Wild Blue Yonder

by Martin Bowman

Published 13 March 2003
'Two nations divided by a common language': this was never more true than in 1942 when the first American airmen arrived in the UK. Young Americans were puzzled, amazed and often exasperated by the mysteries of British speech, food, manners - and plumbing. The British were equally surprised by American ways. Martin Bowman has interviewed hundreds of veterans, from decorated pilots to British civilians who, as children, were entertained on US bases and have never forgotten the forging of an enduring alliance. From comic cultural misunderstandings to terrifying stories of the bomber missions over Germany, this is our last chance to hear first-hand from the men of the 8th Air Force and the friends they made in Britain.