Scramble: A Narrative History of the Battle of Britain

by Norman Gelb

'A many-sided picture of war.' The New York Times1940. Britain stands alone against Nazi Germany.Only the RAF can protect Britain from falling to the Germans.Scramble is the thrilling story of the epic battle that turned the tide of Nazi invasion in the summer of 1940.In more than 450 first-hand accounts, combatants, civilians, politicians, journalists and others who were part of the day-to-day heroism that was England’s finest hour tell a tale of war from an individual perspective.And what a revealing tale it is — of the shortages of every kind, with groundcrew racing against time to get the battered planes operational, to the tactical battles and controversies revealed by Air Ministry papers.Above all, it evokes the terror, rage and frustration of Britain besieged, and the spirit which held it all the courage to live to fight another day.Praise for Norman ‘We now have an accurate account It is the first one to get it right’. Group Captain Dennis David“Norman Gelb demonstrates in Dunkirk how productive it is to focus on an individual operation or battle … Dunkirk is both a good adventure read and an instructive case study yielding modern lessons.” John Lehman, Former Secretary of the Navy, The Wall Street Journal“Norman Gelb finds fresh angles … Dunkirk stands as an exemplar of the perils of vacillation and the possibilities of action.” The New York Times Book Review“Mr. Gelb has excavated beneath surface events, delved into political and psychological factors, and produced an intelligent, fast-moving narrative.” Professor Arnold Ages, Baltimore SunNorman Gelb (b.1929) was born in New York and is the author of seven highly acclaimed books, including 'The Berlin Wall', 'Dunkirk', and 'Less Than Glory'. He was, for many years, correspondent for the Mutual Broadcasting System, first in Berlin and then in London. He is currently the London correspondent for New Leader magazine .

Genres: History, War, World War II, Military History, Nonfiction

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2018

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting look at the Battle of Britain, mostly through the eyes of those who fought in it or experienced it on the Home Front. I knew much of what I read, but it never ceases to amaze me what people can do when necessary. Exhaustion, terror, and the constant fear of invasion were daily elements in the lives of flyers and those on the ground, but even the loss of so many did not cause them to buckle under pressure.

The book also discusses some other important aspects such the horror that flyers faced from burns or civilians frm bombings that wiped out whole families. It had to be an unforgettable time for the whole nation, but they endured with bravery and fortitude.

The one low point is discussed in the Epilogue. Selfishness and arrogance marred the fight against the Germans. Men like Leigh-Mallory and Bader of 12 Group, who favored the Big Wing concept, resented Dowding and Park of 11 Group. It is incredible to realize that when a nation is fighting for its life, there are individuals who think more of themselves than the nation. Fortunately, the Battle of Britain was won by those who were prepared to sacrifice all for freedom.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of books have been written about the Battle of Britain - I've read a few of them. This one focuses on first hand accounts of people who were there, both in the air and on the ground, interspersed with some official reports and documents to add context.

There's a scattering of OCR errors, but that doesn't detract from a compelling narrative made all the more vivid by the voices of those who lived through the battle.

[andrew p frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I have read many of the pilots biographies. But it was still an interesting take on the battle. My only ( minor) criticism was that the narrative switched from 1st person to aurthor without any obvious sign. This may be a fault of the digital version. Well worth the read.

[Colonel Sir Cedric Wycliffe-Hawthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Scramble: A Narrative History of the Battle of Britain by Norman Gelb (Kindle Edition)

Scramble: A Narrative History of the Battle of Britain offers a comprehensive and deeply engaging account of one of the most crucial air battles of World War II. Norman Gelb masterfully weaves together over 450 first-hand accounts to provide a rich, multi-faceted perspective of the battle, from the experiences of RAF pilots and ground crew to civilians, politicians, and journalists caught up in the conflict. This edition, published in 2018, is a Kindle version that features extensive annotations, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the historical context.

