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Latest Tempest Books |
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Airframe & Miniature No.4: The Hawker Tempest |
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Airframe & Miniature No.4: The Hawker Tempest
128 pages packed with vital information that no active aviation modeller should be without 40+ pages of technical information 20+ pages of walkaround images and technical diagrams 5+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views and four-views by Richard Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Jacek Jackiewicz Extensive 1/48 and 1/72 scale kit builds A full set of fold-out 1/48 scale plans
Publisher: Valiant Wings Publishing
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TEMPEST - HAWKER'S OUTSTANDING PISTON-ENGINED FIGHTER By Tony Buttler |
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TEMPEST Hawker's Outstanding Piston-Engined Fighter By Tony Buttler
120 pages 144 b/w photos, 19 pages of colour artworks Softback ISBN: 978-1-905414-15-4 Publisher: Dalrymple & Verdun Publishing
Webmaster review: Honestly, this is the best book covering the Tempest in many years. If you are unfortunate and is missing "The Typhoon and Tempest Story" in your library, order this book right away. Some 20-30 photos I never seen published earlier. (The author has used sources as Newark Air Museum and Brooklands Museum.) Great colour profiles, including seven 4-views in colour. I know the book is about THE Tempest, it's development and service, but I'm missing it's pilots. And perhaps some really good drawings.
Nevertheless, this is an oustanding book about the outstanding Tempest!! |
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LEADING FROM THE COCKPIT: A FIGHTER PILOT'S STORY by Air Chief Marshal H. Moolgavkar |
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LEADING FROM THE COCKPIT: A fighter pilot's story by Air Chief Marshal H. Moolgavkar
This is the remarkable story of fighters and flying as seen through the eyes of a ‘pure pilot’. The book takes the reader through a memorable journey as we retrace the flights of Air Chief Marshal H. Moolgavkar PVSM, MVC (retd), from the time he joined the fledgling Indian Air Force in 1940 till he retired 38 years later as the Chief of Air Staff. The narrative makes for riveting reading.
During World War II, there are first hand accounts from the young officer of what took place in the Burma campaigns. Later, as a Wing Commander in charge of No. I Operational Wing during the Kashmir Operations in 1948, his experiences are again embellished with extracts from his flying log book. His outstanding performance in this theatre earned for him the Maha Vir Chakara but what comes through at all times is his indomitable spirit of ‘Leading from the Cockpit’.
In fact the history of the India Air Force unfolds as he gains in rank and responsibility even as the IAF evaluates and acquires new aircraft and establishes new air bases. Considered “Exceptional” in his flying proficiency, Arvind Moolgavkar flew an incredible 66 different types of aircraft (as Spitfires, Tempests, Hurricanes, Canberras, Swifts and more) and was most at home in the cockpit. As Chief of Air Staff, he ensured that the accident rate came down to acceptable standards and implemented major reforms in the personal policies which has had major impact on the Service which can be seen today, may decades later.
Air Chief Marshal H. Moolgavkar turned 90 years of age on 14th August, 2010 when this book was completed.
224 pages ISBN: 81-901915-7-8
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COLD WAR SHIELD: RAF Fighter Squadrons 1950-1960. Volume 1. Spitfire Tempest Hornet Mosquito & Meteor Squadrons by Roger Lindsay |
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COLD WAR SHIELD: RAF Fighter Squadrons 1950-1960. Volume 1. Spitfire Tempest Hornet Mosquito & Meteor Squadrons by Roger Lindsay
Includes personal recollections by former air and ground crews; organisational structure; air defence radars; tactics and training; camouflage & markings; airfield infrastructure; the ROC; airshows; order of battle; and much more. 60 colour profiles, colour artworks and squadron markings. Maps and charts. Individual aircraft histories for every Meteor squadron. Over 800 photographs, many previously unpublished, including over 70 in colour.
432 pages Laminated hardback ISBN13/ EAN: 9780954406912 Publisher: |
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OPERATION BODENPLATTE: Kagero Topcolors 13 by J E Chacksfield |
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OPERATION BODENPLATTE: Kagero Topcolors 13 by Marek J Murawski
The Luftwaffe's last large scale attempt to cripple the Allied air forces in WWII. Includes a brief overview of the principle combatants and the general appearance of their aircraft over the Low Countries in 1945 - Luftwaffe, USAAF and RAF. Follows with an extensive range of full color profiles (both port and starboard) plus full upper plan and lower wing surface views illustrating 15 aircraft. This volume features: Bf 109G-14 (x2), Bf 109K-4, Fw 190A-8, Fw 190A-8/R2, Fw 190D-9 (x3), Spitfire LF Mk.IX, Tempest Mk.V, Typhoon Mk.IB, P-47D-30-RE, P-47D-28-RA, P-51D-15-NA and P-51D-10-NA. Decals.
