Overview

The History of RAF Millom Covering the airfields' wartime service from 1941 and brief reoccupation of the station in 1953, to its eventual conversion into HMP Haverigg. Extensively illustrated with over 260 photographs and including over 50 first-hand accounts of life at RAF Millom, Cumbria, England. This extremely accessible history will engage a broad readership and provide a historical treasure for future generations. The units' primary purpose was the training of aircrew for Bomber Command and those airmen who passed through the station went on to have many and varied experiences of aerial warfare. At the heart of them all lies a small and windblown airfield which served Sovereign and country through the dark days of WWII and beyond. Drawing on extensive historical, official and anecdotal material in this, his fourth and final book recording the history of the South Cumbrian airfields, the author has without doubt produced his finest and most comprehensive work to date.

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9780993467998

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Reviews

Contrary to popular belief, writing history is simple. It takes no great skill to assemble facts, throw in a few dates and cobble together some photographs. But the result is always the same a dry and lifeless pile of words and images. Too many writers think that such efforts make them a 'historian' far from it. Writing balanced, vibrant, memorable history is a rare talent. A historian worth his salt doesn't casually visit a subject; he immerses himself in it to the extent that he becomes part of the story. That's how John Nixon does it and he is a shining example of what makes a real historian stand out from the crowd. His drive, determination, understanding and passion for the aviation heritage of his native South Lakeland gives meaning and purpose to locals, former RAF personnel, their children and generations to come. While clutching documentation sending them somewhere they'd never heard of, RAF personnel must have thought that they had sinned mightily as they approached Millom. Surely this was the back of beyond? What sort of punishment was this? They were not the only ones questioning what the future held. As the construction crews gave way to hangars and aircraft in the first weeks of 1941, a small town called RAF Millom emerged out of the land west of Haverigg. Residents of the area contemplated their new neighbour with a mixture of concern and pride. One thing was certain: for the locals and those in uniform, their lives would never be the same again. In this book John brings the endeavours and exploits, tragedies and triumphs of six decades ago back to life. Leaping out of every page are vivid descriptions from those who took part in a momentous era. Their precious memories have been saved and presented with great care for us all to cherish. Whatever your interest, be it aviation history, local heritage, or wanting to know what family members did at RAF Millom, this book is a delight from cover to cover. South Lakeland is extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and proficient custodian of its legacy in John Nixon. Ken Ellis Contributing Editor, FlyPast Magazine

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