Boom: The Life of Viscount Trenchard, Father of the Royal Air Force
£10.70£23.80 (-55%)
Hugh ‘Boom’ Trenchard was embarrassed by being described as ‘The Father of the Royal Air Force’ – he thought others were more deserving. But the reality was that no man did more to establish the world’s first independent air force and ensure its survival in the teeth of fierce opposition from both the Admiralty and the War Office.
Born in Taunton in 1873, Trenchard struggled at school, not helped by the shame of his solicitor father’s bankruptcy when he was sixteen. He failed entrance examinations to both the Royal Navy and the Army several times, eventually obtaining a commission through the ‘back door’ of the militia. After service in India, South Africa – where he was seriously wounded – and Nigeria, he found his destiny when he joined the fledgling Royal Flying Corps in 1912, where he was soon known as ‘Boom’ thanks to his stentorian voice.
Quick to recognise the huge potential aircraft offered in future conflicts, he rose rapidly to command the RFC in France during the First World War despite handicaps that would have blighted conventional military careers: he was obstinate, tactless, inarticulate and chronically unable to remember names – yet he was able to inspire unflagging loyalty among all ranks.
Despite his conspicuous distrust of politicians, he served as a successful Chief of the Air Staff for a decade after the war and then, at the personal request of the King, took over as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, which he reorganised and reformed. He never wavered in his belief that mastery of the air could only be achieved by relentless offensive action, or in his determined advocacy of strategic bombing. His most enduring legacy was the creation of the finest air force in the world, engendered with the spirit that won the Battle of Britain.
Read more
Additional information
| Publisher | First Edition (14 April 2016), W&N |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 416 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0297871056 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0297871057 |
| Dimensions | 16 x 3.7 x 23.8 cm |
by Jill Bush
This long overdue modern biography of Trenchard is a wonderful read. It’s stuffed full of illuminating anecdotes and is a sympathetic look at the man who inspired thousands but struggled to communicate effectively with his own personal staff. There’s a good deal of nuance added to the familiar stereotype of the aloof, irascible military leader that goes a long way to explaining why we should give men like Trenchard the benefit of the doubt when we judge our war leaders. I read this biography not long before studying the Trenchard archive at the RAF Museum and it’s a good companion that adds insight to the personal papers.
by richard keen
A remarkable man with a remarkable story. Thoroughly recommended.
by Spencer
This book is a well written account of an amazing life. Trenchard comes across as a man unaware of his own brilliance. I applaud the author for making such a complex character and a description of a long and complex career so readable.
by J. Newton
NB the illustrations are at the end of the book. I nearly missed them because you are dumped into a review page before you reach them!!!
by FTM Doyle
Excellent read. A life well lived and well told.
by Key Perspective
An enthralling read which brought the illusive character of ‘Boom’ to life and gave an insight into what the man was really like away from his public image. Thoroughly recommended.
by John Hardy
Very satisfied with the book – thank you.
by Jill Bush
A highly readable book about a remarkable man who, by fighting to keep the RAF from being re-absorbed into the army and navy after WW1, effectively enabled it to win the Battle of Britain and play a significant part in winning WW2. Brilliant book.