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A Raid Over Berlin
'I could see that still no one had been able to get out from the cockpit. It must have been at this moment that I thought I was going to die because I became remarkably calm.'
Trapped inside a burning Lancaster bomber, 20,000 feet above Berlin, airman John Martin consigned himself to his fate and turned his thoughts to his fiancée back home. In a miraculous turn of events, however, the twenty-one year old was thrown clear of his disintegrating aeroplane and found himself parachuting into the heart of Nazi Germany. He was soon to be captured and began his period as a prisoner of war.
This engaging and compulsively readable true-life account of a Second World War airman, who cheated death in the sky, only to face interrogation and the prospect of being shot by the Gestapo, before having to endure months of hardship as a prisoner of war.
Trapped inside a burning Lancaster bomber, 20,000 feet above Berlin, airman John Martin consigned himself to his fate and turned his thoughts to his fiancée back home. In a miraculous turn of events, however, the twenty-one year old was thrown clear of his disintegrating aeroplane and found himself parachuting into the heart of Nazi Germany. He was soon to be captured and began his period as a prisoner of war.
This engaging and compulsively readable true-life account of a Second World War airman, who cheated death in the sky, only to face interrogation and the prospect of being shot by the Gestapo, before having to endure months of hardship as a prisoner of war.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2018
108 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
John Martin
885 books18 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 26, 2019
A humble, pragmatic account of John Martin's experience of being shot down over Berlin and taken prisoner by the enemy. He tells his story in such an honest, straight forward way and gives an insight into the POW experience that no historian can. The small details of daily life in the camp, the characters around him, both POWs and Germans, bring the whole thing to life. The way he credits the humanity of some German personel bear testimony the to the worth of the man. This book is well worth reading.
February 16, 2020
finished this one today the 16th of february 2020 good read four stars really liked it kindle library loaner first from martin john, a quick read think i read it without getting (almost) up from the couch, one story out of the millions of stories about the world war, so add it to whatever else you might have read about the war or wars, there's all that...and some curiosities...like the bit about some prisoners who were taken over from the italians after italy's collapse/defeat...and the little that was presented made it sound like the germans were better captors than their italian counterparts and if nothing else, that suggests further reading and discovery...think there's a story out there? you'd think but then again...
February 20, 2019
I am huge fan of military history books written by those who actually took part in the subject because of the little observations that a historian would not do justice. An example of this here is Johns detailed account of his rehabilitation on return to the UK; the fluffy white towel folded on the edge of his bath that was waiting for him at unit, just the right temperature and afterward the luxury and joy of pyjamas. The collection of these small, almost seeming minor points, combine to give depth, to help us to understand what it was like to have been captive and how in many ways coming home was just as challenging for them.
January 30, 2021
*CONTAINS SPOILERS*
This was a free read through Amazon Prime.
Not a very long book, but a really interesting memoir of a young RAF radio operator who took part in a raid over Germany with the crew of his Lancaster during WW2.
The author became a POW and the majority of the book covers his time in captivity. His repatriation and the story of how he picked up his relationship with his sweetheart when he got back to England made for a happy ending too, which isn't always true with WW2 memoirs.
The book is well written, interesting and was included in my subscription. I might have given it 3 stars, but as the author was a veteran of WW2 and I owe his generation my freedom, that tipped the scales for a fourth star ;)
This was a free read through Amazon Prime.
Not a very long book, but a really interesting memoir of a young RAF radio operator who took part in a raid over Germany with the crew of his Lancaster during WW2.
The author became a POW and the majority of the book covers his time in captivity. His repatriation and the story of how he picked up his relationship with his sweetheart when he got back to England made for a happy ending too, which isn't always true with WW2 memoirs.
The book is well written, interesting and was included in my subscription. I might have given it 3 stars, but as the author was a veteran of WW2 and I owe his generation my freedom, that tipped the scales for a fourth star ;)
May 31, 2023
John Martin had barely begun his contribution to the RAF Bomber Command night bombing offensive over Nazi Occupied Europe and the Reich itself when things went pear shaped in a hurry. Thus "A Raid over Berlin", his war memoir, starts like a Bomber Command procedural, but rapidly becomes more of a study of the Nazi and German reaction to said campaign, and a inside look at the life of a "Kriegie", or allied POW in WWII. Here his simple self effacing narrative is really effective - and gives the reader, either inveterate WWII book consumer, or reading generalist , some very revealing moments, both heart rending and amusing. I greatly enjoyed reading the book as the humanity of the author jumps from every page- and gives a look at what it was really like to personally involved in the biggest War on record.
