China Airlift - "The Hump"

BREWER, JAMES F. [EDITED BY]

Publication: Taylor Publishing Co, 1981, Dallas

First edition, second printing. 4to. Limited edition of 1,000 copies. Black cloth, front cover design and titles printed in silver on front cover and spine, pictorial front and rear endpapers, 596 pp., foreword, preface, profusely illustrated in both color and black & white, portraits, maps, facsimiles, index, association "known" personnel. A silver Hump Pilots Association emblem embossed on the front cover. One of the lesser-known stories of World War II was also one of the most dangerous. It involved flying "The Hump." For a period of more than three years a force of mostly Americans flew thousands of tons of supplies from India over the Himalayas into China. These flights were indispensable to China’s fight against the Japanese, but the cost was also tremendous. No fewer than 700 allied planes crashed or were shot down and over 1,200 airmen killed. With a one in three chance of being killed it was one of the deadliest operations of the war. This is a very human account told by the men who flew the Hump. There are sections devoted to bailouts and crash landings, rescue missions, the challenges flying in generally deplorable weather with few navigational landmarks, the aircraft used and the characteristics of each plane, and the history of the Hump Pilots Association. Of particular merit, is the 242-page section in which the airmen relate a wide range of their personal experiences. Fine, bright copy of an important World War II book.

Inventory Number: 52782