This book traces the achievements of the pilots flying the iconic Spitfire in Northwest Europe, and examines how the steady technological improvements that were made throughout the Spitfire’s service life improved its capabilities in the air. Based at airfields throughout southern England, Merlin engine Spitfires provided the bulk of the air cover for the D-Day landings and it was an RCAF Spitfire which claimed the first ever ME 262 jet kill. 36 colour profiles covering a broad spectrum of nationalities, units, pilots, theatres and markings complement thorough research throughout this comprehensive account of these crucial fighter aircraft.
By:
Andrew Thomas (Author)
Illustrated by:
Chris Thomas (Author)
Imprint: Osprey Publishing
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Volume: 122
Dimensions:
Height: 248mm,
Width: 184mm,
Spine: 7mm
Weight: 307g
ISBN: 9781782003380
ISBN 10: 178200338X
Series: Aircraft of the Aces
Pages: 96
Publication Date: 20 May 2012
Audience:
General/trade
,
Professional and scholarly
,
ELT Advanced
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Chapter 1 Background to 2nd TAF and description of initial victories by Merlin-engined Spitfires in 1944 via personal accounts /Chapter 2 Fighter operations from UK up to D-Day, and operations during the invasion. /Chapter 3 Operations over France, Belgium and Holland in advance to German border up to end of 1944 /Chapter 4 Fighter operations during the advance through Germany to the final surrender, including successful combats against Luftwaffe jets /Chapter 5 Last operations and victories by Merlin Spitfire aces, followed by occupation duties /Appendices - Merlin Spitfire Aces 1944-45 - Aces with some Merlin-Spitfire claims 1944-45 - Aces who flew, but did not claim on Merlin Spitfires 1944-45 - Merlin-engined Spitfire Sqns of 2nd TAF and ADGB 1944-45 - Colour Profile captions
Andrew Thomas joined the RAF to fly straight from school and he has maintained his enthusiastic interest in the history and development of the Service from which he has recently retired. Specialising in the history of the RAF and the Commonwealth Air Forces, he has previously published more than a dozen volumes in the Osprey Aircraft of the Aces series. Chris Thomas has had profile illustrations published in Air Enthusiast, Aeroplane Monthly, Flypast and Le Fana de l’Aviation. He also illustrated the 2nd Tactical Air Force series with more than 90 profiles of the various types employed by that force.
Reviews for Spitfire Aces of Northwest Europe 1944-45
This book is yet again what one comes to expect from the Osprey 'Aces' series. A well-written narrative of this particular part of the War, interspersed with many stories about individual aces (many in their own words). All this is complemented by nicely-done color plates, lots of good photos, and a few useful appendices. IPMS/USA
