Dawson, Paul L. Wings over Italy

The Story of Flight Sergeant Dennis Varey and 260 Squadron from El Alamein to the Liberation of Europe

In October 1941, 19-year-old Dennis Varey volunteered for the RAF, even though he was employed as an engineer in a reserved occupation. The bombing of his hometown had prompted him to fight back. After basic training, he became an observer in December 1941 and in June 1942 he was accepted for pilot training under the Empire Air Training Scheme. He completed his training in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and then moved to Cairo before joining the Italian campaign. Dennis took part in Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France, in 1944. While the Allies fought in Normandy, Dennis flew missions in support of the landings, providing air support and ground attacks. After his promotion to Flight Sergeant, he continued to fly over Italy, Crete and the Balkans until he was shot down by a Messerschmitt Bf 109. Wounded and captured, Dennis escaped from captivity and returned to his unit before later being transferred home to train prospective pilots. This book tells the story of Dennis and his comrades of 260 Squadron, whose multinational crew supported important battles in North Africa and Europe. Using letters, diaries and eyewitness accounts, it highlights the sacrifices made by these young men, many of whom never returned or were changed forever by their experiences.