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Run The Gauntlet
**Update 22nd October 2022** - In response to some reviews, the text has been checked and a number of errors corrected. A production error resulted in the duplicated text, This has been eliminated. I also took the opportunity to make some amendments to the narrative and chapter structure of the novel. **
From September 1939 to the Blitzkrieg of May 1940, 'Run The Gauntlet' follows the adventures of an RAF light bomber squadron at the beginning of World War Two. Having traded in their Fairey Batttles for new Bristol Blenheims, Falcon Squadron are off to war. The CO, Wing Commander Winwright must overcome the lethargy of peacetime and mould his unit into an effective fighting force.
Pilot Officer Chandler is the new arrival and the welcome has not been exactly friendly. The old hands view him with suspicion and he must survive friendly fire as well as enemy action to show them what he is capable of. On a routine training flight, Flying Officer Hagen catches a glimpse of the hell that is waiting for all of them if they let their guard down for a moment. Facing the battle hardened Luftwaffe, Falcon Squadron are about to discover that war is far from a game.
From September 1939 to the Blitzkrieg of May 1940, 'Run The Gauntlet' follows the adventures of an RAF light bomber squadron at the beginning of World War Two. Having traded in their Fairey Batttles for new Bristol Blenheims, Falcon Squadron are off to war. The CO, Wing Commander Winwright must overcome the lethargy of peacetime and mould his unit into an effective fighting force.
Pilot Officer Chandler is the new arrival and the welcome has not been exactly friendly. The old hands view him with suspicion and he must survive friendly fire as well as enemy action to show them what he is capable of. On a routine training flight, Flying Officer Hagen catches a glimpse of the hell that is waiting for all of them if they let their guard down for a moment. Facing the battle hardened Luftwaffe, Falcon Squadron are about to discover that war is far from a game.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 19, 2021
Great story but surely not proof-read
Engrossing story about a difficult time for the country and the combatants. One found oneself rooting for some of the more engaging characters and there was a good blend of flying and off-station activity. The hopelessness, waste of life, especially inflicted by "friendly fire", and incompetence of some of the most senior commanders was conveyed well. However, the number of errors in spelling, punctuation and layout, including repetition of whole passages, was the worst I have seen in an e-book. It would appear nobody took the trouble to proof-read it which is a shame as it spoils what would have otherwise have been an excellent book, hence it only gets three stars.
Engrossing story about a difficult time for the country and the combatants. One found oneself rooting for some of the more engaging characters and there was a good blend of flying and off-station activity. The hopelessness, waste of life, especially inflicted by "friendly fire", and incompetence of some of the most senior commanders was conveyed well. However, the number of errors in spelling, punctuation and layout, including repetition of whole passages, was the worst I have seen in an e-book. It would appear nobody took the trouble to proof-read it which is a shame as it spoils what would have otherwise have been an excellent book, hence it only gets three stars.
May 17, 2026
Another excellent read from Vincent Formosa and I'm happy to give it a 5 star rating. This is the first of the 'Blenheim Series' of which Amazon lists as a trilogy but there seems to be only two books available. Most of Mr. Formosa's aviation novels are stand-alone stories but this carries the characters and story over two books. It starts in France during the 'Phoney War' and progresses through the eventual invasion of France and the retreat of the British forces back towards Dunkirk. The book reminds me of Derek Robinson's 'Piece Of Cake' trilogy, which is no bad thing as it is a classic in the genre of WWII aviation fiction. Like the Robinson book, the characters, both likeable and not so likeable are well drawn and come to life over the pages but beware, like the Robinson books, characters are suddenly wiped from existence in the blink of an eye. The flying scenes are realistic and intense - No heroics, just being in the wrong place at the wrong time during the low level attacks in the face of heavy flak.
The Author's research and understanding of the period, the characters, machines and tactics is impeccable and I could not fault any of the details. Well written, believable characters and a good story. I can definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in WWII aviation stories, or indeed anyone who enjoys a well written historical adventure. If there is a downside to this book then it is not the fault of the author but rather the publisher/printer. I spent part of my career in the printing trade and perhaps it's my fault but I cannot help but proofread as I go along. Not so much spelling mistakes but plenty of missing words, misplaced punctuation marks, corrected text alongside the uncorrected text etc. Doesn't spoil the flow of the story but I cannot 'un-see' the mistakes. Probably done in the transfer from print to digital but I for one, find it annoying.
I hope the Author decides to re-visit the Blenheim Series and write book 3 - The characters still have plenty of life left in them and a story to finish.
The Author's research and understanding of the period, the characters, machines and tactics is impeccable and I could not fault any of the details. Well written, believable characters and a good story. I can definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in WWII aviation stories, or indeed anyone who enjoys a well written historical adventure. If there is a downside to this book then it is not the fault of the author but rather the publisher/printer. I spent part of my career in the printing trade and perhaps it's my fault but I cannot help but proofread as I go along. Not so much spelling mistakes but plenty of missing words, misplaced punctuation marks, corrected text alongside the uncorrected text etc. Doesn't spoil the flow of the story but I cannot 'un-see' the mistakes. Probably done in the transfer from print to digital but I for one, find it annoying.
I hope the Author decides to re-visit the Blenheim Series and write book 3 - The characters still have plenty of life left in them and a story to finish.
March 15, 2021
Brilliant story
Ignoring the grammatical errors which could be printers mistakes I found it to be excellent in many ways, The personal relationships added to the story as these things happen, I would have liked to have known they arrived home and if the squadron carried on,should have been as sequel
Ignoring the grammatical errors which could be printers mistakes I found it to be excellent in many ways, The personal relationships added to the story as these things happen, I would have liked to have known they arrived home and if the squadron carried on,should have been as sequel
November 24, 2021
A great read
An excellent story about a Blenheim light bomber squadron in France in 1939-40 in the Battle of France. It is a well paced read with good characters and is an authentic depiction of the phoney war and the Battle of France. Well worth reading. Can't wait for the follow-up.
An excellent story about a Blenheim light bomber squadron in France in 1939-40 in the Battle of France. It is a well paced read with good characters and is an authentic depiction of the phoney war and the Battle of France. Well worth reading. Can't wait for the follow-up.
September 24, 2020
November about a little known aircraft .
Interesting read about the courage of the crew and the hard work of the ground crews . Interesting and informative story , only gave it four stars because of rather a lot of spelling mistakes but will look forward to the next novel .
Interesting read about the courage of the crew and the hard work of the ground crews . Interesting and informative story , only gave it four stars because of rather a lot of spelling mistakes but will look forward to the next novel .
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews