The novel, Queen's Airman – The Bomber Days, is written during the time when the true nature of the ‘Cold War‘ became apparent and Britain’s vulnerable position became better understood.

The acquisition by Russia of nuclear weapons and the uncertainties in the alliance between Britain and the U.S.A. together with the realignment between Russia and China imposed severe strains on Britain, a country still recovering from the privations experienced during World War 2.

America’s ambivalent feelings towards a Britain, still seen as a colonial power, meant that the British Government felt obliged to make preparations to once more stand alone.

The novel therefore unfolds against a background of an air force, which is undergoing major changes both in equipment and personnel. A major leap forward is demanded in both technology and skills, a situation that the older more traditional air force has difficulty in accommodating.

Shortcomings are filled by whatever means are available and recruits some with questionable backgrounds are inducted into a special unit located within Bomber Command. Such a unit did exist and the author served on the unit for a period of five years. Rumours of what went on within the unit were legion within the air force and several of its personnel were killed in suspicious circumstances.

A further factor which had a great influence on the success of the ‘V‘ Force, Britain’s first nuclear deterrent, was the high calibre of people inducted into the service by national service. Many of these people had their service deferred to complete their education and were recent graduates and so the technical ranks were populated by young scientists, draughtsman, architects and even classical scholars.

The formation and deployment of the ‘V‘Force must stand as one of Britain’s greatest achievements one, which all those that served over a ten-year period are justly proud.

All the books in the Queen's Airman series follow the fictional character Hugh Thomas as he rises through the air force ranks whilst employed on secret duties. Claimed by the security services from an early age.