I can see why this book was a No 1 Best seller when it came out in 2018- as Martin is a simple and direct writer- just recording his experiences- and seldom going above his pay grade to discuss the more strategic elements of the War. His squadron life is discussed, as is his personal life, for he met his future wife during his training as a Radio Operator , first in Wellington Bombers, and then if the bigger more powerfully efficient Avro Lancaster. I found much of the narrative very moving, getting emotionally involved with the story right away in a way that some much longer tomes were not able to achieve. It's a great reminder that all the strategic and tactical operations of WWII had to be carried out by hundreds, or thousands, or even hundred of thousands of individuals whose stories are no less important than the bigger Non Fiction and Historical works on the bigger strokes. It also proves that good books on WWII's Air Wars do not have to be written by Pilots or higher Officers, but that regular crew men can tell their stories well too. A strong recommendation from this reader on this one, folks.
There are a few adult themes, and some graphically violent passages, but the book has been published to be read by school age Junior Readers, so 11/12 year olds can get stuck in easily. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, this is a short but interesting read (158
Pages). For the Gamer- more of a good background book to read- adding the personal touch to one's understanding of Bomber Command raid modus operandi, but perhaps not enough to help with Scenario/Campaign development. The Modeler will also not find enough to help with builds, but will get a lot of help with dioramas of POW camps and daily life- certainly more than a "Hogan's Heroes" episode or two. The Military Enthusiast is the real winner here- getting a good simple individual memoir that fits in to the Bomber Command, Night Bombing, Nazi Defense of the Reich, Allied POW, and lastly the Fall of the Reich/Allied Liberation stories and will help put a human face on a massive war. I enjoyed this book, even with its harrowing passages and this almost any sort of reader will too.
I can see why this book was a No 1 Best seller when it came out in 2018- as Martin is a simple and direct writer- just recording his experiences- and seldom going above his pay grade to discuss the more strategic elements of the War. His squadron life is discussed, as is his personal life, for he met his future wife during his training as a Radio Operator , first in Wellington Bombers, and then if the bigger more powerfully efficient Avro Lancaster. I found much of the narrative very moving, getting emotionally involved with the story right away in a way that some much longer tomes were not able to achieve. It's a great reminder that all the strategic and tactical operations of WWII had to be carried out by hundreds, or thousands, or even hundred of thousands of individuals whose stories are no less important than the bigger Non Fiction and Historical works on the bigger strokes. It also proves that good books on WWII's Air Wars do not have to be written by Pilots or higher Officers, but that regular crew men can tell their stories well too. A strong recommendation from this reader on this one, folks.
There are a few adult themes, and some graphically violent passages, but the book has been published to be read by school age Junior Readers, so 11/12 year olds can get stuck in easily. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, this is a short but interesting read (158
Pages). For the Gamer- more of a good background book to read- adding the personal touch to one's understanding of Bomber Command raid modus operandi, but perhaps not enough to help with Scenario/Campaign development. The Modeler will also not find enough to help with builds, but will get a lot of help with dioramas of POW camps and daily life- certainly more than a "Hogan's Heroes" episode or two. The Military Enthusiast is the real winner here- getting a good simple individual memoir that fits in to the Bomber Command, Night Bombing, Nazi Defense of the Reich, Allied POW, and lastly the Fall of the Reich/Allied Liberation stories and will help put a human face on a massive war. I enjoyed this book, even with its harrowing passages and this almost any sort of reader will too.
August 10, 2021
"It began to seem that escape was our only chance of survival; dangerous thinking but it did seem that we were approaching a time when it would be a case of doing something or dying."
19 year old John Martin volunteered for the RAF as a trainee wireless operator in 1941. On his third operational mission - the night of 30 January 1944 - his plane was brought down in Germany.
A miraculous escape from a disintegrating aeroplane, capture and interrogation, being held as a prisoner of war, transfers to different camps and dreaming of an escape...
《A Raid Over Berlin》is the account of a civilian volunteer caught in wartime crosshairs. Published in 2018, when John turned ninety-six, he recounts his harrowing experience as a PoW with a touch of gentlemanly charm, rarely railing against his predicament and instead celebrating his good fortune of surviving the brusque world of WW-II when countless soldiers (and civilians) did not.
The book reads like a conversation over dinner - with John sitting alongside his wife Adelaide (his fiancee in 1944). Her memories sustained him through the ordeal, especially the winter of 1944-45, which he calls "the longest and by far the most miserable time of my life."
Personal life histories are a great way to gain perspective - all trials are unique and there's much to be grateful for, as John's account shows when he recalls the times 'luck' favoured his liberation and when he remembers others who went to war and did not return.
19 year old John Martin volunteered for the RAF as a trainee wireless operator in 1941. On his third operational mission - the night of 30 January 1944 - his plane was brought down in Germany.
