BOMB DOORS OPEN: From East End boy to Lancaster Bomber Pilot with 617 'Dambuster' Squadron

by Ken Trent, Chris Stone (Editor), Tim Dunlop (Foreword)

Bomb Doors Open tells the story of Fl/Lt Ken Trent DFC*, who flew more than forty missions over Nazi Europe in Lancaster bombers. From near fatal accidents during training in Canada, to dodging flak and fighters over Germany, not to mention trying to land with a ten ton 'Grand Slam' on board, his motto in life has been 'Just Do It'. Born in the East End of London, he left school as the Battle of Britain raged overhead. Determined to 'do his bit', he signed up for service in the RAF. Volunteering for special duties after completing his first tour, he became a member of the famous 617 'Dambusters' Squadron, flying to attack precision targets such as viaducts, submarine bases, and even Hitler's hideout at Berchtesgaden. When the War ended he tried to forget about his experiences, and told no-one of what he had been through; until fifty years later, when an unexpected phone call led to him taking the controls of a Lancaster bomber once more. He is one of the last of an extraordinary generation, one who flew through the unfriendly darkness of German skies, was hunted by fighters and shot up by flak, but pressed ahead with his duty knowing that his chances of survival dwindled every time he took off. His modesty and unfailing sense of humour are an inspiration. Just Do It.

Ken is very kindly donating all of his royalties from the sale of this book to The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund & Holidays for Heroes Jersey.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2016

Reviews

[Foster Telford · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding pilot and a very switched on guy.

In the nick of time, Ken Trent DFC & Bar recorded in detail his life, a couple of years later and he was gone, blue skies.
His airmanship got him through the dangerous operations he flew with his loyal crews in WW2. His business life and acumen after the war was another story but still very interesting.
A good book and well worth reading.

[Christopher Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bomber pilots eye view of ww2

In the main this was an interesting read. I felt the intro was a bit too long and alot of the the stuff at the end after the war was unnecessary. The middle part where he was a bomber pilot flying missions makes up for this though as it was extremely interesting and quite exciting. Worth a read as it gives a good insight into what these brave men did, but I did get fed up up with the phrase just do it!

[STUART KINGHORN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just do it

I really worth while read as this is not just a book about a brave Pilot , but also what happened when the War was over and Ken Trent had to adjust to civilian life, a part of a life not often documented.