A Rear Gunner's Story of Love, Hope and Courage in World War II
by
Night Madness chronicles the incredible story of Ron Pyves, a teenage tail-gunner who fought over the war-torn skies of Europe in the last months of World War II. For over 30 harrowing missions, Ron and his crew flew deep into the heart of Europe, pushing Hitler's military back into the Rhineland. Despite skies dark with Messerschmitts and anti-aircraft flak, they returned back to bomber base in England, only to face another fight, night after night.
Ron first noticed the single-engine fighter about 1,200 feet dead astern but just below him. It was rapidly closing in for the kill. Ron knew intuitively that immediate action was necessary. He shouted into the intercom to warn the pilot. Bob took immediate evasive action putting the plane into a steep corkscrew dive to port. No training could adequately simulate the rush of adrenalin experienced when an airman's life was really on the line.
Ron's greatest fear was that his guns might jam again. As Bob pointed the nose into the dive, Ron fired 200 rounds at the attacking fighter. He used deflection shooting to anticipate where the enemy aircraft would be as it closed in on them.
READ MOREWhile Ron engaged the fighter, Bill, the mid-upper gunner, kept a watchful eye for the possibility of a second enemy aircraft, which might approach from a different direction. Suddenly the fighter broke away at a range of less than 1,000 feet without having fired a shot. The German pilot decided to find easier prey. Ron noticed his hands were shaking and no matter what he did he couldn't stop his fingers from trembling.
COLLAPSEPatricia Burns, author of They Were So Young wrote:5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping story of love and war
"Night Madness is a terrific story of a Canadian WW2 Rear Gunner who flew for the Allies. His journey gets more interesting when it's intertwined with the love story of a woman back home. What makes the story gripping is that it's true, and the love letters between the two are poignant and reveal the history of the time. Impeccably researched, Rick Pyves paints realistic images of wartime life, obstacles, and adventures. I highly recommend it!"
"Night Madness captures the spirit of the times - the youthful bravado and honest fear of the aircrew as they fly on their combat missions to bring the war to Germany. Richard Pyves has also brought a love story to light in a beautiful tale of devotion, hope and courage."