36 pages Landscape softback ISBN13/ EAN: 9788361220589 Publisher: Bookworld Wholesale Ltd |
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SIR SYDNEY CAMM - From Biplanes & 'Hurricanes' to 'Harriers' |
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SIR SYDNEY CAMM - From Biplanes & 'Hurricanes' to 'Harriers' by J E Chacksfield
Sydney Camm’s greatest achievement was, undoubtedly, the creation of the Hawker ‘Hurricane’ fighter, although there are those who place this accolade on the ‘Hart’ biplane of 1929, which spawned a series of designs for the RAF in the 1930s and financed the expansion of the Sopwith empire. However, the ‘Hurricane’, which during the Battle of Britain shot down more enemy planes than the combined scores of all other means, whether air-, sea- or land-based, is the aircraft generally associated with Camm. It helped to turn the tide in that crucial conflict of the Battle of Britain in 1940 and enabled us to continue on the path to victory in 1945. Camm had a patron who realized his potential and used it to full advantage, this was T.O.M. Sopwith.
Sopwith, of the same generation as Camm, was the complete opposite of him in background. Coming from a wealthy family, he could indulge in his passion for speed - motorbikes, cars and racing yachts before turning to aviation. Sopwith bought an aircraft and learnt to fly in 1910, and by 1913 he had begun to build his own designs. One of the acknowledged pioneers in British aviation, Sopwith recognized the design genius of Sydney Camm. With Camm’s design skills and Sopwith’s business acumen Sopwith’s company grew, and was by then renamed the H.G.Hawker Engineering Company (later Hawker Siddeley).
Sydney Camm went on from his wartime design success to enter the jet age with the ‘Sea Hawk’, followed by the classic ‘Hunter’ and was preparing to see the ‘Harrier’ into its production phase when he died in 1966. Camm was by all accounts sometimes a rather difficult person to work with. Sopwith is recorded as saying: ‘He was a genius - but quite impossible’.
The book is to A5 format, 128 pages with 96 illustrations. It is printed on high quality art paper throughout, with a laminated colour card cover with square-backed spine.
ISBN: 978 0 85361 698 6 Possible to order from OAKWOOD PRESS & VIDEO LIBRARY |
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THE BIG SHOW/2 by Manuel Perales |
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The Big Show/2 by Manuel Perales
Part two of the Illustrated adaptation of WWII post-war best-seller book by Free French fighter Ace Pierre Clostermann. The album can be downloaded at this website address: http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/the-big-show2/10807728?productTrackingContext=product_view/recently_viewed/left/1
Copyright: © 2010 Manuel Perales & Miklo S.A Standard Copyright License Language: English Edition: First English version edition |
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FLIGHTPATH TO MURDER by Steve Darlow |
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Flightpath to murder by Steve Darlow In September 1944 a young Allied fighter pilot force-lands his damaged aircraft deep into hostile enemy territory. He survives the crash but minutes later his life is taken.
Ten months on and the European war is over. Germany’s defeat is total. The Allied forces occupying the shattered Fatherland have to re-establish some sort of order from the chaos and ruin. Deemed essential is the bringing to justice those who had perpetrated war atrocities, to ‘pursue them to the uttermost ends of the earth’, and, ‘deliver them to their accusers in order that justice may be done’. In July 1945 a team of Allied war crime investigators visit a German cemetery to examine the exhumed decomposing corpse of an Allied airman. The visible damage to the body suggests foul play. Identification of the airman proves problematic and an investigation is begun to piece together the last moments of the pilot’s life. What was the cause of death? Who was responsible? Had a war crime been committed and should someone be held accountable?
Using testimony from those involved and their families, from officers involved in the investigation and from official documentation Flightpath to Murder tells the pilot’s story, beginning in a distant country, through to the fateful day in 1944. The book tells of the comprehensive investigation to establish the truth surrounding the murder of the pilot, and the application of military law. Steve Darlow also reconstructs the story of the men who would be held accountable for the killing and have to defend their lives in court. What had turned them into killers? Why had a man described as, ‘a tender father who as a good Christian disliked every violent action’ become a killer in cold blood? Flightpath to Murder records the untold story of a journey to barbarism and the terrible consequences that could befall those individuals who ventured along that path. It opens up a new important chapter in the telling of the air war of World War Two, and its effect on individual lives.
