In The Nick of Time

Air Sea Rescue World War II
ISBN 1-903953-12-X
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by Nick Berryman
The experiences of an RAF pilot with 276 (Air Sea Rescue) Squadron in WW2.

Illustrated with numerous historic photographs this enjoyable memoir provides a useful insight into the activities of the coastal air sea rescue squadrons of the RAF during the Second World War.

Based at Warmwell near Dorchester on the Dorset coast, No. 276 (Air Sea Rescue) Squadron was tasked with locating and rescuing Allied airmen whose aircraft had ditched in the English Channel.

In the course of his duties with the squadron Nick Berryman flew Boulton Paul Defiant and Supermarine Walrus and Spitfire aircraft in an ASR role and his recollections of the many incidents in which he was involved give an illuminating insight into the important role of the wartime ASR squadrons, who were collectively responsible for saving the lives of hundreds of Allied aircrew.

Aside from his airborne escapades, off-duty activities with RAF pals, youthful romantic entanglements and much else is entertainingly described in an easy-going style that is always enjoyable to read, making this an agreeable autobiographical account that can be appreciated by readers of all ages.

In his latter years  Nick Berryman was a well-known figure at Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, located at the edge  of what was formerly RAF Tangmere, near Chichester in West Sussex, the World War II airfield once commanded by legendary wartime flying ace Douglas Bader, whose exploits were depicted in the film Reach for the Sky. In his role as chairman, Nick greeted many thousands of visitors  to the museum and showed them around its exhibits, taking particular pride in informing them that he had once been a Spitfire pilot himself.

A charming man, with a twinkle in his eye,  he is fondly remembered by all who knew him.

details softback | 140 x 205 mm | 200 pages | b/w photos
genre biography | military history | true war and combat stories | air forces and warfare
keywords RAF, World War 2, Air Sea Rescue