Book Review by

SHHAS member

James Mason

Six Weeks Of Blenheim Summer :

One Pilot's Extraordinary Account Of

The Battle Of France.

By Alastair Panton

The Battle of France and the role of the RAF does not get much coverage in aviation history books apart from the recognition of the terrible cost to the RAF with its outdated aircraft such as the Fairey Battle and Bristol Blenheim. This short book is an exception and is an excellent account of pilot Alastair Panton's experiences flying the Blenheim. He is assisted in the writing by his granddaughter, the result is an extraordinary account of his flying skills and the bravery of the RAF managing the retreat of forces from France.

The flying is challenging with serviceability always being an issue with crashes caused by mechanical issues as well as enemy action. Early on, he describes a bad crash where he managed to get his two injured crew out. He then found a freshly abandoned farmhouse and took a car which he used to get his injured crew back to safety from behind enemy lines. This is just the start of a tough period where he was leading reconnaissance patrols keeping a check on German positions as they moved westwards. His leadership and initiative are clear but it was clearly very difficult with other aircraft frequently failing to return.

After reading this book, I checked Blenheim losses during this period and they are astounding, often with the loss of all crew. Losses were often due to inexperience or mechanical failure. He recounts sending one of his aircraft back to the UK as one engine was showing signs of wear. They never made it, presumed lost in the Channel. His ground crew did not fare much better, on their retreat back to the UK, they were lost on the RMS Lancastria which was sunk with a catastrophic loss of life. Panton was shot down shortly afterwards and survived the war as a POW. His book is a remarkable account of an important period of history.

by Alastair Panton (published by Penguin/Michael Joseph)

ISBN: 978-1405936743