Tomahawk and Kittyhawk Aces of the RAF and Commonwealth

Description

Deemed unsuitable for the Channel Front, lend-lease Tomahawks and Kittyhawks instead became the staple fighters of the Desert Air Force in 1941-42, flying with RAF, South African and Australian squadrons in North Africa and the Middle East. Although usually outclassed by the Bf 109, a number of pilots enjoyed some success during the desert campaign - men like Caldwell, Gibbes, Edwards and Drake, all of whom accrued double figure scores. In the Far East, Australian and New Zealand pilots also saw much action against the Japanese in 1942/43, flying over the jungles of New Guinea in defence of the Australian mainland. This book charts the careers of the men who 'made ace' in these often underestimated fighters.

Tony Holmes has worked as Osprey's aerospace editor since 1989, having previously served as an author/photographer for this publishing house in Australasia. He established the critically acclaimed and hugely popular Aircraft of the Aces series in 1994. Andrew Thomas is one of Britain's most pre-eminent RAF researchers, having published numerous squadron histories. He is presently a serving officer in the RAF. Chris Davey is an airbrush artist of many years' experience, who has become Osprey's principal illustrator of RAF aircraft, having produced the profiles for over a dozen books since 1994. His work includes Aces 27: 'Typhoon and Tempest Aces of WW2; Aces 30: 'P-47 Thunderbolt Aces of the 9th and 15th Air Forces'; Combat AIrcraft 14: 'Halifax Squadrons of WW2' and Combat Aircraft 19: 'Sunderland Squadrons of WW2'. He is particularly adept at 'big' aircraft like the Halifax and Sunderland.

"Authored by RAF officer and researcher Andrew Thomas, Tomahawk and Kittyhawk Aces of the RAF and Commonwealth is packed with engaging descriptions, contemplative facts, and interesting details in 112 pages. Combat reports and personal narratives fill the book. Pilots' accounts bring their war to life. Almost every page features at least one photograph, many revealing fascinating detail for the modeler and historian." --Fred Boucher, Aeroscale