Piece of Cake.
February 11, 2021
Excellent story of BEF in France during the German blitzkeig
This book captures the fighting in France through English pilot experiences during the initial blitzkeig that led to the British evacuation at Dunkirk. Vivid dogfighting descriptions. Highly recommended.
This book captures the fighting in France through English pilot experiences during the initial blitzkeig that led to the British evacuation at Dunkirk. Vivid dogfighting descriptions. Highly recommended.
Read
October 8, 2008A Jac
April 18, 2021
Gripping tale
Gives you a realistic feeling for the air battles and some of the land war told from an individual's perspective.
Gives you a realistic feeling for the air battles and some of the land war told from an individual's perspective.
April 11, 2017
“Hurricane Squadron” eBook was published in 2016 (original paper edition was published in 1984) and was written by Robert Jackson (https://www.fantasticfiction.com/j/ro...). Mr. Jackson has published over 50 books. This is the first novel in his “Yeoman “ series.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in France during 1940 as the German Army invades the country at the outbreak of World War II. The primary character is Sergeant Pilot George Yeoman.
Yeoman is sent to France as a replacement to a Hurricane fighter unit stationed in norther France. The story tells of his exploits on air missions against the Germans. It also tells of his adventures after being shot down twice. The novel gives a historical view of this tumultuous and dangerous time in our history.
I enjoyed the 3.5 hours I spent reading this 144 page WWII Fiction novel. I already have read a few of the later novels in the series and enjoyed them as well. I liked the character of Yeoman as well as the look into the history of the period that the novel provides. The cover art is a reasonable choice for this novel. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in France during 1940 as the German Army invades the country at the outbreak of World War II. The primary character is Sergeant Pilot George Yeoman.
Yeoman is sent to France as a replacement to a Hurricane fighter unit stationed in norther France. The story tells of his exploits on air missions against the Germans. It also tells of his adventures after being shot down twice. The novel gives a historical view of this tumultuous and dangerous time in our history.
I enjoyed the 3.5 hours I spent reading this 144 page WWII Fiction novel. I already have read a few of the later novels in the series and enjoyed them as well. I liked the character of Yeoman as well as the look into the history of the period that the novel provides. The cover art is a reasonable choice for this novel. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews