Elmer Bendiner

The Fall of Fortresses Elmer Bendiner

'A shining accomplishment. A classic' New York Times

'Ranks among the outstanding air memoirs of the war' Max Hastings



On an August morning in England in 1943, a group of American airmen were told that before the day was out they would deliver the blow that would win the war.

Flying the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress, their mission was to destroy the industrial facilities that kept the Nazi war machine in business - Schweinfurt's ball-bearing factories.

But a determined and ferocious defense awaited the bomber crews of the USAAF's Mighty 8th.

Somehow, Navigator Elmer Bendiner and his crew survived, their faithful B-17, Tondelayo, carrying them home. Hundreds of their young compatriots did not.

Vivid, powerful and often viscerally engaging, The Fall of Fortresses is a stunning testament to the skill, courage and sacrifice of the men who fought in WWII's deadliest campaign.



'An enduring classic' Daily Beast

'Exceptional. It'll stay with you long after you've turned the last page' Rowland White

'Masterly and moving' Sunday Telegraph