The British Isles is littered with the more familiar historic landmarks of the Second World War such as Pillboxes, Beach defences, anti-tank obstacles etc. However very few, unless an enthusiast or keen walker would know just how many and how much of crashed aircraft lay in situ upon the land.

The book concentrates upon some 500 odd crash sites that are upon publically accessible land, and they are listed by geographic location. Each crash site is listed with the much needed grid references and what the visitor can expect to find. In many cases the pieces remaining are substantial given the passage of time and the market for such wartime relics. In addition there is information given on the plane type, the fate of the crew and other ancillary information that helps fill out the experience the walker will encounter upon reaching these sites.

Each listed geographic region also includes a general map showing the position of each crash site, so one can easily plan a walk that can encompass more than one site.

There are a few appendices, the most interesting being the one showing manufacturer’s stamps, of the type one might find upon the various relics at the sites. The bibliography and sources are full and complete, and will provide a useful tool for those looking for more information.

This isn’t a book to read as such, but a reference tool on which to plan your days activities out walking. I can see myself and my children visiting some of these sites that are nearby and to that end I would have liked the authors to have included some rating system to show how difficult the walk to the site is, either for a novice or a more experienced walker.

(Reviewed by Andy H)
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.