Format: Paperback
Pages: 80
ISBN: 9788367227483
Pub Date: 31 Jul 2024
Series: Camera ON
Illustrations: B&W period photos
Description:
This new photo album is number 32 in the MMPBooks/Stratus "Camera On" series and is the second volume to cover such equipment as Luftwaffe search lights and range finding equipment, of which the book contains 140+ photographs. The majority of the photos are from private collections taken by ordinary German soldiers, not professional propagandists. In this volume, we endeavour to show this rarely illustrated equipment in some detail but still show it as the soldiers viewed it as both their work place and also their home, not the highly posed and polished views of the official photographers.
This book is an invaluable reference for military historians and modelers alike.
Format: Hardback
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9781999812850
Pub Date: 31 Jul 2024
Illustrations: 30
Description:
On 12 December 1944, with the war entering its final stages, Bomber Command launched its last Main Force raid on the Krupps Steel works at Essen. The attack was devastatingly successful, and completed for the loss of only a handful of aircraft. Three of the airmen lost in the raid are still listed as ‘missing’, believed killed in action.
Extensive investigative research by aviation historians Sean Feast and Marc Hall has discovered the truth about what happened to these missing men, and how they are linked to the murder of three unidentified RAF airmen, on a bridge, within twenty-four hours of believing they were safe. They have also discovered the truth about a fourth airman, a Canadian, shot down on the same raid who died in mysterious circumstances and whose near-naked body was discovered after the war, hastily buried in an unmarked grave.In the centenary year of the RAF, the authors reveal a darker side to the history of the ‘Third Service’. Complementing historical research with the evidence of present-day specialists, they have pieced together the harrowing story of four murders, the identities of the victims and their killers, and the tantalising possibility that at least one of the ‘missing’ men may at last have been found.
Format: Hardback
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9781636240060
Pub Date: 31 Jul 2024
Illustrations: 30 photos
Description:
Most modern books and films glamorize World War II airborne soldiers as troopers leaping into the night to descend by parachute into combat. Much less often considered is the role of glider forces. Glider troops lacked the panache and special distinctions of paratroopers, despite their critical role in airborne warfare.
Likewise, World War II ground combat is characterized as a combined arms fight of infantry and armor, backed up with field artillery; by comparison the role played by specialized, supporting arms has received scant attention. The 80th AAA Battalion was a glider outfit, providing anti-aircraft defense and anti-tank capability to the division's three infantry regiments as battlefield conditions dictated. Elements of the battalion fought in Italy, Normandy, Holland and the Battle of the Bulge, making combat glider assaults during both Operation Neptune and Operation Market Garden. The exploits of the men of the 80th tend to be obscured as commanders maneuvered the batteries wherever their special skills were needed on the battlefield, with no regiment to call a permanent home.The 80th AAA battalion was a hybrid unit. While its members were considered Coast Artillery (the branch responsible for defending ground formations from air attack during WWII), they fought alongside parachute and glider infantry, most often providing direct fire, anti-armor support with 57mm/6 pounder cannons. While field artillery, both parachute and glider, established their gunlines some distance behind infantry units to provide indirect fire support, the men of the 80th fought face to face with the enemy, alongside their infantry brothers.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 60
ISBN: 9788367227575
Pub Date: 24 Jul 2024
Series: Yellow Series
Illustrations: B&W photos, colour profiles, scale plans,
Description:
This book delves into the comprehensive history of the Miles M.25 Martinet, a pioneering British aircraft specifically designed for target towing, and its role in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Fleet Air Arm (FAA) during World War II. Enriched with an array of photographs, detailed scale plans, intricate drawings, and vivid colour profiles, the narrative captures the essence of the Martinet's development and its operational service, offering a thorough exploration of this significant aircraft.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 136
ISBN: 9788367227582
Pub Date: 24 Jul 2024
Series: Polish Wings
Illustrations: B&W photos, colour photos, colour profiles
Description:
Check over the dramatic events of 1940 as the Polish Air Force took to the skies in France, fighting valiantly during World War II. This book focuses on the role played by the Caudron-Renault CR.714 Cyclone.
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 Caudron-Renault CR.714 Cyclone in Polish Air Force service.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 148
ISBN: 9788367227636
Pub Date: 24 Jul 2024
Series: Orange Series
Illustrations: B&W photos, colour profiles, scale plans,
Description:
The development of the famous Italian WWII fighters of the Reggiane factory, with inline engines, is described and illustrated. RE 2001 and RE 2005 are described plus prototypes and project developed.It served with the Regia Aeronautica and other forces, including the Luftwaffe.