Key Themes and Events:
• The RAF’s Struggle for Survival: At the heart of Gelb’s narrative is the desperate fight of the Royal Air Force (RAF) to protect Britain from the onslaught of Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe. With Germany’s plan to invade Britain relying heavily on air superiority, the RAF’s efforts were pivotal in maintaining the country’s ability to resist. The book delves into the day-to-day struggles of the RAF pilots, detailing not only their heroic actions but also the toll it took on their physical and emotional well-being.
• Ground Operations and Tactical Insights: While the pilots received much attention, Gelb also highlights the crucial role played by ground crews, air traffic controllers, and support personnel who worked tirelessly to keep the planes operational under extreme pressure. The book emphasizes the challenges faced on the ground, including the shortage of equipment and supplies, and the psychological strain of constant bombardment.
• The Larger Context of WWII: Beyond the personal stories of the men and women involved in the Battle of Britain, Gelb places the battle within the broader context of the war. The narrative expands to include the strategic importance of Britain’s survival, the tactical innovations brought to the fore, and the eventual turning point in the war that came with the RAF’s victory.
• Psychological Strain and Heroism: One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its exploration of the psychological and emotional toll the battle took on the soldiers, especially the young pilots who often faced terrifying odds. Gelb provides a vivid depiction of the courage required to keep flying sorties day after day, in the face of mounting losses and the ever-present threat of death.

Gelb’s Approach:
Norman Gelb’s narrative style is immersive and precise. He excels at portraying the scale of the battle while maintaining a strong human element throughout the story. The detailed accounts from survivors, the airmen, and their families offer a personal connection that many military histories often miss. Gelb brings to life the tension and resolve of the RAF pilots, as well as the civilians who lived through the chaos of war.

Notable Quotes:
• “We now have an accurate account of it. It is the first one to get it right.”
• “Dunkirk is both a good adventure read and an instructive case study yielding modern lessons.”

Final Verdict:

Scramble is an essential read for anyone with an interest in World War II, military history, or the human experience during wartime. It is particularly valuable for those who seek a deeper understanding of the Battle of Britain beyond the traditional military accounts. Gelb’s blend of firsthand testimony, historical analysis, and human insight makes this book a compelling and informative exploration of one of Britain’s finest hours.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Gelb’s Scramble is a powerful and comprehensive retelling of the Battle of Britain, offering readers both a tactical examination and a personal exploration of the battle’s human cost. This edition is especially valuable due to its updated content and enhanced format, making it a must-read for military history enthusiasts.

[Mark Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unvarnished assessment of The Battle of Britain

Although it seems impossible to believe, 2020 marks the 80th anniversary of The Battle of Britain. Those grainy images of Hurricanes and Spitfires duelling with sundry Luftwaffe fighters and bombers over southern England seem incredulous, almost other worldly, particularly against the backdrop of current tumultuous times.

Perhaps more than any other conflict, the Battle of Britain has come to define this nation's populace . It permeates the very fabric of day to day life ranging from grandiose speeches by the political class, through to notions of "the blitz spirit" when the going gets tough. Churchill and The Few are also lionised in the Tabloid press. All in all, it truly was this Country's finest hour.

The 80th anniversary has unleashed a plethora of works designed to commemorate the battle. These works vary in scope and quality and range from photographic studies , through to the revisionist accounts of the conflict designed to transcend the somewhat one dimensional narrative of earlier works. Despite this, the majority of accounts still retain an official veneer which focuses almost exclusively upon the pilots; the ERK's, and/or political and military leadership. Death or serious injury in this context could be considered a taboo.

What is required, given the anniversary, is a new approach which takes an unvarnished look at the realities of the conflict from across the spectrum. This is where this work comes in.

Scramble: A Narrative History of the Battle of Britain is a broad and wide ranging work comprising of interviews with participants ranging from Dowding; Sir Keith Park, Trafford Leigh Mallory, Churchill, and sundry pilots from across 11 and 12 Groups. Where this work differs is the inclusion of 'others ' whose stories are either sidelined or given limited coverage. Accounts in this sense range from civilians observing the conflict above ; seeking shelter, and rescuing downed pilots, medical personnel tending to both civilian and military casualties, and of course the patients themselves - many coming to terms with life changing injuries in the prime of their youth. The horrors of total war are given succinct, but powerful expression which removes the veneer from jingoistic accounts those which focus almost exclusively upon banter at dispersal.

Whilst there are plenty of accounts within the work which tend towards Derring-do, this is almost always tempered by the post adrenal realities experienced by the participants which are every bit as compelling as the dogfighting. The narrative conveys a sense of national team working , where everyone from the family sheltering in the Tube station focusing upon their survival through to the plotter at Ops were equally invested in the outcome and had a role to play in the final victory.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I found that it broadened my horizons within the context of the Battle of Britain. The spirit; the sense of duty, the harrowing realities in the air and on the ground are given free reign resulting in a balanced , and accurate depiction of the price paid by all to prosecute one of the pivotal conflicts of the second world war.

