This book traces the combat history of RAF bomber units during the early years of World War 2. Major aircraft types are all covered, and their day and night time missions are detailed. Aircraft markings and aircrew uniforms are shown in full colour illustrations.

Within the first twenty pages I was struck by the quality of the prose used in this appraisal of Rommel, not surprisingly I discovered it was written over thirty years ago when people on both sides of the Atlantic still knew how to used the English language with the finess of a rapier, as opposed to the generalistic bludgeoning of a club. Lewin is precise and concise in his appraisal of Rommel's abilities as a commander, starting with 7 Panzer in France and going right through the desert to Normandy in 1944. He uses as his notes the Rommel Papers edited by Liddel Hart (another excellent source, this time edited in the 1950s)and I benefitted from reading the two in tandem. No punches are pulled, there is no favouritism towards any flag, but a truly first class analysis of Rommel's, along with his gifts and limitations as a commander. Lewin's honesty and lack of side make this a truly excellent book, lacking in any of the modern obsession with the necessity to produce something sensational or "revelational", concentrating more on a balanced presentation of the truth.