Books written by Norman Franks

Mannock: The Life and Death of Major Edward Mannock VC, DSO, MC, RAF

Maclanachan had just returned to his hut after the evening meal, when Mannock and Bob Hall entered. Mannock, according to Mac, took up a comfortable position against the door post and said: 'You're for the high jump tomorrow.' 'How?
Red Baron's Last Flight: An In-Depth Investigation into what Really Happened on the Day Von Richthofen was Shot Down

There have been many theories, articles and books concerning exactly what took place but all previous accounts have been overshadowed by this groundbreaking book. Here is the definitive answer to one of history's most compelling mysteries.
Ton-Up Lancs: A Photographic History of the Thirty-Five RAF Lancasters that Each Completed One Hundred Sorties

... Mulligan out 31 May 0019-0402 TERGNIER WCT L Bingham-Hall DFC Sgt. R V Dickerson (N) (DFC) FO H C Cavenagh (DFC) Sgt H R Walker FO J E Scrivener (DFC) FS C R Alcock (DFC) FS G R Green (DFM) 6 June 0258-0605 LONGUES BATTERY SL H F ...
SE 5/5a Aces of World War I

These were engaged by Capt G G Bell and Lt C D B Green, flying SE 5as, and during the fight that followed, the former fired 20 rounds into a Siemens-Schuckert Scout, ... Lt L Hamilton DFC also claimed two of his six successes in it.
The Fallen Few of the Battle of Britain

Round came from Netherton Dudley, Worcs, was 27, son of John H & Mrs Beatrice E Round, of Netherton. Digby-Worsley came from Hornsey, Middlesex, aged 18, adopted son of Inez G Digby-Worsley. Want was 28. 17.20 P/O J A P Studd RAF 66 Sqn ...
Beyond Courage: Air Sea Rescue by Walrus Squadrons in the Adriatic, Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Seas 1942–1945

Lieutenant L Sauer, a South African, reported over the R/T that his aircraft had been hit by ground fire and he was losing engine power. He nursed his crippled fighter (FT954) towards home but half way across the Adriatic he had to bale ...
Dog Fight: Aerial Tactics of the Aces of World War I

Based on the author's personal correspondence with a number of WWI fighter pilots and aces, and drawing on published contemporary memoirs, this is an authoritative and lively history that serves as a captivating tribute to the brave pilots ...
Bloody April 1917: An Exciting Detailed Analysis of One of the Deadliest Months in WWI

Here is a day-by-day, blow-by-blow account of these losses, profusely illustrated with original photographs and expertly told. “A highly detailed work that is meticulously peppered with eyewitness testimony, quality research, original ...
RAF Fighter Pilots Over Burma

This new book, from respected military historian and author Norman Franks, attempts to redress the balance, noting the importance of this particular aerial conflict within the wider context of the Second World War.Franks takes as his focus ...
American Aces of World War 1

As this volume details, the first American trained pilot to become an ace was Lt Douglas Campbell, who shot down five German aircraft by the end of May 1918.
Flying Among Heroes: The Story of Squadron Leader T.S.C. Cooke

Both men received the DFC for their bravery. While their story is not totally unique, their adventures and courage make this tale akin to an adventure novel.
Coastal Command's Air War Against the German U-Boats: Rare Photographs From Wartime Archives

This book summarises the story of how RAF Coastal Command overcame the German U-boat danger during the Second World War and how the escalation of the U-boat war promoted the development of anti-submarine warfare, leading to victory over ...
The Lancaster: Claims to Fame

The Lancaster: Claims to Fame
Fokker D VII Aces of World War 1: (part 1)

Designed in a great rush at the end of 1917 just in time to take part in the German standard fighter competition held in January/February 1918, the D VII easily walked away with first prize.
Dog Fight: Aerial Tactics of the Aces of World War I

Based on the author's personal correspondence with a number of WWI fighter pilots and aces, and drawing on published contemporary memoirs, this is an authoritative and lively history that serves as a captivating tribute to the brave pilots ...
In the Footsteps of the Red Baron

Richthofen had destroyed 80 allied aircraft, the highest score of any fighter pilot during the First World War. This book is divided into three sectors of the WWI front line in which von Richthofen operated.
Forever Strong

Details the complete history of 75 Squadron, from its beginnings in 1916 right up to the present day.
Veteran Lancs: A Photographic Record of the 35 RAF Lancasters that Each Completed One Hundred Sorties

This book covers the history of these 35 incredible Lancasters, featuring many photographs of both aircraft and crew members drawn together in an effort to create a photographic record of these veterans.
Black September 1918: WWI’s Darkest Month in the Air

This book analyzes the daily events throughout September with the use of lists of casualties and claims from both sides.
Tally Ho!: From the Battle of Britain to the Defence of Darwin

A memoir of the life and World War II service of Battle of Britain veteran, RAF fighter pilot Bob Foster. Bob Foster's flying years began shortly before WWII, when he learned to fly with the RAFVR.