British Warplanes of World War II

British Warplanes of World War II
Author: Daniel J. March
Publisher:
Total Pages: 256
Release: 2000
Genre: Airplanes, Military
ISBN: 9781840133912

Fully illustrated analysis of all World War II aircraft in British military service, including full descriptions and specifications, hundreds of action photos and highly accurate, full-color artwork.

Heroes of Coastal Command

Heroes of Coastal Command
Author: Andrew D. Bird
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Total Pages: 380
Release: 2019-09-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 1526710714

Real-life, action-packed, personal stories of valor from the history of the RAF’s maritime arm during World War II. It took thirty minutes for one Coastal Command crew to sink two U-boats. The crew of Flying Officer Kenneth “Kayo” Moore in their 224 Squadron Liberator carried out this remarkable achievement on the evening of 7/8 June 1944. While patrolling the western end of the English Channel, Moore’s crew first dispatched U-629, followed just under thirty minutes later by U-373. The story of this remarkable engagement is just one of many recounted by the author in Heroes of Coastal Command. Established in 1936, Coastal Command was the RAF’s only maritime arm. Throughout the war, its crews worked tirelessly alongside the Royal Navy to keep Britain’s vital sea lanes open. Together, they fought and won the Battle of the Atlantic, with RAF aircraft destroying 212 German U-Boats and sinking a significant tonnage of enemy warships and merchant vessels. Often working alone and unsupported, undertaking long patrols out over opens seas, Coastal Command bred a special kind of airman. Alongside individuals such as Kenneth Moore, there were Allan Trigg, Kenneth Campbell and John Cruickshank, all of whom were awarded the Victoria Cross; Norman Jackson-Smith, a Blenheim pilot who flew in the Battle of Britain; Jack Davenport, who flew his Hampden to Russia; John Watson, the sole survivor of a Short Sunderland which was lost during a rescue mission; and Ken Gatward, who flew a unique daylight mission over Paris to drop a Tricolore on the Arc de Triomphe. Theirs are just some of the many exciting stories revealed by the author.

The Royal Air Force, 1939–1945

The Royal Air Force, 1939–1945
Author: Chaz Bowyer
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Total Pages: 271
Release: 1996-06-03
Genre: History
ISBN: 1473817439

This book examines every aspect of The Royal Air Force, including organisation, statistics and operations during World War Two.

Luftwaffe Vs. RAF

Luftwaffe Vs. RAF
Author: Mick J. Prodger
Publisher: Schiffer Pub Limited
Total Pages: 158
Release: 1997
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9780764302343

This second of a two volume study closely examines the development and uses of personal flying equipment issued to the combat personnel of the Luftwaffe and Royal Air Force throughout World War II. Illustrated wih over 500 photographs - 450 in color and including many detailed close-ups - this book brings together an exceptional array of rarely seen combat equipment. From compasses secreted in tunic buttons, to floating rations, and from suits with built-in parachutes, to box-kite radio antennae, you'll find it all discussed in this volume. All types of parachutes and harnesses, life preservers and the origin of the "Mae West" nickname, inflatable boats, survival tools, weapons for self-defense, and even some of the paperwork and personal items carried by the airmen of these two opposing air forces. Study the sophisticated rescue and survival equipment available to Luftwaffe crews, alongside the clever, yet often brilliantly simple devices which enabled so many RAF flyers to evade capture for so long, some eventually making it home through occupied Europe. Like its companion volume Luftwaffe vs. RAF: Flying Clothing of the Air War, 1939-45, this book will be an invaluable reference for artists, collectors, modellers, living history re-enactors and military historians, and should be of interest to anyone with an affinity for the human side of twentieth century military history. Mick Prodger is also the author of Vintage Flying Helmets: Aviation Headgear Before the Jet Age (from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).

Combat Squadrons of the Air Force; World War II.

Combat Squadrons of the Air Force; World War II.
Author: United States. USAF Historical Division
Publisher:
Total Pages: 856
Release: 1969
Genre: United States
ISBN:

This collection of squadron histories has been prepared by the USAF Historical Division to complement the Division's book, Air Force Combat Units of World War II. The 1,226 units covered by this volume are the combat (tactical) squadrons that were active between 7 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Each squadron is traced from its beginning through 5 March 1963, the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the 1st Aero (later Bombardment) Squadron, the first Army unit to be equipped with aircraft for tactical operations. For each squadron there is a statement of the official lineage and data on the unit's assignments, stations, aircraft and missiles, operations, service streamers, campaign participation, decorations, and emblem.

The Royal Air Force in Texas

The Royal Air Force in Texas
Author: Tom Killebrew
Publisher: University of North Texas Press
Total Pages: 209
Release: 2003
Genre: History
ISBN: 1574411691

With the outbreak of World War II, British RAF officials sought to train aircrews outside of England, safe from enemy attack and poor weather. In the USA, six civilian flight schools dedicated themselves to instructing RAF pilots. Tom Killebrew explores the history of the Terrell Aviation School.

A Time for Courage

A Time for Courage
Author: John Terraine
Publisher: MacMillan Publishing Company
Total Pages: 880
Release: 1985
Genre: History
ISBN:

The Crucible of War, 1939-1945

The Crucible of War, 1939-1945
Author: Brereton Greenhous
Publisher: University of Toronto Press
Total Pages: 1148
Release: 1994-01-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780802005748

The RCAF, with a total strength of 4061 officers and men on 1 September 1939, grew by the end of the war to a strength of more than 263,000 men and women. This important and well-illustrated new history shows how they contributed to the resolution of the most significant conflict of our time.