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Cargando... 303 Squadron: The Legendary Battle of Britain Fighter Squadron (1942 original; edición 2010)por Arkady Fiedler, Jarek Garlinski (Traductor)
Información de la obra303 Squadron: The Legendary Battle of Britain Fighter Squadron por Arkady Fiedler (1942)
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Inscríbete en LibraryThing para averiguar si este libro te gustará. Actualmente no hay Conversaciones sobre este libro. Esta reseña ha sido escrita por los Primeros Reseñadores de LibraryThing. “303 Squadron” is both an important primary historical document and, it turns out, a pretty good adventure story too. Though definitely a product of its time and place (Battle of Britain-era England), it holds up well for the twenty-first century reader interested in dramatic first-person war narratives and forgotten heroism.Following the fall of Poland to Nazi (and, lest we forget, Soviet) invaders, a fair number of Polish pilots managed to escape through Hungary and Romania and make their way to France, arriving just in time to take on the Germans again in the invasion that began (coincidentally) 71 years ago today. After France fell, they escaped again to Britain, where they flew in special Polish Air Force squadrons established and maintained by the RAF. Polish writer Arkady Fiedler chronicled the exploits of 303 Squadron, though he did so using pseudonyms for the pilots and ground crews so their families would not be exposed to Nazi reprisals. In this great new edition from publishers Aquila Polonica, the subjects’ real names are revealed, and a great deal of additional material has been added as well. Most notable is a long section featuring the biographies of many heroic 303 Squadron pilots detailing their individual achievements and what they did after the war if they were fortunate enough to survive. For the modern reader, author Fiedler’s style comes as a bit of a surprise. It doesn’t have the objective tone we expect historians to have (or simulate), nor much feeling of a journalist standing a step back from his story. Himself a patriotic Pole far from home, Fiedler justly celebrates brave pilots, hardworking and under-recognized ground crews, and the heroism they showed standing alongside their British allies to defeat the Nazi hordes. Indeed, Fiedler explicitly states he hopes his book will be testimony in post-war times to the strong bond that united Briton and Pole during the Finest Hour. In an era when “Polish plumber” has become shorthand for ethnic and economic tensions within the EU, we could all use a reminder of that bond. I recommend this highly. Esta reseña ha sido escrita por los Primeros Reseñadores de LibraryThing. So much fun. This was a great, quick read, written as anti-NAZI propaganda and dropped into occupied Poland to tell them the story of their countrymen fighting their occupiers in the skies over Britain and the English Channel, the language is over-the-top newsreel pomp and embellishment at its finest.This book is written in the epic tone that portrays Poles--and particularly the Polish pilots of Squadron 303--as superhuman, mythic figures. It makes this book an unbelievably energetic, wonderful read, though it's purpose was not to be an objective history but a public relations campaign, with unalloyed biases and soda-straw tunnel vision. But I think this less objective style manages to portray the frenetic emergence of the situation, the drama, the passion of human feeling and the direness of the war much better than more objective accounts of the events. This book--or perhaps its translator--manages to convey much more of the meaning and individual experience of a pivotal moment in history than a mere accounting of events could do. Written with unaccustomed panache and overdrama, I thought it was such a fun read.' Esta reseña ha sido escrita por los Primeros Reseñadores de LibraryThing. An inspiring book. I can only imagine how this story of these courageous Polish and one Czech pilot brought hope to the Polish people in such a dark time in our history. The narrative kept me on the edge of my seat as I felt I was in the pilot seat with each one of them. Unassuming real heroes the 303 was! A must read for everybody who wants to understand courage, freedom that triumphs under unimaginable odds. Esta reseña ha sido escrita por los Primeros Reseñadores de LibraryThing. The story of a small group of Polish fighter pilots in their fight against the Nazi’s during the early days of WW2, without the help of these brave men and their support crews, the Battle of Britain may very well have had a very different outcome.If you are a history buff about WW2, then this is a must read about how the air battle over England during Aug – Sept 1940 was won by so few. Of all the books I have the privilege of winning from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers drawings, this book is a keeper! sin reseñas | añadir una reseña
The summer of 1940 and the Battle of Britain the darkest days of World War II. France, Poland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Norway had all been crushed by the powerful Nazi German war machine. Great Britain stood alone, fighting for its life. 303 Squadron is the thrilling story of the celebrated squadron of Polish fighter pilots whose superb skill in the air helped save England during its most desperate hours. They were the highest-scoring Allied fighter squadron in the Battle of Britain, downing three times the average RAF score while incurring only one-third the average casualties. Dashing and gallant 303 Squadron was lionized by the British press, congratulated by the King, and adored by the British public. With an immediacy that vividly brings to life those harrowing days, Fiedler paints the bravery, the poignancy, the breathtaking gambles with death risked daily by this exceptional group of young men far from home, who fought to preserve freedom for all. Had it not been for the magnificent material contributed by the Polish squadrons and their unsurpassed gallantry, I hesitate to say that the outcome of the battle would have been the same. British Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding Translated from the Polish; identifies the pilots by their real names for the first time in English. Nearly 200 black & white photos, maps and illustrations; contextualizing historical material; nine appendices. Selection of the History Book Club and the Military Book Club. Winner: GOLD Award for History, 2011 Benjamin Franklin Awards SILVER Award for Interior Design, 2011 Benjamin Franklin Awards Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE" No se han encontrado descripciones de biblioteca. |
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Fiedler transports us to the desperate summer of 1940. Britain stands alone, facing the Luftwaffe's relentless onslaught. Enter the 303 Squadron, a band of Polish fighter pilots brimming with skill and unwavering determination. Despite language barriers and cultural differences, they seamlessly integrate into the Royal Air Force, their Hawker Hurricanes becoming extensions of their fighting spirit.
The book doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of war. We witness the adrenaline-pumping aerial battles, the agonizing losses, and the quiet moments of camaraderie that fueled their resilience. Fiedler masterfully weaves personal stories into the historical narrative, making the heroes more than just names on a page. We connect with their hopes, fears, and unwavering dedication to defending their adopted home.
However, prepare for a bumpy ride. Fiedler's passionate storytelling sometimes verges on romanticization, and the lack of citations might leave history buffs hungry for deeper context. Additionally, the narrative occasionally gets bogged down in technical details of aircraft and maneuvers, potentially losing some non-aviation enthusiasts.
But here's the truth: these minor quibbles fade away when you consider the book's strengths. Fiedler's vivid descriptions put you right in the cockpit, feeling the G-forces and the thrill of the chase. The human stories resonate, reminding us that even in the darkest hours, courage and perseverance can shine through.
So, should you "take off" with this book? Absolutely! If you're looking for an exciting and inspiring read that brings the Battle of Britain to life, "303 Squadron" is a surefire winner. Just be prepared to navigate a few turbulence patches along the way. Remember, even the most legendary journeys sometimes encounter a bit of headwind.
Would I recommend it?
For history buffs with a soft spot for underdog stories and thrilling tales of aerial combat, a resounding yes! Just manage your expectations for historical rigor and buckle up for an emotional rollercoaster.