[Edoardo Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle to Scramble is 'a narrative history of the Battle of Britain' and, I must admit, I completely misunderstood what that meant. I expected a history of the Battle of Britain from its beginning with the fall of France to its end in the Blitz: the bread and butter of historical writing. What I actually got was a selection of interviews, excerpts from memoirs and reminiscences by the men and women who actually fought the battle, with a little bit of linking commentary by Norman Gelb.

So rather than straight history it was more personal, rawer and less refined than the sort of stuff professional historians prefer to write, but as a result much more immediate and visceral. I suspect only someone who has been caught in a Hurricane, on fire, with the canopy stuck can have any idea of what that is like: in this book you will find a man who does know exactly what that was like. So if you like your history unfiltered, this is the history of the Battle of Britain for you.

[Gary Loewy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So brave and understated

I've had this book on my Kindle for sometime...infact I had forgotten I had it.
The battle of Britain had been written about and dramatize in film and on t.v.
I have read Patrick Bishop's book "Fighter boys", which covers the inception of the RAF to the end of the war in Europe.
But this gives you direct quotes from those that where there at the sharp end.
Even now after all this time I feel incredibly humble reading the way in almost a matter of fact manner they speak of the events surrounding the start of the war and their contribution during the battle.
Never again will we see the likes of these ordinary men and women that saved both the U.K and the world from Hitler.

[Allan Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in the form of a documentary with the greater part of the work taken up with interviews, this is a very evocative narrative of one of the most critical points in the history of the UK. The interviewees range from ordinary housewives, gunnery soldiers, pilots of all ranks with well-placed quotes from the highest-ranking and political figures. The mood of the time is captured perfectly, from the dark days just pre-Dunkirk, through the most desperate days and nights of the Battle and the Blitz, to the awakening of hope at the conclusion of the Battle of Britain. This is well worth a place on the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in global warfare.

[Bob Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fascinating And Important Story About “The Few”

Having visited Southern England a couple of times, it is hard for me to process that for a time in 1940, the future of the free world hung on the shoulders of a few pilots pushed beyond human tolerance. The blue skies and lovely landscapes I saw had been a cauldron of fire, bombs and shells.
This book tells the story of this pivotal time in the words of the pilots and support crews who lived to tell, and of those who were under the German bombs.
War is hell, but their deeds should be remembered and appreciated. This book is a fitting tribute and a lively read.

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reminiscence from actual participants in the battle is of great interest, but the author sensationalized, like the Discovery Channel. This has introduced some factual errors, obviously not in the historical accounts but in the text that goes between.

The veterans’ narrative is correct, but I take anything else with a pinch of salt. For example, a non-commissioned pilot does not receive the Distinguished Flying Cross, but the Distinguished Flying Medal.
Apart from this, I can recommend this book for its insights from those who were there at the time

[James Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Scramble," Norman Gelb's excellent book on the Battle of Britain, is subtitled "A Narrative History of the Battle of Britain." Gelb conducted interviews with Battle of Britain survivors, military, and civilians. Gelb briefly introduces each of the book's chapters, then lets his interviewees offer their views and experiences regarding the period from July 10, 1940, to October 31, 1940, when the Royal Air Force battled the German Luftwaffe in the skies over Great Britain. A fascinating and worthwhile read.

[Michael Faulkner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific first hand narrative from those that took part in the defining battle of the war.
Reading the accounts of the pilots who flew the Spitfires & Hurricanes is quite awe inspring & leaves you with total admiration of those brave young men, many of whom lost their lives fighting for our freedom.
The bravery of those chaps & their determination to defend our country comes through loud & clear in the book, & it is a fascinating read.

[Charles Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and absorbing

As a direct beneficiary of the Battle of Britain (I wouldn’t be here if we hadn’t won it), I have read many books about it. This publication has the benefit of the words of the people involved. I could not put the book down. Let’s hope there will be no need to write any more books such as this!

[Lowe Family · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read on the Battle of Britain

I’m no novice to WWII history in general and the Battle of Britain specifically. But I’ve never encountered a book that did as good a job as this one in putting the reader into the cockpit, the operations rooms, etc. The first-hand accounts are excellently woven together with an excellent contextual narrative.

