Wing Commander Eric Benjamin was no stranger to danger or excitement. In an action-packed career as part of the RAF Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR), he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice for his bravery under fire. He flew Fairey Battles with No. 150 Squadron during the Battle of France, Main Force Avro Lancasters with No. 61 Squadron during the Battle of Berlin, and De Havilland Mosquitoes as an elite Pathfinder Master Bomber in the latter stages of the war. He survived being shot down on his first operation, when his air gunner was severely wounded, and was among the last RAF aircrew to be evacuated from France in the summer of 1940. He was pulled clear of the mangled wreckage of a Vickers Wellington that crashed in flames during a spell as an instructor, narrowly escaping with his life for a second time, and ‘starred’ as a Flight Commander interviewed for Pathé News after a successful raid on Berlin in 1943. Towards the end of 1944, he achieved his ambition of flying Mosquitoes, and was selected and trained as a Master Bomber, operating as part of No. 54 Base in No. 5 Group and helping to mop up what was left of German industry and military might. It was from one of these sorties that his aircraft failed to return.Authored by Sean Feast and Eric’s daughter Jeannie, the book includes numerous previously unpublished photographs of Eric, his colleagues, and the aircraft he flew. An inveterate letter writer, Eric once said of flying that there was ‘no greater sport’. He died as he had lived, doing what he loved best.

This book features 50+ color profiles showcasing the PZL combat fighters, including specially commissioned profiles with a high level of detail.Versrions shown: PZL P.7, PZL P. 11, PZL P.24

This book is compilations of the 4-view colour profile, scale plans and photo details of the single variant of the PZL P.24 E . Scale plans in 1/72 scale plus drawings from wartime technical manuals. Also photos of the details in B&W and colour. 4-view colour profiles of the PZL P.24 E, Romanian Air Force

This book focuses on the role played by the Curtiss Hawk H-75. Explore a treasure trove of black and white period photos that bring this significant era to life. Additionally, marvel at the collection of colour profiles that showcase the distinct liveries of the Curtiss Hawk H-75 in Polish Air Force service. Check over the dramatic events of 1940 as the Polish Air Force took to the skies in France, fighting valiantly during World War II.

If asked to pinpoint the beginning of the war against Islamic extremism, most would probably say September 11, 2001. However, there has been tension between Islamic autocracies and Western governments going back centuries. In the early 1980s, the boogieman du jour was Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, who sponsored numerous acts of terrorism throughout Europe. After a series of attacks resulted in American deaths, U.S. President Ronald Reagan elected to strike back.Operation Eldorado Canyon is usually remembered as a long-range mission by British-based F-111s. However, it was an amazingly complex mission that involved two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and a unique air refuelling plan that involved more than half of the then new KC-10 tanker inventory. For the first time, the events leading up to this operation are described, including previously unrevealed contingency operations, missions testing the ability of the F-111s to fly such an extended mission, and the mission itself from the crews that flew it.The US Air Force classified ‘forever’ the names of the F-111 crews who participated in the mission. After a 20-year reunion of the participants at RAF Lakenheath, one of the planners, Jim Rotramel, began collecting their recollections. He was later able to expand the story to include the KC-10 part of the mission. Finally, thanks to being a member of the informal Old Geezer Fighter Pilots, he contacted the Navy veterans who participated in not only Eldorado Canyon, but also Operation Prairie Fire the month before that saw the first combat employment of the Harpoon anti-ship missile.Like any post-mission fighter pilot debrief, this book lays out the conduct of the mission — the good, the bad, the ugly and even the humorous! It’s a truly unique insight into what it was like to plan and execute this daring mission and how it could have ended as a humiliating disaster at several points.

This book provides a comprehensive look at air war over Europe during the climactic year of World War II, combining firsthand experience with expert analysis. The centerpiece is a mission-by-mission diary of 1st Lieutenant Richard R. Ayesh, bombardier on a B-17 Flying Fortress, who flew with the 100th Bombardment Group, 13th Combat Wing of the 8th Air Force—the legendary “Bloody 100th. ” He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Croix de Guerre and the Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, amongst others.This book follows Ayesh’s progress from his youth during the Great Depression in Wichita, Kansas, which was rapidly becoming the air capital of the nation, to his arrival in England as a Lieutenant in a bomber crew assigned to assault the Third Reich.Once in Europe, the author provides a look at the principles of American daylight strategic bombing, while relaying the overall military situation on the ground and in the air just after D-Day. This work is uniquely self-contained and covers all aspects of Air War in a clear, concise, yet nontechnical manner. Topics include photo-reconnaissance, munitions and bomb types, aircraft characteristics, fighter and bomber tactics, bomber formations, strategic target selection, radars, countermeasures and counter-counter measures. The unaltered diary of Lt. Ayesh is presented mission-by-mission, punctuated by tragedy and heroism, with explanations and commentary of the significance of events and actions described en route. The result is one of the most frank and exciting works on the air war over Europe to date.There is no varnishing of words in this book, instead, after Lt. Ayesh is followed on his perilous return home in U-boat infested waters, the book assesses the effectiveness of US strategy in ultimately paralyzing the Nazi war machine. Finally, the complex moral issues raised by area and city bombing are explored with 21st century implications.EDWARD M. SION Ph.D. currently resides with his wife and two children in Radnor, PA