Hardcover: 288 pages Publisher: J H Haynes & Co Ltd ISBN-10 1844255417 ISBN-13: 978-1844255412
Possible to order from Steve Darlow BSc - Military Aviation Author.
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THE BIG SHOW by Manuel Perales |
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The Big Show by Manuel Perales
An illustrated story of a RAF ace based on Pierre Clostermann's best seller. Now, for the first time, available in ENGLISH. The next two volumes will follow.
The album can be downloaded at this website address: http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/the-big-show/7296641
Copyright: © 2009 Manuel Perales & Miklo S.A Standard Copyright License Language: English Edition: First English version edition |
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2nd Tactical Air Force vol. 4 |
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2nd TACTICAL AIR FORCE: Volume 4: Squadrons, Camouflage and Markings, Weapons and Tactics 1943-1945
This superb new book completes the in-depth analysis of the 2nd TAF’s operations from its initial formation in 1943 through to the ultimate defeat of Germany in May 1945. The informative text is interspersed with rare personal accounts from pilots as well as mini-biographies and specialist text boxes on key missions. This fourth volume includes detailed coverage of areas such as camouflage and markings and ordnance systems as carried by the wide range of aircraft deployed by 2nd TAF, and which supplements much of the material in the first three volumes.
The authors have uncovered a significant amount of rare and previously unpublished material which will delight modellers around the world. Meticulous listings of all wings, commanding officers, bases and squadrons are provided, along with brief histories of each. There is also a dedicated section on Group Support Units and Repair Units, as well as a valuable section on tactics used by 2nd TAF arranged by type and role. Supplemented by fabulous colour artwork throughout, and rare pilots’ albums, this is essential volume for all military aviation enthusiasts.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS:
Possible to order from Ian Allan Publishing
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DIVER! DIVER! DIVER! |
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DIVER! DIVER! DIVER! RAF and American Fighter Pilots Battle the V-1 Assault Over South-East England 1944-45
During the summer months of 1944 a daily onslaught by V-1 flying bombs was countered in the skies by RAF and US pilots. Of 10,000 missiles launched 42% were destroyed by the UK's defences. This book details every known success by defending pilots and all locations and casualties of V-1 impacts in London and the south-east. 8pp b/w photos. 480 pages. Hardback
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS: Product Code: A43396 ISBN13 / EAN: 9781904943396 ISBN10: 190494339X Author(s): Brian Cull with Bruce Lander Product Type: Hardback Book Weight: 690g
Possible to order from Ian Allan Publishing
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Terror from the Sky |
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Attack of the Robot Rockets
In the summer of 1944, the Germans launched more than 10,000 flying bombs at Britain – most of them towards London. Thousands of people were killed and many more were injured. RAF fighter pilots flew round-the-clock patrols, desperately trying to shoot the robot rockets down and stop them reaching their targets. Graham Thomas, an Information Officer with the British Army, draws on first-hand accounts to bring this terrifying time to life.
From the launching pads in Northern France to panic in Whitehall as the menace grew, Terror from the Sky follows the day-by-day battle. It takes the reader into the cockpits of the Tempests, Mosquitoes, Spitfires and Mustangs, and relates the experiences of both the pilots and the Anti-Aircraft gunners. The book also includes recollections from those on the ground who survived the bomb attacks. In a thought-provoking conclusion, Graham Thomas assesses the cost and the success of the RAF campaign against the dreaded flying bombs. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS: Size: ??? x ??? 256 pages (Hardback) Publisher: Pen And Sword Books ISBN: 978-1844156849 |
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No. 501 (CofG) Squadron |
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No.501 Squadron was one of the five Special Reserve units (from Nos.500 to 504 Sqns) to be formed during the late 1920s. At the eve of WWII, four of these were still active and took part to the conflict, two as fighter units, 501 being one of the latter.
From the first blood in France in 1940 until the hunt of the V-1s in 1944, the history of this squadron in narrated in 140 pages. No less than 348 pilots flew in operations with the Squadron, one third being not coming from Britsh Isles, like Americans (15, including USAAF personnel), Australians (9), Belgians (6), Canadians (17), Czechoslovaks (14), Dane (1), French (4), New Zealanders (25), Poles (19) and South Africans (2).
