Product 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 ofWorld War 2. Squadrons moved to southeastern England to counter the V1 flying bomb offensive, and daring pilots tipped the V1 over with the aircraft's wingtip to disorientate the bomb and became "doodlebug aces." 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 color profiles complete this account of the aces who flew the most powerful Spitfire variant ever built.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #584345 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-22
• Released on: 2008-04-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781846032981
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"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)

"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 Banyai-Reipl, Internet Modeler (May 2008)

About the Author
Andrew Thomas is one of Britain's 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. The author lives in Lincolnshire, UK.

Customer Reviews

'Long-nose' Spits in Action!
Mating the Spitfire fuselage with the 2,000 hp Griffon engine produced a series of long-nose Spits which were superb fighting machines. The development of the Mk XII, XIV and XXI Spitfires and the exploits of those Commonwealth aces who flew them are the subject of this fine Osprey title, #81 in their 'Aircraft of the Aces' series.

Developed to counter the FW 190, the Mk XII, introduced in April 1943, was optimised for low-level work, soon becoming a major player in the RAF's efforts to stop 'tip-and-run' and V-1 attacks on England. (Twenty-eight long-nose Spit pilots became V-1 aces). In January 1944 the Mk XIV, intended for high and low fighter ops, began flying combat. A year later, the radically redesigned Mk XXI entered frontline service.

Various squadrons - 41, 91, 130, 350, 610, etc. - flew these potent fighters and author Andrew Thomas, one of Osprey's more entertaining authors, does a good job of relating the many combats these units had. By war's end some 14 pilots claimed five kills or more in Griffon-powered Spits. It was surprising to me how many of these pilots became aces in the final days of the Third Reich.

The book is illustrated with over 90 black and white photographs and eight pages of gorgeous color profiles by Chris Davey. Davey's artwork highlights just how radically the classic Spitfire silhouette was changed over the course of three years!

In short, Thomas' book is a nicely written introduction to a number of Spitfire pilots whose exploits aren't that well-known and to various Spitfire models which were among the best of the breed. Recommended.

Good on statisics
Does not go into as much detail of the construction, performance, and handling characteristics as I would have wished. Does show cockpit layouts and compares the actual combat record of the plane during all phases of WWII.