Читать книгу Sherlock's Squadron - The Incredible True Story of the Unsung Heroes of World War Two - Steve Holmes - Страница 6

There are many people I’d like to thank who helped me bring this book to life. I was lucky enough to stumble on a chance meeting with the author Ken Scott and we shared a few beers as I told him about my many years of research and the website I’d pulled together. It was Scotty who first suggested there may be a book in my father’s story. He had previously ‘ghosted’ two World War Two novels, one of which I’d read and had been suitably impressed. I liked his style, the way he brought the characters to life and somehow almost got inside their heads. By the end of the second beer I’d already made my mind up, I wanted to give it a shot.

Ken Scott worked with me for little over four months, I’d like to think we gave it more than a shot and I enjoyed every minute we spent together, especially the Tuesday afternoon ‘research’ lunches with his wife Hayley and his children Callum and Emily. He has taught me much about writing and the book industry and I am more than pleased at what we have produced. From the bottom of my heart Scotty, thanks for being patient and pulling it altogether… one of my lifetime’s achievements.

I would like to say a special thank you to my daughter Kayleigh Louise Holmes for her work and encouragement throughout my time working on this book.

There are many more people to thank and mention, far too many to call. I would however like to say a special thanks to everyone who gave me encouragement and my proof readers and critics too.

My research brought me into contact with the sons and daughters of the men who flew with my dad. It was a humbling experience and at times very emotional. They were more than happy to help with the finer details and character descriptions of their fathers. Judy Vanrenen, Steph Handley, Cathy (Jones) Cameron, Ros (Tammas) Flaxman and Russell and Bev Tickner. I owe you all so much and I’m just more than a little apprehensive that this book reads well to you all, particularly you Judy. Your father may not have appeared to have been the most popular member of the crew but I’m 100% certain he was the most respected and his crew wouldn’t have swapped him for his weight in gold. His skill in bringing that plane down on that final doomed mission undoubtedly saved everyone’s lives and well they knew it, well I know it. I will be forever in debt to ‘Van the Man’ for bringing my father back to Blighty in one piece and allowing me to build such a special relationship with him. I cherished every moment I spent with him… he was my best mate.

And finally to all my researchers, I hope you don’t mind me labelling you with that title. To John Reid, Bruce Gommersall, Bruno Lecaplain, Mike Stimson, Dave Coates, Warren Tickner, Johans Verhagen and Arie-Jan Hees, Sally and Richard Halon… enjoy, my friends!