As for the other titles of the Series, appendices comprise the claim list, full loss list and operational diary and colour profiles (10) and photographs (113). BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS: Size: 170 x 245mm (paperback) Publisher: RAF-in-Combat.com/Philedition ISBN: 978-295-26-3813-5 |
A new Osprey look-alike series? No, Philedition has chosen a new way in their "Famous Squadrons Series". About 40 of the 140 pages are used to tell the wartime operational history of the Squadron. But the other 100 pages? Well, this book is cram-full with everything you need or want to know about 501 Squadron as:
Operational Data, Major Awards, Known Individual Code-letters, Bases, Operational Diaries (number of sorties each day), Claim List, Aircraft Lost, Roll of Honour, PoWs, Squadron Roster, Colour profiles and a page describing each type used by 501 Sqn (Hurricane, Spitfire and Tempest). Phew, this book has it all!! Nothing to complain about? Hum... The book says extending the Tempest airframe was to improve the high altitude performance.... The only colour profile of a Tempest, SD-R(EJ558), shows the pitot head in the correct position (it's a left view). But there is also a view of the left wing tip from above and there is the pitot head again, but moved to the wing tip. A position used only by late Mk. IIs and Mk. VIs.... Sorry being finicky, but I really like this book and the contents! And I really hope Philedition continues with this series and I have already made a wish list: Nos. 3, 56, 80, 274 and 486 Squadrons!! Thanks to Phil at Philedition for the review copy!
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Het verhaal achter een steen |
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Yvonne van den Brink has published a book concerning her search for information about Flight Lieutenant Régis Deleuze (No. 501 and 274 Squadrons). For 30 years she has been busy with this search and its tale has now been published in a book.
The book is at the moment only available in Dutch, but she is busy to get it translated into English and French. The book can be ordered on http://www.regischarlesdeleuze.nl/form.html and all earnings will go to the Foundation Regis Deleuze. |
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A View from the Office |
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A4 version
Hardback version |
The author's WWII experiences from conscription into the army during October 1939, to demobilisation as a commissioned RAF fighter pilot. Army service with the Royal Fusiliers was spent in Sussex & Kent guarding the beaches of East Kent in anticipation of the invasion. By January 1941 there was a shortage of pilots & Ron applied for a transfer to the RAF. He was sent to Florida for aircrew training &, on his return to England, he joined 3 Squadron who had converted to Hawker Typhoons. Later the Squadron was one of the first to fly Tempests, being held back from the Normandy invasion to deal with the V1 menace. Shot down on a mission into Europe in January, 1945, he was taken prisoner & held at Stalag IlIA, Lukenwafde. With the German retreat he became a guest of the Russian army until his release some time after the end of hostilities. Peacetime saw him testing & ferrying aircraft around the country until he was de-mobbed in December 1945.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS A4 format: 234pp, 91 b/w ills Publisher: Design Engineering Services ISBN:0954618904 BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS Hardback format: 284pp Publisher: Design Engineering Services ISBN:0-9546189-1-2
Webmaster review:  "This is the story of the small part I played in World War 2, 1939 to 1945, as I saw it then, and remember it now". This is how Ron Pottinger begins his book "A View from the Office". Ron mixes extracts from diaries with memories and a bunch of very personal photos (which never have been published before). He is not trying make any deeper reflections concerning the war, this book is written from the "ordinary" solidier's point of view. It's a very captivating book and highly recommended! Once again, a big thanks to Graham Berry who sent me the book. Signed by Ron Pottinger!
