Damned Good Show

Derek Robinson's 2002 war novel follows RAF Bomber Command during the early years of World War II, centered on the crews who flew dangerous night missions over Germany. The story tracks both veteran pilot Skull Skelton and new airmen as they navigate the brutal realities of aerial warfare in their Handley Page Hampden bombers. The narrative captures the technical and human challenges faced by RAF crews, from equipment limitations to the psychological toll of repeated missions. Operations unfold through the perspective of pilots and commanders who must execute increasingly difficult raids while grappling with mounting losses. Like Robinson's other RAF novels, this work balances historical accuracy with stark realism about the costs of war. The book serves as both a military chronicle and an examination of how ordinary people cope with extraordinary circumstances during wartime.

Readers appreciate Robinson's detailed research into RAF Bomber Command operations during 1939-1941, with many noting his ability to blend technical accuracy with human drama. Several reviewers highlight the authentic portrayal of aircrew experiences and the dark humor that pervades the narrative. Likes: - Accurate period details and aircraft operations - Complex, believable characters - Balance of tragedy and humor - Portrayal of early war uncertainty Dislikes: - Multiple character viewpoints can be hard to follow - Some find the pacing slow in the middle sections - Technical jargon occasionally overwhelming for non-aviation readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.14/5 (226 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (98 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Captures the futility and waste of early bombing operations" - Goodreads reviewer "The characters feel real - no Hollywood heroes here" - Amazon reviewer "Takes time to get into but rewards patience" - LibraryThing review

Piece of Cake by Derek Robinson A RAF fighter squadron faces the realities of combat during the early days of World War II through dark humor and unflinching portrayals of loss.

The Hunters by James Salter The story follows F-86 pilots during the Korean War as they pursue aerial victories while confronting mortality and meaning in combat.

Flight of the Intruder by Stephen Coonts A naval aviator flies dangerous missions over Vietnam while wrestling with the futility and purpose of war.

A Game of Eagles by William W. Johnstone German and British pilots clash in aerial combat during World War I while maintaining a code of honor amid increasing brutality.

Wings of War by Jeffrey L. Ethell First-hand accounts from B-17 bomber crews detail their missions, losses, and survival during World War II bombing campaigns.

✈️ Before becoming a novelist, Derek Robinson served in the Royal Air Force during the 1950s, lending authenticity to his military aviation writing 🛩️ The Handley Page Hampden bomber featured in the book had a cramped fuselage nicknamed the "flying suitcase," with conditions so tight that gunners could barely move in their positions ⚔️ RAF Bomber Command suffered the highest casualty rate of any British unit in WWII, losing 44% of its airmen - 55,573 of the 125,000 who served 📚 Robinson caused controversy with some of his earlier works, particularly "Goshawk Squadron," for its anti-romantic view of WWI aerial combat, though it was shortlisted for the Booker Prize 🎖️ The early bombing raids described in the book were often ineffective, with a 1941 survey revealing that only 20% of RAF bombers got within 5 miles of their intended targets