Published: April 04, 2011
Words: 104950 (approximate)
Language: English

Short description

True story about John's dad, Bill, who left school at 14 and became a pilot of Lancaster Bombers in WWII. He wanted to be part of the 'establishment' but rebelled when he realised how expendable he was. Victim of their class concious attitudes, he was unwilling to toe their line. Against all odds he survived but was penalised, dismissed without a commission or job. Even told he was unfit to fly

Extended description

John tells frankly the true story about his dad, Bill's involvement in the Second World War. Bill grew up in the slums of Notting Hill, London and left school at fourteen. Despite his insecurities and self-doubt, while still in his late teens, and against all odds, he qualified as a skilled fighter pilot. Due to his lack of family connections he was assigned to the 'Bomber Boys.' He became a skilled and courageous pilot of Lancaster Bombers.
He desperately wanted to belong to the 'establishment' but rebelled against the powers-that-be when he realised how expendable they thought he was. Victim of their class conscious attitudes, he was unwilling to toe their line and so they punished him!
For this and his outspoken anti-establishment views he was penalised, but continued to cheat death many times. Needless to say he was held in high regard by his crew.
Loss of life and planes was horrendous and to Bill’s mind largely unnecessary. His attitude towards death in combat changed dramati... (Read more) John tells frankly the true story about his dad, Bill's involvement in the Second World War. Bill grew up in the slums of Notting Hill, London and left school at fourteen. Despite his insecurities and self-doubt, while still in his late teens, and against all odds, he qualified as a skilled fighter pilot. Due to his lack of family connections he was assigned to the 'Bomber Boys.' He became a skilled and courageous pilot of Lancaster Bombers.
He desperately wanted to belong to the 'establishment' but rebelled against the powers-that-be when he realised how expendable they thought he was. Victim of their class conscious attitudes, he was unwilling to toe their line and so they punished him!
For this and his outspoken anti-establishment views he was penalised, but continued to cheat death many times. Needless to say he was held in high regard by his crew.
Loss of life and planes was horrendous and to Bill’s mind largely unnecessary. His attitude towards death in combat changed dramatically after he met and married John's mother to be, Alice.
After the raid over Dresden in February 1945, he became angry at the cover-ups, corruption and myriad of lies. Authorities disputed claims that British planes carried out machine-gun attacks on the civilian population but Bill knew otherwise!
Against all odds he survived the war, physically but was dreadfully scarred emotionally.
After serving his country he was finally dismissed without a commission or a job. Even told he was unfit to fly!
Angry and bitter at the age of 23, with a wife and child to support he needed to move on. Disillusioned, he decided to become wealthy and sell diamonds to Americans. This is the true story of how his combat experiences, especially the bombing of Dresden, changed the course of his life.
A no holds barred book that's honest about the role of Lancaster Bombers in the Second World War, one that challenges most preconceptions.
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Adult-content rating:

This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages. For more information, see the Support FAQ.

Tags

smashwords, military, pilots, wwii, dresden, raf, bombers, second world war, reluctant hero, bomber command, lancaster bombers, rudolf hess, master bomber, butt report, bigraphy, schrage musik, aircrew

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Reviews

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Review by: Barry PETERSON on June 27, 2011 :
Pamela E. PETERSON says:
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28/06/2011 at 4:52 pm
Hello John, from Pamela Peterson: We [you know who] downloaded, and printed, your Book – “Reluctant Hero” from the Smashwords Site.

I found "Reluctant Hero" a very involving story, right to the end, and the details very enlivening. I recommend this Book to any reader as the story suits to all tastes in literature. It displays seriousness, humour, life’s dreadful moments and happy moments, some anti-establishment attitudes, and of course heroism. I read the Book in a week [maybe a little less] and only put the Book down to undertake those menial life tasks. That is a quick read for me, and I have read many Books, at greater cost too, by more famous authors, and have been disappointed quite often, and in that vain, I suggest this “Reluctant Hero” true story is right up there with many published and much publicised authors. So those of you who have taken time to see just what Titles Smashwords has available, will be very impressed and enjoy a truly “good read” for a small expenditure in choosing to download and read this intriguing true story. Folks – just do it – you will be truly pleased with your selection.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Morrie Melcer on May 07, 2011 : (no rating)
Reluctant Hero is a book that transports the reader into a stream of sub consciousness; the pleasurable state that a reader attains from a book he finds and can't put down. Through strong characters and a rise and fall in tension smattered with humorous, original simile John Hicknan has written another must read for all. Congratulations John.

Morrie Melcer.. Author.. Scope subscriber.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

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