Description

In the bitter air fighting over Western Europe during the last year of the war, no fewer than 37 pilots became aces flying Merlin-engined Spitfires, whilst 72 other aces increased their scores flying them.

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.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE
EARLY ENCOUNTERS

CHAPTER TWO
PREPARING FOR INVASION

CHAPTER THREE
NORMANDY

CHAPTER FOUR
ON TO THE RHINE

CHAPTER FIVE
INTO THE REICH

CHAPTER SIX
SURRENDER

Appendices
Colour plate commentary
Index

Product details

Published Sep 20 2014
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781782003397
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Series Aircraft of the Aces
Short code ACE 122
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Andrew Thomas

Andrew Thomas is one of Britain's leading RAF rese…

Illustrator

Chris Thomas

Chris Thomas is the Air-Britain specialist on the…

Illustrator

Mark Postlethwaite

Mark Postlethwaite was born in Leicestershire in 1…

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