A miraculous escape from a disintegrating aeroplane, capture and interrogation, being held as a prisoner of war, transfers to different camps and dreaming of an escape...
《A Raid Over Berlin》is the account of a civilian volunteer caught in wartime crosshairs. Published in 2018, when John turned ninety-six, he recounts his harrowing experience as a PoW with a touch of gentlemanly charm, rarely railing against his predicament and instead celebrating his good fortune of surviving the brusque world of WW-II when countless soldiers (and civilians) did not.
The book reads like a conversation over dinner - with John sitting alongside his wife Adelaide (his fiancee in 1944). Her memories sustained him through the ordeal, especially the winter of 1944-45, which he calls "the longest and by far the most miserable time of my life."
Personal life histories are a great way to gain perspective - all trials are unique and there's much to be grateful for, as John's account shows when he recalls the times 'luck' favoured his liberation and when he remembers others who went to war and did not return.
January 19, 2021
I was given this as a present so wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I assumed it would be about flying with Bomber Command but, in fact, flying only takes up a relatively small part of the book as the author was shot down on his third mission. Instead it is an account of his time as a POW. It's a humble, low-key account of his experiences and Martin tells his story very well; an ordinary young man, doing extraordinary things. His account of their liberation and subsequent return home is especially interesting and something that is often not covered in this type of book.
October 12, 2025
A superb short story of one man's war: his time in the RAF, his short flying career, his downing and capture and the long journey home. It is an excellent and well written narrative. John is perhaps a bit too modest, dealing with very serious and dangerous situations in a very matter of fact manner but that is to be expected of the war generation. Despite being a war story, it is in fact a happy story with human interest at its heart. John writes in an accessible manner, meaning you do not need much WW2 history under your belt to understand what he is talking about or follow along.
August 4, 2019
Reading this short book was rather like having a fireside chat with a favorite uncle.
His matter of fact tone and fascinating experiences are brilliantly brought to life in a wartime tale full of humility, and pragmatism, which do great justice to his own stoicism and heroism - both of which are hugely downplayed as befits that generation.
For anyone interested in gaining an insight into wartime life, this is a must - lyrically written yet chillingly real.
A superb tale well told.
His matter of fact tone and fascinating experiences are brilliantly brought to life in a wartime tale full of humility, and pragmatism, which do great justice to his own stoicism and heroism - both of which are hugely downplayed as befits that generation.
For anyone interested in gaining an insight into wartime life, this is a must - lyrically written yet chillingly real.
A superb tale well told.
February 6, 2020
A slightly different memoir of war, in that it isn't full of tales of derring-do, or escape attempts from POW camps. Instead it is about what life was like as a POW and a story of Martin's fortuitous and circumstantial escape from death on several occasions. As my grandfather's own experiences in the war included some equally fortuitous events, it really struck a chord with me.
It's an emotional and warm book about some very difficult times, and so is an enjoyable short read.
It's an emotional and warm book about some very difficult times, and so is an enjoyable short read.
March 29, 2020
A tale to touch the heart
From a very basic writing perspective, this is not a literary masterpiece but the simplicity and clarity that it is written really tells you a lot about the author. Good old fashioned British heroism.
Thankful to be alive to tell the story, humble in the face of adversity. A true insight into the heart, soul and mind of a war hero and of so many like him.
Makes one proud to be British.
From a very basic writing perspective, this is not a literary masterpiece but the simplicity and clarity that it is written really tells you a lot about the author. Good old fashioned British heroism.
Thankful to be alive to tell the story, humble in the face of adversity. A true insight into the heart, soul and mind of a war hero and of so many like him.
Makes one proud to be British.
December 6, 2020
The author's first hand account of being shot down on a raid over Berlin in 1944, held in prisoner of war camps and finally repatriated to the UK. It's a short book and the tale is simply told - but none the less powerful for that.
The presentation rather lets it down though, it needs the attentions of a good copy editor in places and the formatting of the Kindle edition leaves a lot to be desired.
The presentation rather lets it down though, it needs the attentions of a good copy editor in places and the formatting of the Kindle edition leaves a lot to be desired.
January 22, 2021
A Raid over Berlin
Any one who has an interest in war and survival will find this book of interest. Written in an easy to read style , I couldn’t put it down. I chose to read it because I had an uncle who also served in the Bomber Command, so it gave me an insight into what his life would have been like. Sadly I never met my uncle as his plane was shot down over Bremen and no trace was ever found.
Any one who has an interest in war and survival will find this book of interest. Written in an easy to read style , I couldn’t put it down. I chose to read it because I had an uncle who also served in the Bomber Command, so it gave me an insight into what his life would have been like. Sadly I never met my uncle as his plane was shot down over Bremen and no trace was ever found.