This book describes the design, development, and operations of this elegant and effective fighter. This book contains: scale plans, photos and drawings from Technical Manuals, superb colour illustrations of camouflage and markings, and rare b&w archive photographs. Colour photos of the preserved aircraft illustrate all aspects of the airframe.This is essential reading for aviation enthusiasts & scale aeromodelers.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 24
ISBN: 9788367227629
Pub Date: 24 Jul 2024
Series: Single
Illustrations: B&W photos, colour profiles, scale plans,
Description:
This book compiles the color profiles, scale plans, and photo details of the single variant of the Bristol Bulldog Mk IIA. Scale plans are in 1/72 & 1/48 scales, plus drawings from technical manuals. Also contains photos of the details in black and white.
Format: Hardback
Pages: 224
ISBN: 9780645700480
Pub Date: 20 Jul 2024
Illustrations: fully illustrated;colour
Description:
Admiral Sir Victor Alfred Trumper “VAT” Smith AC KBE CB DSC MiD RAN is a towering figure in Australian naval circles;his extraordinary career spanning almost 50 years. As the first graduate of the Royal Australian Naval College to be promoted full admiral he was the founding father of the Australian Fleet Air Arm.Joining the navy in 1927 aged thirteen;Smith specialised in aviation.
As the senior observer of a Royal Navy Swordfish squadron;he led the first mass torpedo strike against a major warship at sea;the daring attack on the battlecruiser Scharnhorst off Norway in 1940. Then;at Churchill’s insistence;he embarked the very first catapult fighter for convoy protection. His subsequent service in two-seat Fairey Fulmar fighters saw him twice shot down in the Mediterranean and escape the torpedoed HMS Ark Royal in 1941.Recalled to Australia to fly Walrus amphibians;Smith survived the August 1942 destruction of HMAS Canberra at the Battle of Savo Island. Returning to Europe he served in the escort carrier HMS Tracker in the Atlantic and Arctic before participating in the Normandy landings.Postwar he was closely involved in the Australian decision to develop a carrier-based Fleet Air Arm and was executive officer of the carrier HMAS Sydney in the Korean War. Command of frigates;an air station and the carrier HMS Melbourne followed. As Chief of Naval Staff;he dispatched forces to the war in Vietnam before serving as chairman of the tri-service Chiefs of Staff in the 1970s.The author;Graeme Lunn;also a RANC graduate and aviator;began his naval career when Smith was still serving.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 108
ISBN: 9780645700497
Pub Date: 20 Jul 2024
Illustrations: fully illustrated;colour
Description:
The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout the Australia;New Guinea and Solomons theatres. This Volume 15 covers the B-26 and US Navy JM Marauder series which served in these theatres from their first delivery to Australia in April 1942 until the war’s end. Marauders served with a total of six USAAF bomber squadrons;including the reformed 19th BS Silver Fleet;whilst US Navy JM-1 and JM-2 variants were operated by utility squadrons from March 1944 onwards.
Most profiles are presented for the first time;alongside markings derivations;including unit heraldry and codes. This volume bridges vast gaps in accurate Marauder markings profiles in these theatres;especially those which served with the Thirteenth Air Force and USN. 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 has the Pacific Marauder been illustrated with such breadth;accuracy and detail.
Format: Hardback
Pages: 192
ISBN: 9781838068745
Pub Date: 13 May 2024
Illustrations: approx 45 black and white illustrations
Description:
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.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 96
ISBN: 9788367227322
Pub Date: 03 May 2024
Illustrations: 80 colour profiles
Description:
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
Format: Paperback
Pages: 24
ISBN: 9788367227292
Pub Date: 03 May 2024
Series: Single
Illustrations: Scale plans
colour profiles
B&W photos
Description:
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
Format: Paperback
Pages: 52
ISBN: 9788367227612
Pub Date: 30 Apr 2024
Series: Polish Wings
Illustrations: B&W photos, colour photos, colour profiles
Description:
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.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 60
ISBN: 9788367227490
Pub Date: 31 Mar 2024
Series: The Fighting Colours of Richard Caruana 50th Anniversary Collection
Illustrations: B&W photos, colour profiles
Description:
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.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 60
ISBN: 9788367227568
Pub Date: 15 Mar 2024
Series: The Fighting Colours of Richard Caruana 50th Anniversary Collection
Illustrations: B&W photos, colour photos, colour profiles
Description:
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.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 132
ISBN: 9780645700466
Pub Date: 15 Mar 2024
Illustrations: fully illustrated;colour
Description:
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.