In an e-mail to the Webmaster, Mark Pottinger (son and publisher!) informs that there is still a few copies left of the A4 version. But since they had a reprint done the book is now in a more conventional hardback format. It’s basically the same text with a few minor corrections and changes. To order the book e-mail Mark at desuk@btinternet.com. |
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THE RAF WWII LOGBOOKS of |
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These details are copied from an ad in the FlyPast magazine, June 2006 issue: W/C R.P. Beamont (DSO*, DFC*, DFC(USA)), legendary fighter "ace". His RAF flying log has been scanned and with verbatim text printed in A4 hardback format. Enhanced by ORB data and post-war log book pages relating to Bee's "Maiden Flights" of the Canberra-Lightning, TSR2 etc. Priced at £25 each. There are 12 copies containing Bee's signature, plus those of at least six other Typhoon pilots (inc. 3 DFC holders). These 12 books are £40 each. UK p&p £5. Book launch is to be held in the Friends of The Fighter Collection's marque at the Flying Legends Airshow at Duxford Airfield on 8th and 9th July. Mail orders (cheques only): J.D. Earnshaw. AE. 130 Stonefall Avenue, Harrogate HG2 7NT, UK. Delivery as from 8/9 July. |
A4 hardback format, "Bee's" logbook, 300+ pages, lot of personal photos, combat reports, magazine articles from the WWII etc etc. All about one of the finest pilots ever, and definitely one of the top Tempest pilots. This is the ultimate book about Wing Commander Roland Beamont. Interested in WWII aviation generally? You should buy it. Interested in Tempest? You have to buy it! Drawbacks? Hardly none, all I can think of is some of the photos attached to the logbook pages. Are they really from the original logbook? Some looks like that with short comments. But a few looks odd, I'm thinking of the R-B photo in D-day stripes on June 6th 1944. That's definitely a model!! Nevertheless, this is a highly recommended book, try to obtain a copy. A big thanks to Neil Hutchinson who helped me to buy a signed copy at Flying Legends!
Comments from Mark Crame, one of the authors:
Well spotted ref the model Tempest on 6th June page. I toyed with taking it out but let it stand as it WAS in Bee's logbook. There were a few additions made to the log by Bee himself long after the war - what I (we) view as a historical artefact/document was very much a logbook only. I in fact replaced only 1 photograph - on page 2 there is a banking cannon armed Hurricane. This was one of Bee's pics from one of the flight-testing pages (not in the book), but the one originally there was a recent photo of the Black Hurri from Breighton. This could have caused a copyright problem and wasn't really in keeping with the rest of the book. Anothe 'correction' was the addition of the text Nos 150. 122 Wings on the cover - Bee only had the squadrons embossed on. Really I should have added 56 Sqdn as well or left them off. On Page 248 there is a copy of a painting by Chris Thomas as well, which Bee had stuck in postwar - thanks again for permission to retain it Chris - and the writing was also postwar. I think, from memory, the 109 on Page 256 was a late addition too. Hope that helps your enjoyment of the book, and thanks for the positive review! There are still a few copies left.....
Regards
Mark Crame (snapper35@hotmail.com)
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2nd Tactical Air Force vol. 3 |
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2nd TACTICAL AIR FORCE: Volume 3: From the Rhine to Victory by Christopher Shores & Chris Thomas
This volume covers details of the final months of conflict, including the crossings of the Rhine and Elbe rivers. This volume also includes comprehensive appendices and a personnel index relating to the whole series.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS Possible to order from Ian Allan Publishing |
Webmaster review: 
Well, my opinion of this third and final book in the 2nd Tactical Air Force "trilogy" can't be surprising. All three volumes have been so interesting and a joy to read. Despite the amount of day-by-day details, it's easily read with wonderful layout, and as in earlier volumes with some deeper articles about missions, pilots or specific aircrafts.
Of special interest for us Tempest buffs we can enjoy colour profiles of Flg Off Rens' 5R-B (SN206), Sqn Ldr Sheddan's SA-M (SN129), Wg Cdr Mackie's W2-A (NV700) and EDM (SN228), Flt Lt Deck's ZD-Y (EJ883), Sqn Ldr Cotes-Preedy's US-C (EJ721) and Flt Lt Fairbank's JJ-F (EJ762). Including photos of the original. Impressing to say the least. If haven't got these books yet, go buy them. They are worth any öre/penny!! Thanks to Tom Ferris at Ian Allan Publishing, who sent me a review sample!
