A Brief History Of The Royal Flying Corps In World War I

Kilian · 18 January 2008, 09:38 AM

Hello.

Could somebody tell me more about this book by Ralph Barker? I couldnt find an appropriate review. Whats the content: photos,stories? Is it recommendable for someone who knows nothing about RFC like myself?

Its sold off here at a reasonable price (when i consider the 500+ pages) :
Ian Allan Publishing » Superstore » Aviation » Military Aviation » Books »

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ROYAL FLYING CORPS IN WORLD WAR I

Kilian

Pips · 18 January 2008, 03:17 PM

This is one of my favourite books on the RFC. It covers the development of the RFC from it's humble beginnings, and skillfully uses many personal letters and diaries to capture the spirit of life at the front. Most importantly it doesn't just concentrate on single-seater pilot, but does justice to the role of the two-seater reconnaissance and bomber arms as well.

It presents the RFC's role in balanced form that gives the reader a complete picture of war in te air. A excellent, comprehensive book for beginner and expert alike.

Kilian · 18 January 2008, 04:37 PM

Hi Pips.

Thanks for your input. Maybe this is something for my birthday then

regards
Kilian

alex_revell · 19 January 2008, 07:48 AM

Kilian,
Ralph Barker had two books published by Constable, The Royal Flying Corps in France. From Mons to the Somme (1994) and The Royal Flying Corps in France. From

Bloody April to Final Victory (1995) Both excellent. Ralph is (I hope not was) a fine writer. Neither book gives in a list of the author's works 'A Brief History of the RFC in World War One.' Given the size of the book it could be a combination of the two books for Constable, republished by Ian Hamilton, but I think that's unlikely. Ralph is a very nice chap with a great number of books published. It was he who encouraged me to write Brief Glory after we had both seen the cache of Rhys Davids material in Cambridge.

alex_revell · 19 January 2008, 07:59 AM

Kilian
Found the book and Ralph, who, I'm delighted to say, looks as if he is still alive. Born in 1917. The Brief History was published in 2002. I would say, definitely go for it.

Kilian · 19 January 2008, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex_revell

Kilian
Found the book and Ralph, who, I'm delighted to say, looks as if he is still alive. Born in 1917. The Brief History was published in 2002. I would say, definitely go for it.

Thanks Alex! If he is the same man he has also written a lot about RAF in WWII. Quite an impressive bibliography. I have put it on my list

rainbase · 19 January 2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex_revell

Kilian,
Given the size of the book it could be a combination of the two booksCambridge.

Yup. This is definitely a the two other books combined into one volume. I heartily give this book a thumbs up; it's a fine read.

Kilian · 19 January 2008, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rainbase

Yup. This is definitely a the two other books combined into one volume. I heartily give this book a thumbs up; it's a fine read.

Thanks for clearing this up rainbase. I hope your club is running well again in 2008

Kilian

Kirk R. Lowry · 19 January 2008, 09:46 AM

Bonjour Kilian

Further endorsement may not be needed, but

A Brief History of the Royal Flying Corps in World War I is a comprehensive overview of the subject and Barker a talented writer. The book is well worth investing in ... too bad that there is not such a volume for all of the Great War air services ...

Salut!
Kirk

Kilian · 19 January 2008, 10:19 AM

Hi Kirk.

Thanks you either. Every input is welcome. I wonder why the forum links this title to

Under the Guns of the Red Baron on the amazon page.

Kilian