[Marcia Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history

Really enjoyed reading the personal accounts of pilots, ground crew, WAAFs and civilians. Story was well organized in the different phases of the Battle of Britain.

[Mike Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rivetting

Absolutely rivetting first-hand narrative account of the most decisive action of World War II. Almost impossible to put down, which is not generally true of history books. Not to be missed if you are in any way interested in the RAF, or indeed in modern history.

[Barbara Cairns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Battle of Britain

Great stories from pilots. Interesting facts . Look them up on goggle to really make the connection with pilot and what happens to him.
Some shocking facts and highly recommend just couldn’t put it down!

[Mark S. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very close thing

Excellent compilation of experiences. Helps the reader understand that it was a very close thing for the British ib1930. Shows that the battle was not a neatly defined set piece.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly interesting and gripping.

[michael f bocchinfuso · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of this period

Explains how many people of the time fought the air war. A good summary of what the time was like

[Mark Bay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

This is a narrative approach to the Battle of Britain, compiled when there were still many participants still alive. First-hand accounts bring the story to life.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting collection of first hand accounts of the Battle of Britain.

[Okimura1170 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viva voce oral history of the Battle of Britain. Over 90% of the book are verbatim recollections by pilots, WRAAFs in the control stations, ground crews, commanders. Very fresh prose, never drags even as the author chooses to work only with the material of those participants who he could interview. Some facts new to me - 1. British pilots sent up in smaller numbers than attackers because had to keep planes in reserve all the time in case another attacking wave comes through; 2. casualty rates of over 50 pc in the squadrons of 11 Group over the whole battle .
Well worth your time to hear the voices of the front line participants 5 stars

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally published at Book of Bogan.

The Battle of Britain is probably one of the most well-known periods in history, filled with heroic deeds, and inspiring speeches. One nation stood alone against the might of the seemingly all-conquering Nazis. What then might another book bring to this narrative, that has not been told before?

Scramble is the story of the Battle of Britain told through quotes and interviews with the fighting men and women, and other English residents who suffered through the fighting. It begins with the evacuation of Dunkirk and carries the reader through to the end of that period of the Second World War.

I was surprised at how much I actually learned through reading Scramble - it is typically popularised as a battle between the Spitfires and Hurricanes, and the Messerschmidts, but there was much more on both sides.

I suppose if there is one downside to the book, it is the way that it is structured. It is composed almost entirely through the words of the people who were there, which is a strength, but also a weakness in that you don't get the sense of the overall picture of what was going on at the time. While you get a good sense of the action which was taking place, it is difficult to put it in perspective.

I found Scramble to be a refreshing look at the Battle of Britain, and if you can look past the lack of a narrative structure, you will find the book speaks through the voices of the real people who were involved.

[Captain Dady Mody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain Dady Mody I read Norman Gelb's 'Ike & Monty's & thoroughly enjoyed the book. I felt it was probably a one-time great...I was happily mistaken for after reading 'Scramble' it is my opinion that Mr. Gelb is an author whose books I would love to read. While the story through interviews wrote itself. It was Mr. Gelb's painstaking efforts to put all this into proper perspective & sequence of events.
I especially loved the tongue in cheek response to Winston Churchill address "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few' from an Anonymous pilot who after enduring so much said, "I thought he was talking about our mess bill." Thank you Mr.Gelb for an 'unputdownable' read.

[Peter Tosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read about the Battle of Britain. The book is a collection of comments from people involved in or effected by the battle. People from all walks of life are included. There are comments by everyone from Winston Churchill to young nurses. The comments are arranged in a roughly chronological order. Seeing the psychological and physical toll the battle took on the pilots as time went on was particularly unnerving. A fantastically vivid and moving book.

[Jane Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

War Story

This probably the best history of the Battle of Britain I have read. The author uses not only the memories of the pilots, but also newspaper stories, radio scripts and speeches. He also interviewed many of the support staff.

[Kaks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book.16 pages of B/W photographs.

[Larry A. Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Unique

This fine work is like a meticulously assembled social history. Except here the participants bring this epochal battle to life.

[Dr E C MacMullin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This history is composed and presented in a way that makes me feel as if I had lived the Battle of Britain. History at its finest!