What do you think?
Rate this book
Journeys Into Night: Remarkable first-hand accounts from the Bomber Command
Journeys Into Night is the second volume of Don Charlwood’s autobiography, following Marching as to War.
It forms a companion piece to Charlwood’s highly-regarded elegy on Bomber Command, No Moon Tonight, expanding on the author’s experiences as a WWII navigator. It is the story of twenty young Australians who sailed together to Canada to train as navigators under the Empire Air Training Scheme. Most of them went on to Bomber Command, fifteen of the twenty losing their lives. Charlwood based much of this book on wartime diaries and letters, his own and those of others among the twenty men and Charlwood’s crew members. This book is as much their story as it is Charlwood’s own.
In 1991 Elizabeth Webby, Professor of Australian Literature at Sydney University, wrote: ‘Journeys into Night is notable for the clarity and power of its writing. Don Charlwood’s wartime experiences – travelling overseas, training, the tedium and terror of ops – are recreated in vivid and moving detail.’
Praise for Journeys Into Night
"This poignantly conceived and strongly written look-back-in-old-age [book] must surely rank as one of the most perceptive and rewarding accounts by any Australian who found himself on the cutting edge of the tragic insanity of war." - Alan Roberts, The Advertiser
"This is one of the most moving books to come out of World War II; no reader without a heart of ice could fail to become involved with the young characters... The reader becomes part of the family of the crew, sharing their fears and jokes, their superstitions, and their spells of leave..." - Geoffrey Dutton, Overland
Donald Ernest Cameron (Don) Charlwood AM (6 September 1915 – 18 June 2012) was an Australian author. He worked as a farm hand, an air traffic controller, and most notably as an RAAF navigator in Bomber Command during the WWII. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1992 in recognition of service to literature.
It forms a companion piece to Charlwood’s highly-regarded elegy on Bomber Command, No Moon Tonight, expanding on the author’s experiences as a WWII navigator. It is the story of twenty young Australians who sailed together to Canada to train as navigators under the Empire Air Training Scheme. Most of them went on to Bomber Command, fifteen of the twenty losing their lives. Charlwood based much of this book on wartime diaries and letters, his own and those of others among the twenty men and Charlwood’s crew members. This book is as much their story as it is Charlwood’s own.
In 1991 Elizabeth Webby, Professor of Australian Literature at Sydney University, wrote: ‘Journeys into Night is notable for the clarity and power of its writing. Don Charlwood’s wartime experiences – travelling overseas, training, the tedium and terror of ops – are recreated in vivid and moving detail.’
Praise for Journeys Into Night
"This poignantly conceived and strongly written look-back-in-old-age [book] must surely rank as one of the most perceptive and rewarding accounts by any Australian who found himself on the cutting edge of the tragic insanity of war." - Alan Roberts, The Advertiser
"This is one of the most moving books to come out of World War II; no reader without a heart of ice could fail to become involved with the young characters... The reader becomes part of the family of the crew, sharing their fears and jokes, their superstitions, and their spells of leave..." - Geoffrey Dutton, Overland
Donald Ernest Cameron (Don) Charlwood AM (6 September 1915 – 18 June 2012) was an Australian author. He worked as a farm hand, an air traffic controller, and most notably as an RAAF navigator in Bomber Command during the WWII. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1992 in recognition of service to literature.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1991
105 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 24, 2020
What a wonderful book. I had no idea this author existed, but I am so glad I have found him. Charlwood is a gifted writer, but even more than that he is a veteran of WWII who is writing about his real experiences, which were similar in many ways to my father's, also a veteran who was with Bomber Command. Charlwood's experiences are from the Australian perspective, my father's from the Canadian, but both were regarded in a similar way (shall we be polite and say "skeptically) when they first arrived in Britain. Charlwood is never maudlin or sentimental even in the face of the extraordinary sacrifices that were made during this period, yet he somehow conveys the tragedy of the terrible toll this conflict took on these young men. Highly recommended.
April 10, 2020
This is the best book I have read on the bomber war over Germany and Italy in World War 2 and I have read quite a few. Author Don Charlwood not only tells the story from the point of view of the crew, but the real human story, as well. He writes extremely well and his descriptions are moving and real, without being overdone.
August 25, 2018
For Empire
Hundreds of educated young Australian men in their early 20’s volunteer to fight and defend the Empire in 1939. Trained as aircrew in the snows of Canada they are destined for Bomber Command in Britain to take part in the mass ‘area bombing’ of German and Italian cities. The fall of the Empire in the Far East is a blow, especially the loss of Singapore and it seems as if while these young men are ready to fight, the Empire is hide bound and almost incapable of helping itself. When the Japanese attack Northern Australia they assume they will be sent there - but there is no question of that. In Britain they find themselves facing enormous odds. Most of their comrades get killed, some very soon. Hundreds of heavy bombers set out; damage is sometimes pitiable at a cost of 50 or 100 young Australian lives. Almost night after night. Their bravery and sheer resilience is astonishing. It’s a story never really told; the reality of bombing cities. Only being commissioned and having his own batwoman clean his shoes persuades the author not everything about ‘Empire’ is bad; in the end he warms to even the English class system! A sensitive and perceptive account of something they were told to do so they did it only to find their hosts didn’t like to talk about it.
