Roger Freeman passed away on October 7.

[Zemke Fan]

Gentlemen and Ladies:

I can find no mention in other threads of the fact that one of our beloved WWII aviation historians -- Roger Freeman -- passed away on October 7, 2005. Freeman, 77, was a prolific author who spent a quarter century researching his first and most important book, "The Mighty Eighth."

A brief obituary can be found here.

Quoting from the obit: His enthusiasm for aircraft was ignited when a number of airfields were built in his local area, one of them (Boxted, in June 1943) next to the Freeman farm. Long-range escort fighters flew from Boxted, and the Freemans were given permission to carry out haymaking and other agricultural activities on the airfield. Roger delighted in raking hay while surrounded by the hefty Thunderbolt long-range fighters of the 56th Fighter Group, known as the "Wolf Pack", which provided escort for the armada of bombers.

My own personal favorite was the book that Freeman co-wrote with Hub Zemke, "Zemke's Wolfpack."

Roger Freeman will be missed by all of us who read his books and remember the gallant days about which he wrote so eloquently. Rest in peace, Roger!

 

[MikeyB17]

Yes, I only found out about this a few days ago-I was amazed his death wasn't more widely publicised. I have several of his books (including 'Zemke's Stalag' his account of his time as a POW). I spent years trying to track down a full set of his 'Mighty Eighth' series-the 'War Manual' eluded me for ages. He was indisputably the foremost expert on the USAAF in the UK in WWII-he'll be sadly missed. RIP Roger-thanks for all the information and entertainment you gave me, and many others.

MB17

 

[locobuster]

Mr. Freeman set the standard by which all other aviation writers will be judged for decades to come. I had the pleasure of briefly meeting him in Savannah, GA while I was attending the 20th Fighter Group reunion. He was just arriving for the 8th Air Force reunion, which was to start the next day in the same hotel. Even after the long trip over he was quite jovial and willing to give of his time. I wish I wouldn't have been in such a hurry there were many things I would have liked to ask him....

 

[PADDY]

Rest in Peace on Cloud Nine, Roger

Roger was the bench-mark that others tried to match when it came to writing about the USAAF (Namely, the 8th). You forget that these guys grow old too, as often to me, they are timeless and ageless and comes as a shock when you hear of their passing!

We salute you sir for all the work and knowledge you have brought to us who care. Let's hope that others might now take up your baton.