The second volume of the dramatic story of the air battle for Malta during World War II, written by the acknowledged experts in the field and alike [...]

At last, here is the second volume of the dramatic story of the air battle for Malta during World War II, written by the acknowledged experts in the field and alike. long-awaited by enthusiasts and specialist historians

The long battle had begun in June 1940 with the Italian declaration of war on the Allies, and the consequent decision of the Axis powers to subdue the island in order to control the Mediterranean.

The Spitfire Year now takes up where The Hurricane Years left off, and concludes in enormous detail day-by-day the history of the struggle for the island, and the final success of the Allies and islanders themselves in raising the siege.

With over 250 photographs (some very rare indeed) and meticulous research based on official war records and eye-witness accounts, this book is a fitting tribute to the participants of all nationalities Maltese, British, Canadian, American, Australian, New Zealander, South African, Italian and German - who gave such courageous service and in many cases their lives.

 

 

Christopher Shores lives in Dorset and is a prolific and much acclaimed writer on military aviation history, now working at the head of a formidable team of dedicated researchers, each an expert in their own right.

In this particular volume he has been able to call on the resources of Giovanni Massimello (Italian), Russell Guest (Australian), Frank Olynyk (American), Winfried Bock (German) and historian Andy Thomas, to give as complete a picture as is possible of the struggle for supremacy in the skies.

 

Front cover painting by Barry Weekley: One of the outstanding but lesser recognised participants in the Mediterranean air war was the Bristol Beaufighter. This tough, pugnacious multi-role aircraft gave particularly valuable service as a night fighter. Undertaking this testing task it provided the main nocturnal protection to the ships of the invasion fleets and those subsequently providing the follow-up supplies and reinforcements.

Quantities were later supplied to the USAAF to build their own night- fighter force, while in other roles Beaufighters hunted ships and aircraft on and over the sea lanes by day, armed with cannons, torpedoes and latterly with rocket projectiles.

The performance of the night-fighter crews was particularly noteworthy, for in little more than a month they were credited with more than 100 bombers shot and most of these victories were gained by the a typical Beaufighter.