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New Book Traces Spitfire History With Rare Archive Images

Soon to be released by Air World is Spitfire: The Iconic Fighter in Unique Photographs, described as “a photographic history of the Supermarine Spitfire, tracing its design, global service, and lasting wartime legacy.”

Countless photographs have been taken of the Spitfire, including innumerable high-quality press photographs. During the Second World War, however, private photography on service installations was prohibited – but, nevertheless, some personnel, aircrew and groundcrew alike, took furtive snapshots. Forming the basis of this book, these amateur images providing us with an authentic and candid window on the past. Drawing on a unique collection of rare archive images, the renowned aviation historian Dilip Sarkar MBE, RHistS, FRAeS, explores the history of the Spitfire from its inception and first flight in 1936, through its introduction to service and then its service to the Allied nations throughout the Second World War.

The 224 page book is currently available for pre-order with release slated for January 6, 2026.

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WW1 French Pilot Photo Album With 260 Photos Offered For Sale

A “large, 38 x 30cm” WW1 photo album is available for sale. According to the listing, the album contains “260 original WW1 photos, plus 15 loose photos” and belonged to to Adjutant André Marie de Limur 25th Dragoons, later Escadrille N49 and N89.

The album reportedly contains only WW1 photos (1914-16), and starts off with Limur’s service in the Army in 1914 – 15. The listing states (in part):

There are a couple of aircraft photos earlier in the album (Pegoud’s), however its not until we get to photo 86 onwards that photos are of the Limur’s aviation service. However from here onwards almost everything is aviation. Initially, photos seem to be of training, lots of shots of various two seaters types; Voisen, Caudron, Nieuport’s, FBA seaplanes.., fellow pilots, machine gun and gunnery practice etc. However by photo 162, the Limur has clearly been assigned to a fighter squadron and by 166 is the first mention of Escadrille N49. From here onwards the album contents is all N49 with a large number of shots of Nieuport Scouts and the squadron’s fighter pilots; many of whom are named, some of whom are Aces. The is a great number of variation in uniforms and insignia; the pilots coming from different regiments and corps; visiting dignitaries, medals being worn, lots of candid shots of pilots at rest and leisure, crashes, 7 aerial photos, etc. There are some great shots of Nieuport XI’s on the airfields and looks like N49 had several Nieuport XII too, indeed one shot has Limur standing next to one with ‘FOC’ painted on it.

Loose photos also reportedly feature “a couple of” Spad VIIs as well. The album is located in the UK and is currently being offered for £2,195. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay. A previously featured German pilot photo album is also available in a separate listing.

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For Sale: “WW1 German Pilot Photo Album” With Approx. 240 Images

A “WW1 German pilot photo album” reportedly containing approximately 240 images has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

Very large hardbound photo album about 50 x 34 cm, with approximately 240 photos on carton type pages. Photos range in size from 5 x 5cm to very large 35 x 27cm! All photos are very sharp and in great condition. Each page is protected by a clear divider page and this has probably helped keep the photos in such good condition. The content of the album is excellent, though as the photos are not labelled, bar a few faintly in pencil, the unit is not clear though appears to be FA 290b and the photos date from 1918, certainly pilots graves seem to be from this unit and thoses pilots or observer badges that are clear enough, are Bavarian. Continue reading For Sale: “WW1 German Pilot Photo Album” With Approx. 240 Images

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