[Talk available remotely online and in person] Focusing on the period 1943 to 1944, Above Us The Stars tells the real-life story of a young Royal Air Force Wireless Operator, Jack Clyde, and his crew, as they engage in perilous strategic bombing operations over Germany at the height of World War 2. The talk explains the historical context of the bombing campaign, and what every day life was like for the young air crews who faced the most horrendous odds. Over 55,000 aircrew were killed during the campaign; a new crew had only a 20% of surviving its first five raids. The talk will also deal with the crucial role of the ground crews and explain how an RAF base operated at the height of the war. Informed by historical documents, a personal connection and a wealth of contemporary photographs, this lecture follows Jack's story and the fate of his crew, and is based upon my recently published book of the same title. This talk may be of interest to military history enthusiasts, local history groups, schools and colleges, WI, U3A, and book groups.
Views: 1809 | Enquiries: 8** ONLINE/REMOTE TALKS AVAILABLE** ** TALKS AVAILABLE OUTSIDE NORTH EAST ENGLAND - ENQUIRE FOR RATES** I grew up in County Durham and have a lifelong passion for the people, places and history of North East England, as well as an obsession with the Second World War. After practicing as a lawyer for 25 years, in 2017 I published my first non-fiction book, The Horsekeeper's Daughter (Matador, 2017), which relates the true story of one of the hundreds of young women who left North East England to forge new lives in Australia via the Single Female Migrant's Scheme in the 1880s. Following the success of The Horsekeeper's Daughter, my second book "Above Us The Stars:10 Squadron Bomber Command - The Wireless Operator's Story" was published in September 2020. In October 2020, I began studying for my Masters Degree in Second World War History.
You can read about my books, my travels and my articles on North East History on my website at www.justcuriousjane.com - history and travel writing with a sense of humour!
I give talks and lectures on a wide variety of historical topics ( see the list on my profile) to local and family history groups, U3A groups, Rotary Clubs, schools and colleges, book groups and Women's Institute Meetings.
I also lecture on writing and publishing for first-time authors.
Reviews for The Horsekeeper's Daughter:
“Wow one of the best books I have read in a long time. Once started I couldn't put it down” Goodreads, 5 stars.
“Absolutely riveting from the first page to the last” Amazon, 5 stars.
“What a lovely historical read with a moving Durham-Queensland connection beautifully told by the little girl who was fascinated with a battered suitcase of old letters and photos. Highly recommended. Can't wait to read more by the author” Amazon, 5 stars.
“Absolutely cracking read, very informative and extremely well researched. A must read ... It has it all, intrigue, tragedy, adventure, excitement and filled with extremely interesting facts.” Amazon, 5 stars.
“A wonderful story of true dedication to wanting to have a better life . The dedication showed by the author in writing this book shows we have a up and coming writer and well worth looking out for.” Amazon, 5 stars.
“Beautifully written and extremely informative. A fascinating insight into life at the turn of the 20th century. Well worth reading.” Amazon, 5 stars.
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