Aviation Artist Richard J. Caruana commemorates the Centanary of the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (Italian Air Force) with a theme that he has been his speciality since his very earliest published works, over 50 years ago: the Regia Aeronautica. The Italian campaigns against Great Britain and Russia are probably the least chronacled of all of the Regia Aeronautica’s history of World War II. This may be partly due to the difficulties encountered on both fronts, for which the Italian Air Force was badly equipped. Most of the fighter element was close to obsolescence: FIAT CR.42 biplanes that were pitted against Hurricanes and Spitfires, and FIAT G.50s and Macchi C.200s monoplanes whose pilots did not even have the basic ‘luxury’ of enclosed cockpits. Extreme cold weather, especially on the Eastern front, was a second enemy that pilots and service ground crews had to face. What these campaigns lacked in results was more than compensated by the caleidoscope of finishes of all aircraft operating in both campaigns. This study in camouflage and markings of these Regia Aeronautica aircraft provides an endless source of inspiration for modellers seeking that ‘something special’ to add to their collection.

Working on this series has become a trip down memory lane, reviewing my own work from five, ten and even as far back as twenty years ago or more. It has also been necessary at times to revamp such work as new and more detailed information has become available since it was created. This gives added value to what is presented here as it is definitely not a cut-and paste job, even though that is what it originally was intended to be. This second volume follows closely the pattern laid out in the first: subjects from World War One, Inter-Wars, World War Two and the post war jet era. The choice fell on popular subjects, and some not as well known. A case in point is the Morane N monoplane which however offers some unusual markings. More flamboyant are the Nieuports of the American Expeditionary Corps, 1st Pursuit Group, made legendary by that top American ace, 1st Lt Edward V. Rickenbacker of 94th Aero Squadron. Two unusual features included in this issue cover the DeHavilland DH.88s and their participation in the MacRobertson Centenary Air Race from Mildenhall to Melbourne of 1934. The Hart is another inter-war subject, an aircraft that sired Hawker’s ‘silver wings’ family of the 1930s. ‘Anti-Camouflage’ is dedicated to Switzerland’s use of the Messerschmitt Bf.109D-Es as guardians of its neutrality. The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien is our World War Two feature followed by a close look at the early versions of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier. The diminutive AMX is illustrated in its several styles of colours and markings, in both Italian and Brazilian air forces’ service.

Pacific Profiles Volume 13 presents the most accurate wartime profiles and histories to date of Imperial Japanese Navy bombers;transports;flying boats and miscellaneous types which served in the South Pacific.This volume depicts the markings of two dozen mainstream and rare air groups (kokutai);many of which have never been illustrated before. Aircraft types include Betty and Nell bombers (and transports);Val and Judy dive-bombers;Emily and Mavis flying boats;Irving night fighters;Claude fighters;and Babs reconnaissance aircraft. Note this volume excludes floatplanes and Zeros;which are covered separately in Volumes Five and Eight of this series.Past markings errors are corrected;and many profiles are presented for the first time;alongside explanations of markings derivations;including the provenance of unit codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about these units;especially the more esoteric ones such Nos. 31;151;501 and 552 Ku;and the night fighters of No. 251 Ku. Profiles are supported by photos and/or documentation;along with brief histories of each aircraft where known. Primary reference material is exclusively cited including assignment data;unit operational records;photography;diaries;factory markings;Allied intelligence wreck reports;POW interrogation reports;and Combined Fleet markings orders. A brief history of each unit and its leadership structure accompanies the text.The author is world-renown for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have IJN land-based units been illustrated with such breadth;accuracy and detail.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout Australia;New Guinea the South Pacific. This Volume 14 covers those B-25;PBJ & F-10 Mitchell models which served in these theatres from March 1942 until the end of the war. Mitchells served a total of 21 USAAF bomber and reconnaissance squadrons;plus others were operated by the USMC;RAAF and NEIAF. Most profiles are presented for the first time;alongside markings derivations;including squadron heraldry and codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about many of these units. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation;along with a brief history of each aircraft. Wide-ranging primary reference material is cited including assignment data;wreck reports;squadron records;colour photography;maintenance logs;diaries and factory markings specifications. A brief summary history of each unit and associated markings rationale accompanies the text.The author is world-renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have Pacific Mitchells and their colourful markings been illustrated with such breadth;accuracy and detail.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout the South and Southwest Pacific theatres. This Volume 12 covers the P-51 and F-6 Mustang series which served in New Guinea, the Philippines and then the Japanese islands, serving with a total of ten USAAF Fifth Air Force fighter and reconnaissance squadrons, and also with New Guinea’s Combat Replacement Training Centre. The book includes a final chapter of post-war transition markings for the three years until 1948. Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including squadron heraldry and codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about Fifth Air Force Mustang units, especially the tactical reconnaissance and air commando squadrons. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation, along with a brief history of each aircraft. Wide-ranging primary reference material is cited including assignment data, squadron records, colour photography, maintenance logs, diaries and factory specifications. A brief history of each unit and the rationale of its associated markings accompanies the text. The author is world-renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before has the USAAF Fifth Air Force Mustang and its colourful markings been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.

