Category: History / Research

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New Two Volume Biography of Max Immelmann Dispels Myths, Provides New Insights

Recently released by Aeronaut Books and author Dr. Hannes Täger is the two volume set Immelmann – Life and Death of an Aviation Legend: Biography of Fighter Pilot Oberleutnant Max Immelmann (1890-1916), which tells the true story of Max Immelmann, one of the first fighter pilots and creator of air combat tactics, who was a close comrade and rival of Oswald Boelcke.

This comprehensive biography – richly illustrated with nearly 700 images – dispels old misconceptions and myths. It also provides remarkable new insights into this legendary Saxon aviator, his private and romantic life, his air combats, his death, and his legacy.

The volumes are available in Hardcover, paperback and Kindle editions. Volume 1 has 279 pages, Volume 2 has 323 pages.

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Story of USAS 2nd Pursuit Group in WW1 Told for the First Time

New from Aeronaut Books and author Jon Guttman is 2nd Pursuit Group, USAS

Entering combat on the Western Front in the summer of 1918 to expand the United States Army Air Service, the 2nd Pursuit Group was composed of the 13th, 22nd, 49th, and 139th Aero Squadrons. Although the 103rd Aero Squadron was temporarily assigned, it was eventually traded for the 49th Aero so it could serve as the nucleus for the 3rd Pursuit Group. Although not as famous of the 1st “Hat-in-the.Ring” Group or the “Indian Head” 3rd Group, the 2nd made its own significant contribution to Allied victory in the air. Its full story is told here for the first time with 288 photos and color profiles of 41 aircraft.

The book is available in paperback format and spans 184 pages.

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Turkish Military Aircraft 1912-23 Detailed With Exclusive Photos, Unique Data

Coming soon from Helion & Company and authors Ole Nikolajsen and Mehmet Haluk Sevel is The History of Turkish Military Aircraft Volume 1: From Inception to the War of Independence 1912-1923:

The History of Turkish Military Aircraft book-series charts the development of Turkish military aviation from its fragile first steps on the eve of the First World War to its current strength as one of the largest air forces in Europe. Richly illustrated with exclusive photographs and illustrations, the series provides a comprehensive account of the development of the Turkish Air Force through the aircraft it flew, including unique data on each individual machine in Turkish service.

Volume 1 opens the series with the foundation of military aviation in Turkey in the context of the Ottoman Empire’s waning years, its maturation during the First World War and subsequent near destruction after the Armistice, followed by its rebirth during the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923). It details all 62 aircraft types flown by the Ottoman and then Turkish Air Force during this period, including thorough service histories and 49 accompanying colour profiles. This wide variety encompassed French, British, German, and Russian designs, procured and maintained as often through subterfuge and guile as by conventional means: from Nieuport 17 fighters salvaged from a stranded steamer to DFW C.V reconnaissance aircraft restored using egg white and potato starch for service in the War of Independence.

The product of decades of combined research by expert authors Ole Nikolajsen and Mehmet Halûk Sevel and generously illustrated with photography from the archives of the Turkish Air Force’s History Branch, Turkish Military Aircraft, Volume 1 will appeal to anyone interested in Turkey’s aviation heritage and the pioneer era of flight.

The 144 page paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for November 15.

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New Book Offers a Unique, Hour by Hour Insight Into a Lancaster Bombing Mission

Coming soon from Evro Publishing and author Michael Napier is Avro Lancaster: Twenty-Four Hours on a Squadron, a unique hour-by-hour insight into a Lancaster bombing mission.

The most famous and successful heavy bomber flown by the RAF during World War 2, the Avro Lancaster remains one of the most enduring symbols of RAF, and indeed British, history. This book presents a completely new and original perspective on the iconic Avro Lancaster by covering the 24-hour cycle of a Lancaster squadron. Using over 200 first-hand accounts and illustrated with numerous photographs, it describes the activities and life of aircrew, ground maintenance personnel, mission planners and the plethora of support personnel each of whom played a vital role in the operation of a Lancaster bomber squadron. Starting with the ground activities on a typical wartime Lancaster airfield and the preparations for a night raid, the book then takes the reader with the aircrews on a night bombing mission over Germany, to discover the many dangers and hazards facing the crews throughout the flight, in their own words. In the thought-provoking and deeply poignant epilogue, the aircrew review their achievements against the sacrifices they made.

The 288 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for September 15.

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New Book Explores B-29 Superfortress Technical Aspects, Crew Prep and More

Coming soon from Pen & Sword and author Peter Saxton is B-29 Superfortress: Strategic Air War in the Pacific.

The B-29 Superfortress was a vital and iconic strategic bomber of the Second World War. It was designed with a range and warlord capability that made it viable for operation in the vast regions of Asia Pacific. This bomber played a key part in the defeat and unconditional surrender of Japan, principally using fire-bombing techniques. The complex role and effectiveness of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are reviewed critically. The work has 21st century connection in the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. The United States Navy, US ground forces and the B-29 wings were brought together to fight, in the author’s words, ‘he most massive air war the world had ever seen’.

