DAMBUSTER-in-CHIEF

New copy of ‘Dambuster-in-Chief’ with a card laid in signed by

Air Chief Marshal Sir Ralph Cochrane GCB KBE AFC

Signed card measuring 15 x 10 cm

Pen & Sword First Edition 2020. 309 pages and well illustrated with photos.

Very Fine condition hardback book with similar condition dustjacket. As new and unread. The card is laid into the book, not attached.

This book is a crisp, engaging portrait of Air Chief Marshal Sir Ralph Cochrane ideal for readers who enjoy the human stories behind aviation history.

Ralph Cochrane was born in 1895 into a distinguished naval family. After joining the Royal Navy, he volunteered in 1915 to serve with the RNAS in airships and was an early winner of the Air Force Cross. In 1918 he transferred to the fledgling RAF and learned to fly, serving in Iraq as a flight commander under ‘Bomber’ Harris. His inter-war career saw him as a squadron commander in Aden before he became the first Chief of Air Staff of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

During the Second World War he served mainly in Bomber Command and commanded 5 Group from early 1943. He formed 617 Squadron and was instrumental in planning the legendary Dambuster Raid in May 1943, as well as the sinking of the battleship Tirpitz. An inspirational leader, he trained 5 Group in low level target marking skills.

Post war, Cochrane held a string of senior appointments commanding Transport Command, Flying Training Command and finally as Vice-Chief of the Air Staff, retiring in 1952. He died in 1977.

A well research biography of an inspirational leader and airman complete with  a very scarce signature for any Dambusters collection.