Saddened to hear about the passing of one of the most influential history writers of recent times, Martin Middlebrook. Reading his ‘First Day on the Somme’ unlocked my understanding of that campaign, and his approach to telling the story, from the ‘bottom up’, starting with the viewpoint of the individual combatant, greatly influenced my writing technique.
His role in raising awareness of the experiences of Bomber Command crews can not be understated. ‘The Bomber Command War Diaries’ has become the ‘bible’ for anyone researching this aspect of the air war, and his treatment of specific raids (e.g. Peenemünde, Nuremberg) and campaigns (e.g. The Berlin Raids, Hamburg), giving voice to the airmen, and those at the receiving end of the bombing is, in my view, without match. I treasure my signed copy of ‘The Peenemunde Raid’.
Rest in peace Martin Middlebrook. Thank you. You leave us with a masterful and outstanding body of work.
It is very sad to hear of the passing of of Martin Middlebrook. I like a good many others have read and absorbed a great deal of knowledge due to this wonderful historian.
My heart goes out to his family at this time
R.I.P.