Spitfire Aces of Burma and the Pacific

Description

The arrival of the Spitfire in Burma came at a crucial time as the RAF struggled against the Japanese to support the Chindit operation on the ground. Proving a huge boost to morale, the Spitfire played a large part in defeating the enemy, and covering the subsequent Allied advance through Burma, protecting the ground troops and providing vital supplies. Covering this little documented aerial war, this book tells the stories of the 54 aces who flew against the Japanese, and also those who fought in India and Australia. Full-colour artwork reveals the markings and paint schemes of this most-famous of British planes, whilst first-hand accounts and archive photographs bring the aerial battles of Burma, India and Australia to life.

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. 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.

"Spitfire Aces of Burma and the Pacific by Andrew Thomas provides a good look at Spitfires and their pilots in some of the less publicized actions of WWII... The book describes 54 aces through the usual Osprey blend of good text, archival photos, and well-rendered color profiles." --Air Classics (September 2009) "In addition to the usual superb collection of period photos, there are several pages of color profiles of the aircraft discussed in the book. The appendices include a full listing of men who were successful against the Japanese while flying the Spitfire as well as their tallies. In all, it is a book that should find a lot of interest with Spitfire fans in particular and those whose interest is in this theater of war in general. A great read that I know you will enjoy." --Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness (April 2013) "If you're looking for compact, convenient coverage of Spitfire operations against Imperial Japan, grab Thomas' book." --David L. Veres, www.cybermodeler.com (May 2013) "...a comprehensive history of the elite fighter pilots and the aircrafts that they flew. Andrew Thomas is one of Britain's leading RAF researchers..." --Wonderpedia