Griffon Spitfire Aces

Description

Modified for low-level operations to counter Luftwaffe attacks on the south coast, the Griffon-powered Spitfire XIV became the best low-level fighter of World War II. Squadrons moved to south-eastern England to counter the V1 flying bomb offensive, where daring pilots pioneered the technique of tipping the V1 over with the aircraft's wingtip to disorientate the bomb. Andrew Thomas also investigates the role played by the modified Spitfire squadrons after the V1 offensive, both in the attack on Germany and after the war in Malaya and Palestine. First-hand stories, photographs and colour profiles complete this account of the aces who flew the most powerful Spitfire variant ever built.

Andrew Thomas is one of Britain's most pre-eminent RAF researchers, having published numerous squadron histories and seven volumes in the Osprey Aircraft of the Aces series. He is presently a serving officer in the RAF. Based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, Chris Davey has illustrated more than 20 titles for Osprey's Aircraft of the Aces, Combat Aircraft and Aviation Elite Units series since 1994. He is one of the last traditional airbrush artists in the business and has become Osprey's artist of choice for both USAAF fighters and RAF subject matter, proving his undoubted skill when dealing with large aircraft subjects such as the Halifax and Sunderland.

"The author...did a great job narrating the stories of Griffon Spitfire pilots... The stories were backed up with well-researched technical materials as well, providing information on the Griffon Spitfire fighters which allowed the pilots to engage in the actions told in the book. Like most Osprey books, there were many rare photographs and detailed illustrations that would satisfy even the most demanding Spitfire modelers. Griffon Spitfire Aces is a great look for the fans of WW2-era aircraft and aerial combat." --C. Peter Chen, World War II Database (April 2008) "This book details those aces in the usual Osprey manner, with lots of personal accounts to go along with the chronological history. There are plenty of photos to complement the text, and the color profile illustrations highlight the colors and markings of various ace's aircraft." --Chris BanyaiReipl, Internet Modeler (May 2008) "The aircraft, according to the author (who is currently on active duty with the RAF)...played major roles after the war in the conflicts in Malaya and Palestine. First-hand stories from the cockpit, previously unseen photographs, and profiles of Spitfire aces complete this account of the most powerful Spitfire variant ever built." --World War II History (December 2008) "Overall, this is a superb book and one that Spitfire fans and modelers alike will find invaluable. As with all Osprey titles, one that I can highly recommend and one you can purchase with confidence." --Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (April 2008)