The Diary of a RAF Lancaster Bomber Pilot

World War II

By: Les Joy

Narrated by: Les Joy

Leslie Joy flew in World War II for the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a Lancaster Bomber Pilot. In November 2011, at the age of 88, he recorded this audiobook at his home in North Yorkshire, England.

Hear Les tell his very own gripping story about life during and after World War II. Listen to Les recall how he was trained by the RAF as a pilot in Canada, experienced New York City and Chicago as a young man and then how he returned to England to become one of Britain's World War II heroes. Les talks about his all Australian crewmates and their dangerous bombing missions across Germany and Europe. You can almost picture and hear the wartime scenes as Les recounts his missions flying Tiger Moths, Cessna Bobcats, the Oxbox and one of the most famous and best loved wartime fighting aeroplanes, the Lancaster Bomber.

This story is full of love, fun, jeopardy, danger and tragedy. It's a story not to be missed.

©2012 Create Digital Publishing (P)2012 Create Digital Publishing

Verbal recounting of memoirs

The is read by the actual pilot who wrote the book. It is more like he's sitting there telling you the stories personally, rather than someone reading a book. He is a very interesting man who had some interesting experiences and lived to tell about them. Highly recommended!

Excellent Memoir

Would you listen to The Diary of a RAF Lancaster Bomber Pilot again? Why?

Yes. Les Joy tells about his training in Britain and Canada, his travels in wartime America while on leave, and his experiences on bombing missions. He is very personable and hearing his experiences directly from him makes it very special.

What did you like best about this story?

Hearing the story directly narrated by Les Joy himself.

Which character – as performed by Les Joy – was your favorite?

Les Joy

Thank You Les

What about Les Joy’s performance did you like?

It was like sitting down with a veteran, a pint of beer, and talking for hours about the amazing things he's seen, the way it was back then, and getting his personal thoughts on the whole matter. Very off the cuff, and quite entertaining.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and I nearly did. It's a quick listen, perhaps too quick, and I didn't want to stop listening to it.

Any additional comments?

The horror of going up in the Lancaster, and the terrors he experienced was not touched on very much, but this is understandable. It does leave the listening wanting to know more about the raids he participated on, but all is forgiven, and all is appreciated!

Wonderful Story by a Humble Veteran

Loved listening to this humble veteran recount his time in the RAF during WWII. Fact that he narrates his own story is one of the benefits. As one listens it feels as if you are with Joy as he tells his story over a cup of tea or a pint of beer. Listening to Joy one is reminded of the values that have been lost. Humility is one as is respect, especially for one’s elders, which many societies revere for their wisdom.
When Joy speaks of his time 60 years on in a Lancaster his humility is obvious. What I don’t think he realizes is Ollie revered Joy for his exploits in WWII when he flew over hostile territory at night without the navigational aids available today.
Challenging one’s mind and body makes one stronger; conveniences make one weaker despite the arguments that it allows one “to accomplish more”.
Thank you Joy for taking the time to tell your story, share it with us, and of course for your love of country and willingness to serve. I’m sorry for the losses you experienced during the War.