The Pathfinders - interview with Will Iredale

This week, we chat with historian and author Will Iredale about his new book 'The Pathfinders: the elite RAF force that turned the tide of WWII', why did he choose to write about this pioneering, but deadly arm of Bomber Command, that helped take the war to Germany.
Will Iredale:
www.davidhigham.co.uk/authors...
Twitter: @WIredale
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[@beertruk2429]

I was in New Zealand a couple of weeks ago visiting my Mother in Law. I took her to the local library so she could change her books and I went and had a look in the library's Military/War section. There I discovered Will Iredale's The Pathfinders. I got it out on her library card and finished it before I came back to Australia. A bloody good read, especially about Arthur Harris's opposition and underhanded politics/shenanigans to the formation of the Pathfinders, the development of target indicators and the nav aids.
I have found a copy of Pathfinder by Air Vice Marshal D Bennett at a local museum library so that will be the next cab off the rank to read.

[@alanparish4870]

I have just finished the book and it was an excellent, thought provoking read, almost unbelievable. I mean unbelievable in the sence of what's happening to our country (and the world)) today, that such couragous warriors existed. The human cost was portrayed so well by the author that at times was harrowing.
My uncle, sergeant Albert Victor Sullivan ( navigator) was killed along with his pilot w/o Ian Malcome MacPhee on the night of 22nd March 1945 war

[@coopervigilance]

I'm half way through this incredible book. An excellent mix of the strategic, technical and human story of the pathefinders and Bomber Command. I recommend the book and look forward to the remaining stories. For somone living in the heart of pathfinder territory in Cambridgeshire, it brings alive the former airfields so prolific in the countryside here.

[@thereselynch2059]

A great read. Highly recommended. An excellent combination of historical and technical information about The Pathfinders as well as personal stories about the airmen - some inspirational, others heart breaking. The reader will find a good balance between British and Commonwealth/other allied personnel in the book.

[@georgielancaster1356]

Knew a chap whose uncle flew with Wally Rose DFC, in his Pathfinders crew, and earlier, in 460 sqn.
Sadly brought down over Berlin. A question over the possible murder of several crew members who were known to have landed okay.
I have added 3 aircrew to the list of murdered/lynched surrendered air crew in Germany, in the last 3 or 4 years. They can still be found and added to the record.

[@alanparish4870]

The war ended in May, the lrony of it but not unusual. I'm useless with this social media technology but my daughters have sent me a photo of the German fighter ace who shot their Mosquito down, Karl Heinze Becker. And even a picture of the actual Mossie they were flying that night. I almost wish l didn't know.