Rear Gunner Pathfinders

by Ron Smith

This is a gripping narrative of what it was like to serve and fight with Bomber Command in World War 2 told by a participant in the struggle and one which offers a very unusual personal perspective on the conflict. Ron Smith was a rear gunner in a Lancaster who flew 65 operations, flying firstly with 626 Squadron and later with 156 Pathfinder Squadron.

The writing is exceptionally powerful, involving the reader in the events being described in a way that few World War II aviation memoirs have achieved.

'Suddenly we were over the Big City... after long hours of searching the night sky from the coast, to be suddenly propelled into the brilliant hell over Berlin produced a freezing of the mind... flak sliced up through the broken illuminated clouds, ascending gracefully to stream past the turret. A Lancaster slid across at right angles with a single fighter just behind it, as if attached by an invisible thread... the city far below was bubbling and boiling, splashes of fire opening out as the blockbusters pierced this terrible brew.'

He vividly recalls the fear and intensity of what it was like to be a part of this epic struggle in the isolation of being cocooned in his lonely gun turret.

Genres: World War II, History

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for an uplifting read on the highs of serving as WW2 bomber aircrew perhaps look elsewhere. However if you want a candid and honest account of the struggle of the author and thousands like him definitely read this book. Ron Smith may not be a natural writer but his style is utterly unpretentious. You get the feeling he wrote this largely for his own therapy and not to please or entertain the reader. It’s for this reason I can’t help admiring him and this book.

[Nicholas Rancourt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but bad writing with a lot of mistakes. I still recommend it to anyone who's into military aviation, as the author still gives an interesting viewpoint.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. A very beautifully written book. A book that stays with you once finished.

[Ang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst some books of this period are perhaps more objective, I fully appreciate Mr. Smith's subjective open hearted and honest account of his experiences as a rear gunner, Lancasters RAF, during WWII. An incredible, real insight through the eyes of a sensitive individual. Though not intended for me, I felt like the 'someone' in Mr. Smith's dedication.