London 1917–18
This book explores the aerial campaign against the British capital, and the birth of the Royal Air Force.
On a sunny May afternoon in 1917, the peace of an English seaside town was shattered when a flight of German Gotha bombers appeared without warning. Twenty-three Gothas had set out to attack London in this first bomber raid, but heavy cloud forced them to target Folkestone and the Shorncliffe army camp instead. It was the start of a new phase of the war aimed at destroying the morale of the British people. London's defences were quickly overhauled to face this new threat, providing the basis for Britain's defence during World War II.
German heavy bombers successfully raided London on 17 separate occasions during World War I. In total just over 200 aircraft reached the city between 13 June 1917 and 20 May 1918. This book tells the story of the Gotha and the massive Staaken 'Giant' bomber raids against London.
Ian Castle has lived in London all his life, and in this, his latest book for Osprey he combines his passion for military history with a fascination for the history of the city. This book completes the story of the city’s first blitz that he began in London 1914-17 – The Zeppelin Menace. Ian has been writing for Osprey for almost 20 years; his earlier books have focused on his other great interests - the Napoleonic Wars and Britain’s 19th-century wars in southern Africa.
Christa Hook began her illustrating career in 1986, after studying under her father Richard Hook. Her work has featured extensively in the worlds of publishing and television and, having illustrated over 30 Osprey titles, she has established herself as one of their most popular artists. Her illustrations combine the historian's attention to detail with the artist's sense of drama and atmosphere, and they are sought after by collectors worldwide. Christa lives and works in East Sussex, England.