Hundreds of educated young Australian men in their early 20’s volunteer to fight and defend the Empire in 1939. Trained as aircrew in the snows of Canada they are destined for Bomber Command in Britain to take part in the mass ‘area bombing’ of German and Italian cities. The fall of the Empire in the Far East is a blow, especially the loss of Singapore and it seems as if while these young men are ready to fight, the Empire is hide bound and almost incapable of helping itself. When the Japanese attack Northern Australia they assume they will be sent there - but there is no question of that. In Britain they find themselves facing enormous odds. Most of their comrades get killed, some very soon. Hundreds of heavy bombers set out; damage is sometimes pitiable at a cost of 50 or 100 young Australian lives. Almost night after night. Their bravery and sheer resilience is astonishing. It’s a story never really told; the reality of bombing cities. Only being commissioned and having his own batwoman clean his shoes persuades the author not everything about ‘Empire’ is bad; in the end he warms to even the English class system! A sensitive and perceptive account of something they were told to do so they did it only to find their hosts didn’t like to talk about it.
January 28, 2019
A valuable expansion on No Moon Tonight
Don Charlwood’s perceptive and poignant recollection of his experiences as the navigator of a Lancaster flying night time bombing missions into Germany, “No Moon Tonight”, is usefully expanded by “Journeys Into Night”. The question as to the morality or utility of Bomber Command’s approach of area bombing aside, Charlwood unassuming and clear text paints a vivid image of the young aircrew of these missions as they strive to continue, night after night, in the face of paralysing odds. With loss rates of 3-6% per operation, surviving a tour of 30 ops was the exception. Of Charlwood’s own intake of twenty Australian navigators completing their course at the Empire Air Training Scheme in Canada, only five were to ever return home.
The only notable absence in this book (kindle edition) is the lack of photographs, which added greatly to No Moon Tonight, putting faces to the young men described so fondly by Charlwood. The addition of contemporaneous letters and diary entries from his friends from training and operational life provides extra insight into the views of these colleagues.
Don Charlwood’s perceptive and poignant recollection of his experiences as the navigator of a Lancaster flying night time bombing missions into Germany, “No Moon Tonight”, is usefully expanded by “Journeys Into Night”. The question as to the morality or utility of Bomber Command’s approach of area bombing aside, Charlwood unassuming and clear text paints a vivid image of the young aircrew of these missions as they strive to continue, night after night, in the face of paralysing odds. With loss rates of 3-6% per operation, surviving a tour of 30 ops was the exception. Of Charlwood’s own intake of twenty Australian navigators completing their course at the Empire Air Training Scheme in Canada, only five were to ever return home.
The only notable absence in this book (kindle edition) is the lack of photographs, which added greatly to No Moon Tonight, putting faces to the young men described so fondly by Charlwood. The addition of contemporaneous letters and diary entries from his friends from training and operational life provides extra insight into the views of these colleagues.
November 4, 2018
Harrowing but joyous in the same breath
Don Charlwood's reminiscences create an atmospheric account of what it was like to be an Antipodean flight crew fighting for the UK in World War two. He starts in his native Australia, travels via Canada, to complete his training and move on to operations in Elsham Lincolnshire.
We meet many friends and colleagues, many of whom don't make it to the final pages. At times the coldness of the bare facts belies the costs on a personal or human scale; Charlwood laments their loss, but also comments on the methods used to wage war and how it had to be so.
As we move further away from WW2 books such as this become ever more valuable in reminding us of the cost and futility of global conflict.
A thoroughly recommended read.
Don Charlwood's reminiscences create an atmospheric account of what it was like to be an Antipodean flight crew fighting for the UK in World War two. He starts in his native Australia, travels via Canada, to complete his training and move on to operations in Elsham Lincolnshire.
We meet many friends and colleagues, many of whom don't make it to the final pages. At times the coldness of the bare facts belies the costs on a personal or human scale; Charlwood laments their loss, but also comments on the methods used to wage war and how it had to be so.
As we move further away from WW2 books such as this become ever more valuable in reminding us of the cost and futility of global conflict.
A thoroughly recommended read.
August 2, 2018
A story of bomber command
A compelling book telling one man's life as a navigator on the thirty ops of a Bomber Command tour. He was Australian he trained in Canada where he met his wife to be. He tells of his crew, the often daily losses, the fears, the morality of what they were doing they were fighting back and hurting Germany in the only way possible. A truly great book yes a remarkable account I wish I'd read it years ago, it may make you cry.
A compelling book telling one man's life as a navigator on the thirty ops of a Bomber Command tour. He was Australian he trained in Canada where he met his wife to be. He tells of his crew, the often daily losses, the fears, the morality of what they were doing they were fighting back and hurting Germany in the only way possible. A truly great book yes a remarkable account I wish I'd read it years ago, it may make you cry.
