Product Description

The siege of Malta during World War 2 is one of the great epics of aerial warfare. In 1942, it was described alternately as both a 'fighter pilot's paradise' and 'the most bombed place on earth'. During the peak of the Axis efforts against Malta, it suffered 154 consecutive days and nights of bombing, 100 nights more that London suffered during the Blitz.

The destruction of Axis convoys by Malta-based aircraft proved to be one of the decisive factors in the defeat of Rommel's forces in North Africa. This vital position would have been lost if it had not been for the successful defence of the island by a handful of greatly outnumbered Royal Air Force fighter squadrons. In the brutal and unforgiving air war over Malta only the very best fighter pilots succeeded, and all too often that was no guarantee of living another day. This book details the heroic story of the Spitfire Aces based on Malta. Drawn from an international team of Australians, British, Canadians, New Zealanders, Rhodesians and South Africans these pilots fought against extreme deprivation, physical hardships and overwhelming odds in one of the most crucial and decisive air battles of World War II.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #379469 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-23
• Released on: 2008-09-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .70 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Review
"Surveys the reign of ... one of the premier fighters of World War II ...during one of the most decisive air battles of the war." -California Bookwatch, November 2008

"...the book tells the story of a small group of fighter pilots that battled the enemy while bomber and torpedo aircraft attacked and destroyed Axis convoys on their way to supply Rommel's forces in North Africa -- a decisive factor in the defeat of the famous German commander." -Air Classics

"The book is jammed with first hand stories, period photographs and the excellent profile work of the author, Steve Nichols. It is an outstanding book in the series and is one of the best 'Aircraft of the Aces' books that I have read." Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (September 2008)

About the Author
Steve Nichols has been an avid wartime aviation buff, artist and modeler since childhood. This book is the culmination of many years researching the RAF in World War 2, and in particular its involvement in the siege of Malta. A member of the Bomber Command Association and the Eighth Air Force Historical Society, Steve was writer, illustrator and historical consultant on two award-winning documentaries on the United States Eighth Army Air Force. He teaches High School History and Art, and also works as a freelance illustrator/graphic designer.

Customer Reviews

Spits in Defense of Malta!
Mention of Malta Spitfires invariably brings to mind George Beurling, the RAF's master of deflection shooting. Yet Beurling was one of several hundred Spit pilots who defended that vital island from Axis invasion in 1942. Over three dozen pilots made ace over Malta in 1942 and 1943, Beurling topping the list with 27 kills. Steve Nichols tells the story of those valiant pilots in MALTA SPITFIRE ACES, #83 in Osprey's 'Aircraft of the Aces' series.

First committed to action over Malta in February 1942, Supermarine's superlative fighter would prove absolutely crucial to that already battered island's existence in the coming year. During 1942 Axis air units periodically mounted punishing attacks on Malta, inflicting heavy damage. Fuel, ammunition and food stocks almost ran out and it was only through the efforts of Malta's Spitfire units that the island survived.

Though 'Screwball' Beurling topped the list, other aces such as 'Buck' McNair, 'Timber' Woods, Peter Nash, Claude Weaver, Ray Hesselyn, 'Slim' Yarra, 'Johnny' Plagis and others bloodied German and Italian air units alike, giving Malta needed breathing space.

Author-illustrator Steve Nichols' exciting text, filled with firsthand combat accounts, is complimented by 10 pages of Nichols-drawn color profiles. Information on Malta Spits, especially profiles, has been pretty slim so this Osprey volume is doubly welcome.

Being a fighter pilot on Malta in 1942 was rough duty. Aside from the rigors of air combat, food and amenities were few. Many pilots suffered from malaria, dysentery and exhaustion. MALTA SPITFIRE ACES does a marvelous job of relating what those determined pilots did so many years ago over the Med. Recommended.

Absolutely 5 stars!!! NO less!!
When I saw a new author writing this book, I thought, "Let`s see how good this book is."
After reading this book I have two words: Absolutely wonderful!!
The way he explains about the British on the small island between Italy and North Africa and how they fought valiantly against overwhelming odds, and overcame even the most difficult of battles.

Never has anyone fought so much for such little ground. The British held on to the island with all they had. Nearing the brink of collapse many times, the airmen on the island still fought on, with very little supplies and aircraft.
Steve explains wonderfully about the valiant efforts of the British pilots.
This book needs not to be overlooked; it will add another piece of history in you library.
I was glued to this book as much as John Weals' and George Mellingers' books!
This book is very nicely put together. I will watch for more Steve Nichols' books in the future for sure! I highly recommend this book!

Ultimate Dogfight
This was a very good account of the aerial battles over Malta between June, 1940 and Nov., 1942. The axis powers desperately needed to take out Malta, but the little island hung tough. Lots of mini bios of some of the brave pilots that gave their lives for the cause.