Books about 97 Squadron

In this section are a number of books that have a connection with 97 Squadron, either because thay have been written by former members of the Squadron or because they are about the Squadron.

The Withered Garland - Reflections and Doubts of a Bomber

This book is the autobiography of Group Captain Peter Johnson DSO OBE DFC AFC, who was the last wartime Commanding Officer of 97 Squadron. He served with the Squadron from October 1944 to May 1945, having previously completed a tour of operations as CO of 49 Squadron. In addition, he served in various other capacities in Bomber Command from the beginning of the war, having been recalled from the reserve.

The Best Twelve Years

The Best Twelve Years is an autobiographical account of a Halton apprentice who became a Flight Engineer and began operational flying with 61 Squadron before joining 97 Squadron in May 1944. By the end of 1944 Peter Gould had completed a double Pathfinders tour of 45 operations.

Moving to Transport Command after the war, he was involved in flight-testing some of the technology that has now become standard aviation equipment, and travelled to RAF stations in a dozen countries during the diminishing years of the British Empire.

This is an excellent book detailing Peter's many experiences both in the RAF and of life in general.

Copies of the book (priced at £9.99) can be ordered from Trafford Publishing at http://trafford.com/05-0421

Achieve Your Aim - The History of 97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron in the Second World War

Written by the Hon Historian of the 97 Squadron Association, this book provides the definitive account of the Squadron's activities during the Second World War.

You can order direct from the publishers - Woodfield Publishing, Babsham Lane, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO21 5EL-UK. The price is £15 plus £3.50 for postage and packing to the UK. Outside the UK the postage is shown on "The Association" page. The ISBN number is 1-903953-97-9.

You can also order via the Woodfield Publishing website www.woodfieldpublishing.com

Or you can telephone Woodfield Publishing (from the UK) on 01243 821234.