June 3, 2020
Gripping Account
As you read you begin to be seized by the horrors experienced by the aircrews of night bombers. The author was there to see and feel the experience of others. He also recognizes the futility of the lack of real accomplishment when more aircrew are lost than are killed on the ground. The book becomes a treatise on brave men approaching an almost hopeless task.
As you read you begin to be seized by the horrors experienced by the aircrews of night bombers. The author was there to see and feel the experience of others. He also recognizes the futility of the lack of real accomplishment when more aircrew are lost than are killed on the ground. The book becomes a treatise on brave men approaching an almost hopeless task.
November 22, 2020
Interesting first hand story of the night bombing of Germany early in WWII. At times I found the story to be slightly disjointed and difficult to follow. A young lad from Australia joined up with fellow Aussies and learned to become a member of a RAF bomber crew. The losses early in the war are unbelievable and appeared to not show much improvement for a long time. The tragic loss of life of so many young men for an unproven night time bombing campaign was disheartening.
January 21, 2021
Great Book!
Highly recommend this book. Mr. Charlwood was a very gifted writer and this shows throughout this book. It's amazing to read what Mr. Charlwood and his crew (and thousands of other crews) went through and survived. One thing that stood out, to me, are the excerpts from other crew members diaries and letters: these young me barely in their 20s were highly educated, very thoughtful and gifted writers. Something long lost.
Highly recommend this book. Mr. Charlwood was a very gifted writer and this shows throughout this book. It's amazing to read what Mr. Charlwood and his crew (and thousands of other crews) went through and survived. One thing that stood out, to me, are the excerpts from other crew members diaries and letters: these young me barely in their 20s were highly educated, very thoughtful and gifted writers. Something long lost.
May 3, 2023
Captivating!
This book is a beautifully written account of the author’s war time experience in a Bomber Command Squadron as a Lancaster navigator. It is so well balanced in its account and pays a wonderful tribute to the other members of his crew and squadron. The dreadful realities are brought to life as well as the uplifting moments in such a thought provoking way. I can thoroughly recommend this book.
This book is a beautifully written account of the author’s war time experience in a Bomber Command Squadron as a Lancaster navigator. It is so well balanced in its account and pays a wonderful tribute to the other members of his crew and squadron. The dreadful realities are brought to life as well as the uplifting moments in such a thought provoking way. I can thoroughly recommend this book.
September 29, 2019
This is a good read, there is lots of technical information. Also chilling insights into the fear and foreboding these young men felt
Very good
this is a good read, there is lots of technical information. Also chilling insights into the fear and foreboding these young men felt
Very good
this is a good read, there is lots of technical information. Also chilling insights into the fear and foreboding these young men felt
July 10, 2025
A very good read. To think these guys were going up in a plane knowing they had a good chance of not returning. Very interesting, my father in law was a tail end gunner in Lancaster bombers, I know now why his hair went white at such a young age. As a historical book it worked for me. Very good! Anybody like me that has an interest in the 2nd World War should read this.
May 1, 2020
Australian WW2 Air force veteran reviews his experience
from beginning to end. Starting with conscription and going on through training, stations, experiences of self and many dear friends, both male and female.
from beginning to end. Starting with conscription and going on through training, stations, experiences of self and many dear friends, both male and female.
May 28, 2020
Beautifully written.
Captures so well the feelings of wonder,hope,fears, camaraderie and of tight friendships made when young and facing terrible odds of death. I've read other accounts but this really makes one feel.
Captures so well the feelings of wonder,hope,fears, camaraderie and of tight friendships made when young and facing terrible odds of death. I've read other accounts but this really makes one feel.
October 20, 2018
What Heroes!
A huge story of sacrifice, of bravery, of friendship, so unassumingly told, sad but uplifting and only now being recognised for what it was.
A huge story of sacrifice, of bravery, of friendship, so unassumingly told, sad but uplifting and only now being recognised for what it was.
March 28, 2019
Good book nice read lots of history
October 10, 2019
Quite a thoughtful, poignant account of one man’s war — in this case, an Australian navigator who who serves in Britain with Bomber Command after training in Canada through the Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
May 14, 2021
Great read, highly recommend
February 20, 2023
not as good as I thought it was going to be. But had some great parts.
October 21, 2025
This is the follow up to “No Moon Tonight” and covers the author’s war years, starting from enlistment in Australia and then his journey overseas.
First to Canada (with 20 other Australians) to train as a navigator and then on to England to join bomber command. 15 of the 20 would lose their lives.
Highly recommend for its vivid and moving detail. 4.5 stars
First to Canada (with 20 other Australians) to train as a navigator and then on to England to join bomber command. 15 of the 20 would lose their lives.
Highly recommend for its vivid and moving detail. 4.5 stars
December 31, 2013
First hand, eloquent, vivid, emotionally charged and terrifying account of the massive loss of lives amongst the crews of bomber command during the bombing raids of WW2. A blistering critique of war, the class system in the British armed forces and the tragedy of the attrition of young men and the impact on their families. Goes some way to bridging the gulf of incomprehension, between then and now.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews