Pathfinder Force: A History of 8 Group RAF

Detailed history of RAF's # 8 Group, composed of elite Pathfinder Squadrons, which led the bomber groups over Europe and pinpointed the targets. It has been argued that the offensive against Germany by RAF Bomber Command was one of the most significant strategic components of the British war effort. The Casablanca Directive of 1943 required the bomber force to ensure 'the progressive destruction and dislocation of the German military industrial and economic system. and the undermining of the morale of the German people'. In the early years of the war. however. Bomber Command was far from fulfilling that formidable task: poor equipment and bad navigation were cited as prime Culprits. It was not until the middle of 1942 that the tide began to turn in favour of Bomber Command with the creation of the Pathfinder force. Under the inspired leadership of Group Captain (later Air Vice-Marshal) D. C. T. Bennett this initial force of four squadrons was charged with the exacting task of pinpointing and marking targets for Main Force bombers:This book is the story of that courageous and highly skilled force which later achieved Group status and which won the respect and admiration of all Bomber Command. In his foreword to this book Air Vice-Marshal Bennett writes: 'The aircrew of the Pathfinder Force were not flamboyant "glamour boys": they worked in complete secrecy and no press or public relations officer ever came near them. They were serious, studious. meticulous—and gallant. Their contribution to victory was unique'.Pathfinder Force is both a technical history and a gripping war narrative. Heavily illustrated with maps. diagrams and many hitherto unpublished photographs, this book also contains detailed appendices covering the principal equipment used by the Force as well as a complete battle order.