The Cinderella Service

Brief Summary

The book The Cinderella Service by Andrew Hendrie delves into the critical yet often underappreciated role that the Royal Air Force (RAF) Coastal Command played during World War II. It explores their strategic operations focused on anti-submarine and anti-shipping missions. Despite being overshadowed by other branches such as Fighter and Bomber Commands, Coastal Command's efforts were pivotal to the Allies' success. Through detailed analysis, first-hand accounts, and comprehensive appendices, Hendrie paints a thorough picture of their contributions to the war effort.

Main Themes and Topics

The primary themes in The Cinderella Service revolve around recognition and contribution. The book highlights how Coastal Command was often disregarded in terms of recognition, equipment, and prioritization, yet it demonstrated an exemplary wartime record. The focus on anti-submarine warfare in the Atlantic and anti-shipping operations illuminates the strategic aspects and challenges faced by Coastal Command. The inclusion of numerous first-hand accounts adds a personal dimension to the operational narratives, emphasizing both the human and tactical elements of war.

Writing Style and Tone

Andrew Hendrie employs a comprehensive and detailed writing style to ensure a thorough examination of RAF Coastal Command's activities. The tone is factual and informative, aiming to educate and inform the reader about the significant yet overlooked contributions of Coastal Command. His approach involves meticulous research and the use of extensive appendices, which provides depth and authority to the historical account presented in the book.

Criticism

While The Cinderella Service is praised for bringing attention to a neglected part of military history, some readers may find the extensive technical details and exhaustive lists in the appendices somewhat daunting. The focus on factual detail may also surpass the casual reader's interest, as those looking for a more narrative-driven account may find the dense information overwhelming. However, for military enthusiasts and history buffs, the depth and thoroughness of Hendrie’s work are likely to be appreciated.