Technical aspects including bomb-load and range – vital for the vast Asia Pacific, are set out for all readers, service, academic and lay. Continue reading New Book Explores B-29 Superfortress Technical Aspects, Crew Prep and More

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Sweeping the Skies: A History of No. 452 Squadron RAAF 1941-1945

Coming soon from Avonmore Books and author Mark Lax is Sweeping the Skies: A History of No. 452 Squadron RAAF 1941-1945

Sweeping the Skies is the story of No. 452 Squadron, an RAAF fighter unit formed in the UK in April 1941. Equipped with the superb Supermarine Spitfire, the squadron soon deployed to bases south of London and was in the thick of fighting against the Luftwaffe over England, the Channel and northern France.

Remarkably, between August and November 1941, No. 452 Squadron held the Fighter Command record as the top-scoring unit in Britain. This was largely due to the exceptional skills and leadership of some outstanding ace pilots, including Irishman Wing Commander Brendan “Paddy” Finucane and well-known VFL footballer Squadron Leader Keith “Bluey” Truscott. Continue reading Sweeping the Skies: A History of No. 452 Squadron RAAF 1941-1945

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New Guinea Eagles: The Japanese Air Army Campaign in New Guinea 1942-43

Coming soon from Avonmore Books and author Michael Claringbould is New Guinea Eagles Volume 1: The Japanese Air Army from Rabaul to Wewak October 1942 to September 1943, which chronicles the Japanese Air Army campaign in New Guinea from when its first units arrived in October 1942 until the late September 1943 raids against Nadzab and Port Moresby.

Never before have the rationale, activities and losses of JAAF air power in New Guinea been chronicled in such detail and accuracy. The force operated an impressive range of aircraft types but found it much easier to commit than withdraw from the challenging theatre.

This volume covers Rabaul’s and Wewak’s beginnings as major JAAF bases. The period involved guarding supply convoys, attacking Wau and two major forays into the Solomons. Then by mid-1943 the Allied air war had gravitated towards the burgeoning JAAF airfield complexes spreading out along New Guinea’s northern coast. Two air divisions were combined to create the 4th Air Army in August 1943, and its aircraft soon ventured into the New Guinea Highlands before defending Nassau Bay, Lae and Salamaua. Continue reading New Guinea Eagles: The Japanese Air Army Campaign in New Guinea 1942-43

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Bristol Beaufighter’s Complete Story Detailed in New Book

Coming soon from Pen & Sword and author Edward Rippeth is Beaufighter: The Allies’ Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, which tells the whole story of the Bristol Beaufighter – from a particularly overweight ugly duckling to one of the deadliest warbirds of the Second World War.

In many ways the Bristol Type 156 Beaufighter defined the modern multi-role combat aircraft. It was right in the thick of things at various critical turning points of the war, in every theatre. Night fighter, anti-shipping strike aircraft, maritime air superiority fighter and ground attack weapons platform – the Beaufighter redefined every role it took on. This is despite the fact it was a hastily designed lash-up, a modestly performing oversized ‘heavy fighter’, which might easily have been parked with the Westland Whirlwind in obscurity. Continue reading Bristol Beaufighter’s Complete Story Detailed in New Book

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Hawker Typhoon: Its Service Career and Technical Evolution

Coming soon from Key Publishing and author Jamie Ewan is Hawker Typhoon: The Making of a Ground-Attack Icon.

The Hawker Typhoon was one of Britain’s ‘heavy punchers’ during World War Two – and one instrumental in the allies’ victory in Europe. But flying in the shadow of myriad issues that followed it through its service, the brutish Hawker type is often tarred as a failure. Now, more than 85 years after it took to the sky, we tell of the service career and technical evolution of a fighter that found its true purpose as a low-level ground-attack aircraft – and one that not only filled the enemy with fear, but those who knew and flew it. A workhorse (the pilots of which collectively, embodied a decisive evolution in air warfare as they delivered time after time) we strive to connect new generations with this truly vital piece of heritage

The 116 page, paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for July 9.

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Bomber Crew Escaper: A Wartime Airman’s Fight for Survival and Freedom

Coming soon from Air World and authors Jack Sowter and Ian Richardson is Bomber Crew Escaper: One Wartime Airman’s Story of Baling Out, Capture, Imprisonment and Escape

Sergeant Jack Sowter had joined the RAF in October 1941, originally as a trainee wireless operator. He later re-mustered as a navigator and joined the crew of a Handley Page Halifax of 78 Squadron.

On the night of 27/28 July 1943, Jack’s aircraft, JD 148, was one of 787 bombers tasked with attacking the port of Hamburg as part of Operation Gomorrah. Having successfully unleashed its deadly load on the German city, Jack’s captain, Sergeant Les Maidment, turned for home. However, Maidment could not escape the penetrating beams of the German searchlights, nor the enemy flak. With his aircraft repeatedly hit, Maidment gave his crew the order to bale out. Continue reading Bomber Crew Escaper: A Wartime Airman’s Fight for Survival and Freedom

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