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Malta Spitfire Aces

Malta Spitfire Aces

Aircraft of the Aces 83

Author: Steve Nichols
Illustrator: Steve Nichols
Short code: ACE 83
Publication Date: 10 Sep 2008
ISBN: 9781846033056
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 96

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About this Product

The siege of Malta during World War II is one of the great epics of aerial warfare. Described in 1942 as both a 'fighter pilot's paradise' and 'the most bombed place on earth', Malta suffered 154 consecutive days and nights of bombing, 100 nights more that London suffered during the Blitz. The destruction of Axis convoys by Malta-based aircraft proved to be one of the decisive factors in the defeat of Rommel's forces in North Africa. This vital position would have been lost if it had not been for the successful defence of the island by a handful of greatly outnumbered Royal Air Force fighter squadrons. This book details the heroic story of the Spitfire Aces based on Malta. Drawn from an international team of Australians, British, Canadians, New Zealanders, Rhodesians and South Africans these pilots fought against extreme deprivation, physical hardships and overwhelming odds in one of the most crucial and decisive air battles of World War II.

Biographical Note

Steve Nichols has been an avid wartime aviation buff, artist and modeler since childhood. This book is the culmination of many years researching the RAF in World War 2, and in particular its involvement in the siege of Malta. A member of the Bomber Command Association and the Eighth Air Force Historical Society, Steve was writer, illustrator and historical consultant on two award-winning documentaries on the United States Eighth Army Air Force. He currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri, where he teaches High School History and Art, and also works as a freelance illustrator/graphic designer. This is his first book for Osprey.

Chapter 1 Malta assumes a role of major importance in World War 2
Chapter 2 US Navy aircraft carrier USS Wasp delivers 46 Spitfires and Nos 601 and 603 Sqns to Malta on 20 April 1942
Chapter 3 Operation Pedestal delivers desperately needed supplies to the island
Chapter 4 The Axis Air Forces make a last bid for air supremacy over
Chapter 5 Short career summaries of the leading Spitfire aces on Malta
Appendices