July 2, 2022
A relatively short account of one man's World War 2 service in the RAF from training to getting back home with a lot in between.
The tone of the book was thoughtful if a little ambiguous in places. At times I felt he relied on the experience of others rather than his own account too.
It is easy to recommend this to anyone interested in World War 2, the RAF and military planes. It is short enough for a casual reader too.
The tone of the book was thoughtful if a little ambiguous in places. At times I felt he relied on the experience of others rather than his own account too.
It is easy to recommend this to anyone interested in World War 2, the RAF and military planes. It is short enough for a casual reader too.
December 20, 2018
A heartfelt first-hand account of the second world war seen from a RAF member, a POW in enemy lines. The hardships, sorrow, death and hunger are recounted by Martin in detail from his own memories and from discussions with other POWs. His positive take on life no doubt carried him through. His testimony is a piece of empirical anecdotal history that so helps fit the pieces of this complex human puzzle closer together.
December 29, 2018
This is a brilliant account of a relatively short period of time. It makes no pretence of being a 'biography' but recounts a very poignant part of a man's life, the memory of which never leaves him. The humility with which it was written belies the bravery of the man who wrote and experienced it. Thank you Mr Martin for telling your story.
January 3, 2019
A little gem of a book; a wonderfully honest and poignant memoir written by 96-year old RAF Bomber Command veteran John Martin. This is an important addition to our country’s history of the Second World War.
I read it in 2 sittings and would commend it to anyone with an interest in modern history.
I read it in 2 sittings and would commend it to anyone with an interest in modern history.
November 21, 2020
An odd book. Full of mistakes and typos, this is a personal memoir of a mans years in training, flying, and as a prisoner of war in Germany.
The personal nature just about outweigh the flaws in structure and research, indeed some may be put down to the length of time between the war and the writing.
The personal nature just about outweigh the flaws in structure and research, indeed some may be put down to the length of time between the war and the writing.
March 1, 2022
A well written personal account of an RAF wireless operator taken prisoner in Nazi Germany after successfully escaping from a burning aircraft.The book is dedicated to the four members of a seven man crew of the Lancaster Bomber who couldn't escape and are buried in the 1939-45 War Cemetery in Berlin.
November 19, 2024
A highly readable true life account of a member of Bomber Command. John Martin takes you through the nightmare of being shot down over Berlin, to the grim reality of captivity in Germany. Throughout the book shines John Martin's courage and ability to keep a positive attitude no matter what was thrown at him. A truly inspiring story.
October 3, 2019
T R Murphy
A great read, poignant in places. Highly recommended. A great insight into the lives of the Airmen who found themselves captured as POW's. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
A great read, poignant in places. Highly recommended. A great insight into the lives of the Airmen who found themselves captured as POW's. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
October 26, 2019
Lovely story, so much life experience
Reading this book feels like listening to your grandfather's life stories. So much truth, all so real without the glamour of the movies. John Martin is the kind of man we need more of in our current generation.
Reading this book feels like listening to your grandfather's life stories. So much truth, all so real without the glamour of the movies. John Martin is the kind of man we need more of in our current generation.
March 16, 2020
Being a factual account, I didn't find that I had the gripping feeling of wanting to continuously read on as I usually do with works of fiction. However, it was a truly insightful, and at times extremely moving, account of life as a POW. Definitely worth a read!
November 2, 2020
This short book should be required reading for all young people in this country, just for the small insight into the sacrifices that where made by the war generation so that we can all still live freely and comfortably now.
We should all stop moaning, things are not as bad as they could be !
We should all stop moaning, things are not as bad as they could be !
November 11, 2020
A moving first hand account of life as a Second World War airman and one who cheated death in a burning Avro Lancaster bomber. John Martin’s story of capture, interrogation and of his life inside a POW camp is informative, interesting and poignant. Well worth a read.
June 30, 2021
A very interesting read.
Not what I expected at all, and once I got over that initial disappointment (though that is too strong a word), I enjoyed it for what it was. John Martin comes across as humble and down to earth (no pun intended) and his simple story telling really shines through.
Not what I expected at all, and once I got over that initial disappointment (though that is too strong a word), I enjoyed it for what it was. John Martin comes across as humble and down to earth (no pun intended) and his simple story telling really shines through.
February 13, 2025
A lovely little book, well worth your time! It’s a very personal story mainly focussing on life “behind the wire”. Martin has an easy writing style, which makes this book perfect for anyone who is new to war memoirs or air war stories.
November 29, 2018
Worth reading.
A very good read by a very courageous man.Read it in a day after seeing it on The One Show
A very good read by a very courageous man.Read it in a day after seeing it on The One Show
March 22, 2019
Another really amazing book - a real survival story
May 25, 2019
although lacking in much detail the book is very easy to read and enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews