RAF Fighter Command Pilot: The Western Front 1939-42

Description

The recent 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, combined with the threat of significant cuts to the current RAF, have highlighted the importance of Fighter Command in the early days of World War II once more. The role of the "few", as described by Churchill, during the Battle of Britain has been the subject of much mythologizing both at the time and in the years since. This title will put Fighter Command in context; describing the lack of funding and attention which it received during the interwar period, until it was almost too late. The myth of the fighter pilot will be humanized, with first-hand accounts quoted which put nervous but brave human beings from all walks of life in the cockpit. Although the Battle of Britain may not have in itself been the decisive encounter that it has historically been portrayed as, the moral victory won by the RAF, the victory that proved that Germany could be defeated, was just as important as a military-strategic victory.

Lieutenant Mark Barber RN is a pilot based at RNAS Culdrose. His dissertation on the Fleet Air Arm in the Mediterranean in World War II was named as the best in year at the Royal Navy Academy, Dartmouth. He was named Best Aircrew Officer upon graduation of his class. Graham Turner is a leading historical artist, specializing in the medieval period. He has illustrated numerous titles for Osprey, covering a wide variety of subjects from the dress of the 10th-century armies of the Caliphates, through the action of bloody medieval battles, to the daily life of the British Redcoat of the late 18th century. The son of the illustrator Michael Turner, Graham lives and works in Buckinghamshire, UK.

"RAF Fighter Comman Pilot will be of interest to a wide range of readers. The historian or World War II enthusiast will enjoy the first-hand accounts, artwork and photographs. The wargamer will get background information as well as strategy and tactics that were employed. The figure painter will enjoy the drawings og the uniforms. Finally, the modeler will enjoy all of the photographs that can provide inspiration for dioramas and the historical background." --Richard Mataka, www.mataka.org ..".fine illustrations by Graham Turner which are paired with vintage black and white photos ... bring to life the story of the RAF command's history and evolution. These men from all walks of life fought the battles of France and Britain during the second World War, and many myths evolved from their achievements. This tells their stories through their own writings and offers a fine history of Fighter Command forces and evolution in a highly recommended pick for World War II coverages." --James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review (January 2013)