Attack Alarm

Attack Alarm is a World War II thriller written by Hammond Innes in 1941 during his service as an anti-aircraft gunner at RAF Kenley during the Battle of Britain. The story centers on a former Fleet Street journalist who now serves in an anti-aircraft battery during the intense air battles of 1940. While defending Britain against German air raids, he uncovers signs of a possible ground-based threat that could pose an even greater danger to the nation's security. The novel combines military action at an RAF base with elements of espionage and suspense, drawing on Innes' first-hand experience of serving at a gun emplacement during the height of the German air assault on Britain. Set against the backdrop of one of Britain's most critical wartime periods, Attack Alarm explores themes of loyalty, vigilance, and the complex nature of threats faced by a nation at war.

Readers note that Attack Alarm captures the tense atmosphere of WWII air combat and radar stations in Britain. The book delivers a personal perspective on radar operators' experiences rather than focusing on technical details. Liked: - Aviation sequences and technical accuracy - First-hand knowledge of radar operations - Period authenticity from 1941 publication date - Fast pacing in later chapters Disliked: - Slow start with extensive setup - Some outdated dialogue and expressions - Romance subplot feels forced - Limited character development Ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (21 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.2/5 (6 ratings) One reader described it as "a unique time capsule of wartime Britain through the eyes of someone who lived it." Another noted it "reads more like a documentary than a thriller." Several reviews mentioned the book's value as a historical record of early radar development, though modern readers found some sections hard to follow due to dated terminology.

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🔹 Hammond Innes wrote "Attack Alarm" while actively serving at a gun-site in 1941, typing the manuscript between air raids during his night shifts. 🔹 The Battle of Britain, which serves as the novel's backdrop, was the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces, lasting from July to October 1940. 🔹 Before becoming an author, Innes worked as a journalist for the Financial News (now Financial Times), similar to his protagonist's background in Fleet Street. 🔹 Anti-aircraft gunners during WWII faced the challenging task of targeting aircraft flying at speeds up to 350 mph and altitudes of 20,000 feet, using mechanical calculating devices. 🔹 The novel is among the earliest works of fiction to portray the Battle of Britain from a ground perspective, predating many other famous WWII novels.