This second volume of Solomons Air War chronicles aerial warfare in the Solomon Islands theatre during the critical month of October 1942. It can be read alone or as part of the ongoing Solomons Air War series. October 1942 saw an explosion of air activity in the Solomons. During the first three weeks of the month busy Tokyo Express runs landed thousands of IJA troops on Guadalcanal in advance of a new offensive to be launched against the Marine garrison. This was presaged by a battleship bombardment of Henderson Field and daily air raids against the same target. Against this background Cactus Air Force was fighting for its life, and very nearly reached the level of exhaustion. Somehow just enough replacement F4Fs and SBDs were scraped together from the New Hebrides to keep it in business. Important support was provided by COMAIRSOPAC B-17s and PBYs operating from Espiritu Santo. In the middle of the month an enormously powerful IJN force arrived in the theatre, based around five aircraft carriers. This force threatened to overwhelm the USN which at the time had only one carrier in the South Pacific, the USS Hornet. However, the timely arrival of the USS Enterprise evened the ledger and the fourth carrier battle of the Pacific War, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, was fought over 25-27 October. This chronicle has been written using both Allied and Japanese sources, to give a fresh, factual and highly detailed account of all aspects of the Solomons air campaign.

Although he objected to being characterized as such, Hamilton McWhorter III's service to family and country make him a standout among America's Greatest Generation. A Georgia native whose family roots date from that region's settlement during the 1700s, “Mac” McWhorter was a naval aviation cadet undergoing training when Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941. After earning his Wings of Gold in early 1942, Ensign McWhorter was trained as a fighter pilot in the robust but technologically outmoded F4F Wildcat. Initially assigned to VF-9—a fiercely spirited and hard-playing fighter squadron—he saw first combat in November 1942 against Vichy French forces in North Africa.After returning to the United States, VF-9 became the first unit to convert to the new Grumman F6F Hellcat. This was the fighter the U.S. Navy would use to crush Japanese air power during the long offensive from the Southwest Pacific to the shores of Japan. From mid-1943, Hamilton McWhorter was constantly engaged in the unforgiving and deadly aerial warfare that characterized the battles against Imperial Japan. His fifth aerial victory, in November 1943 off Tarawa Atoll, made him the first ace in the Hellcat, and seven subsequent victories ensured his place in the annals of air-to-air combat.McWhorter's combat service, from the beginning of the war to the last campaign off the shores of Okinawa, makes his story a must-read for the serious student of the Pacific air war. Hamilton McWhorter III retired from the Navy as a commander in 1969. He passed away in 2008.

When Second World War Spitfire pilot John Gillespie Magee penned his poem High Flight', little did he know that his words would inspire legions of aspiring aviators who had a similar wish to fly their eager craft through footless halls of air'. Founded on years of detailed research, Roger Cole's book High Flight tells John Magee's extraordinary story, describing hitherto-unknown details of his short life, and providing insight into the inspiration for the poems that have found a unique place in history. Born of an English mother and American father in Nanking in China, Magee grew up and was educated in different parts of the world, proving to be a highly accomplished student. Through his experiences, he developed principles that made him determined to defend the rights of those he loved and respected. Exhilarated by flight and finding unique language in poetry, John was able to use words to express the emotions and sentiments of all who fly in a manner that is acknowledged and applauded throughout the world. The outbreak of war in Europe violated his beliefs, and, determined to fight for freedom, John left America and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, qualifying as a pilot and travelling to England to fight Nazism. Tragically, John would lose his life, aged 19 years, in an accident, so never know how his words would serve posterity. Roger Cole's High Flight traces the path of John Magee's achievement, revealing an incredible story of human endeavor, vision, determination and self-sacrifice.

Mitsubishi Babs Vol. II – The world’s first high-speed strategic reconnaissance aircraft completes the history of Japan’s revolutionary high-speed strategic reconnaissance aircraft design. This second volume describes the Imperial Japanese Navy’s flawed attempts to develop its own high-speed strategic reconnaissance aircraft and their decision to ultimately adopt the Army’s magnificent Ki-15 design into Navy service as the C5M/Type-98 Reconnaissance Plane (Allied codename Babs). Across eight chapters

This book is compilations of the 4-view colour profile, scale plans and photo details of the single variant of the Fairey Gannet AS.1 . Scale plans in 1/72 scale plus drawings from wartime technical manuals. Also photos of the details in B&Wand colour. 4-view colour profiles of the Fairey Gannet AS.1 of the Royal Navy