The Machine Gunners

Name: The Machine Gunners
Rating: 4.11 (3493 reviews)

by Robert Westall

First published 1975

Amazon

4.1(3,493)

In February 1941, Chas McGill discovers the wreckage of a German bomber near the fictional Tyneside town of Garmouth and removes its working machine gun and ammunition. Determined to build the finest collection of war souvenirs in town, he recruits a group of children to hide the weapon and construct their own fortified position without telling the adults.

Their private war becomes increasingly dangerous when bombing raids, family losses and a surviving German airman force them to reconsider what it means to possess an enemy weapon. The novel follows childhood rivalry turning into responsibility and moral choice during the Blitz. Some bibliographic records and early-edition references hyphenate the title as The Machine-Gunners.