99 Squadron, Royal Air Force
1939 to 1945
Reading List
These are some of the books that I’ve found enjoyable and informative reading:
The Bamboo Workshop, R.S. Sansome, Merlin Books, 1995
This is the only publication that I’ve found so far that deals with the Repair and Salvage Units in India, 1941-1946. A bit of a mixed bag, some inaccuracies, yet with photos and personal accounts that shine a light on the lives and activities of the highly skilled and largely forgotten personnel of the R&SUs.
The Forgotten Air Force, Air Commodore Henry Probert, Brassey’s, 1995
Absolutely essential reading for anyone interested in the use of air power in South East Asia, 1941-1945. An excellent study of air operations, set in the political and military context of the time. Buy it.
Over Hell and High Water, Leslie Parsons, Woodfield Publishing, 2001
After navigating Lancasters over Europe, Les joined 99 in Dhubalia flying Liberators for his second tour. Les then moved with the Squadron to the Cocos Islands, flying long distances on supply drops to guerillas and POWs. A very readable account.
Survival of the Fortunate, John McCredie, Publishing Solutions, Victoria, Aus. 2004
W/O J D McCredie DFC served as an RAAF pilot with 99 Squadron during the early Liberator years. This book is an account of his times written in the form of letters to his daughter. Now becoming difficult to get and commensurately expensive.....I may still have a few copies for sale. Interested? Contact me.
Operation Pharos, Ken Rosam, Woodfield Publishing, 2001
A good account of the history of the Cocos Islands, but mainly devoted to the development of the Islands as the most forward Allied air base in South East Asia, and the 11 Squadrons that flew from it. Recommended.
Wellington at War, Chaz Bowyer, Ian Allen Ltd, 1982
Anyone with an interest in the cloth-covered bomber would be wise to buy this book. Many personal accounts, and a host of photographs, many of 99 Squadron, often courtesy of the indomitable Norman Didwell.
Eyes for the Phoenix, Geoffrey J Thomas, Hikoki Publications, 1999
Excellent study of aerial photo reconnaissance operations in South East Asia, which was often the sole source of intelligence on Japanese movements and intentions. Full of photos (as you might imagine!) and drawings. A wonderful tribute to an oft-forgotten aspect of the Forgotten War.
Tales by Japanese Soldiers, Tamayama and Nunneley, Cassell Military Papaperbacks 2000
A view from the other side - sixty two personal tales in chronological sequence from victory to rout. Well worth a read.
Reaping the Whirlwind, Nigel Cawthorne, D&C 2007
Another view from the other side, this time including anecdotes from the European theatre as well as the Far East.
Burma Liberators, Gwynne-Timothy, Next Level Press 1991
A history of the B-24 Squadrons of the RAF, with an intro by 99’s Wing Commander Lucien Ercolani. The definitive account of Libs in SEAC.
Flights of the Forgotten, Merrick, Arms and Armour Press 1989
Special Duties Operations in WW2 in Europe, the Balkans and the Far East. The Lib featured prominently in SD Ops in the Far East, alongside Lysanders and Dakotas.
The Bamboo Workshop, R.S. Sansome, Merlin Books, 1995
This is the only publication that I’ve found so far that deals with the Repair and Salvage Units in India, 1941-
The Forgotten Air Force, Air Commodore Henry Probert, Brassey’s, 1995
Absolutely essential reading for anyone interested in the use of air power in South East Asia, 1941-
Over Hell and High Water, Leslie Parsons, Woodfield Publishing, 2001
After navigating Lancasters over Europe, Les joined 99 in Dhubalia flying Liberators for his second tour. Les then moved with the Squadron to the Cocos Islands, flying long distances on supply drops to guerillas and POWs. A very readable account.
Survival of the Fortunate, John McCredie, Publishing Solutions, Victoria, Aus. 2004
W/O J D McCredie DFC served as an RAAF pilot with 99 Squadron during the early Liberator years. This book is an account of his times written in the form of letters to his daughter. Now becoming difficult to get and commensurately expensive.....I may still have a few copies for sale. Interested? Contact me.
Operation Pharos, Ken Rosam, Woodfield Publishing, 2001
A good account of the history of the Cocos Islands, but mainly devoted to the development of the Islands as the most forward Allied air base in South East Asia, and the 11 Squadrons that flew from it. Recommended.
Wellington at War, Chaz Bowyer, Ian Allen Ltd, 1982
Anyone with an interest in the cloth-
Eyes for the Phoenix, Geoffrey J Thomas, Hikoki Publications, 1999
Excellent study of aerial photo reconnaissance operations in South East Asia, which was often the sole source of intelligence on Japanese movements and intentions. Full of photos (as you might imagine!) and drawings. A wonderful tribute to an oft-
Tales by Japanese Soldiers, Tamayama and Nunneley, Cassell Military Papaperbacks 2000
A view from the other side -
Reaping the Whirlwind, Nigel Cawthorne, D&C 2007
Another view from the other side, this time including anecdotes from the European theatre as well as the Far East.
Burma Liberators, Gwynne-
A history of the B-
Flights of the Forgotten, Merrick, Arms and Armour Press 1989
Special Duties Operations in WW2 in Europe, the Balkans and the Far East. The Lib featured prominently in SD Ops in the Far East, alongside Lysanders and Dakotas.