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Hawker Tempest Mks.II to VIs |
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The Hawker Tempest was just about the fastest piston-engined fighter aircraft to grace the skies at the end of World War 2 and beyond. It was a natural development of the Typhoon but had greatly increased engine power and an aerodynamically efficient wing. There were in all six versions of the Tempest. Surprisingly one of the later marks, the Mk.V went into service with its Napier Sabre inline engine before the Mk.II which had a radial Centaurus power plant. The Mk.V played an important part in defeating the V1 flying bombs as its speed matched that of the weapon and RAF pilots scored a great many succeses. Tempest squadrons followed the advance through Europe following the role of the Typhoons in attacking ground targets with considerable numbers of trains, barges and troop concentrations being destroyed. The Mk.II was not into full squadron service until the last days of the war and a number of squadrons served in India handing their aircraft over to both the Indian and Pakistan air forces after partition. This book, written and illustrated by Richard J.Caruana, describes all versions and is an ideal companion to Warpaint's Typhoon. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS |
Webmaster review:
I did finally order my copy of this book and was very impressed by the large amount of colour profiles, drawings and photos I haven't seen published earlier. All this with a very detailed described history of the Hawker Tempest, from Mk. I to Mk. VI and TTs (although the title says differently...). Most of the profiles Richard has choosen are of special marked Tempests, i.e. with kill marks, squadron badges, personal code-letters and so on. In other words, a goldmine for Tempest model builders who want something special!
But following a careful reading the first positive feelings die down. Several aircrafts are given incorrect serial numbers in the text, although they are clearly visible in the photos. All left view colour profiles of Mk. IIs and Mk. VIs are shown with the pitot head in both positions used (beneath the wing and at the wing tip). The wing tip pitot head is never shown in upper and underside scale drawings views. Detail colour photos of a Mk. II cockpit are very much looking like Hendon's NV778 Mk V/TT cockpit.... And no, rockets were never used by Tempests during WW2. And no, most of 122 Wing's Tempests were not based at Velno, but Volkel, on January 1st 1945 when the Germans launched their Operation Hermann (aka Operation Bodenplatte). And a few more...
Finicky? Yes maybe, but I think this book should be a d-mn good one without all these tiny errors. But nevertheless, it's a gem with all colour profiles and unusual photos. This one together with 4+ Publication's book are everything a Tempest model builder needs!!
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2nd Tactical Air Force vol. 2 |
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2nd TACTICAL AIR FORCE: Volume 2: Breakout to Bodenplatte by Christopher Shores & Chris Thomas
Produced in three volumes, the second covers the breakout from Normandy, the advance across the Low Countries and the German ripostes in the Ardennes and with Operation ‘Bodenplatte’ in the Winter which followed. This volume, as with the other two, is not only profusely illustrated with many little known photographs, and with Chris Thomas’s masterly artwork, but also contains daily listings of all claims made against enemy aircraft, and all losses, damage and casualties suffered by 2nd Tactical aircraft and aircrews in carrying out their arduous duties.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS Possible to order from Ian Allan Publishing |
Webmaster review:
The second volume of this serie is finally available. Volume 2 continues where the first ended, on July 1st 1944. On 192 pages, with 230 photos and some 40 colour profiles, are 2nd TAF's operations listed. With missons, enemy aircraft claimed, casualties etc etc. From Normandy, the advance across the Low Countries and the German ripostes in the Ardennes and with Operation Bodenplatte on January 1 1945. These day by day accounts are mixed with different topics of interest as "Free French Fighter Ace and Author" (Pierre Clostermann), "Who got Rommel?", "Introduction of the Tempest V and Spitfire XIV" and "2nd TAF's first Me 262".
Photos and colour profiles are as usual of highest standard. Of interest for us Tempest friends are profiles of Clostermann's Spitfire IX LO-D, Umbers' JF-H (JN817), Wg Cdr Wray's JBW (EJ750), the Aussie W2-X (EJ705) with a kangaroo emblem! The excellent profiles by Chris Thomas are shown with photos of the original. Conclusion: Top class, you need to have this one!!
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The Big Show |
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The Big Show - The Greatest Pilot's Story of World War II by Pierre Clostermann.
Webmaster review: |
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Victory Fighters: The Veterans' Story |
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Victory Fighters: The Veterans' Story, Winning the battle for supremacy in the skies over western Europe, 1941-1945 by Steve Darlow.
Victory Fighters is largely a collection of eye witness accounts of the struggle that raged in the skies over occupied Europe after the Battle of Britain. Expertly selected and interwoven by Stephen Darlow, the book centres on the stories of six pilots and one navigator, the telling of which covers every aspect of this battle over land and sea.
The author describes and analyses the relevant command decisions from the highest level down and against this background the men give their accounts from the start of their flying careers through to the preparations for Operation Overlord, including the invasion itself, the liberation of France, the crossing of the Rhine, and the end of the war in Europe on VE-Day.
Through their eyes, the reader is introduced to a series of different tasks and situations, a multitude of aircraft types – Sunderlands, Mustangs, Tempests, Typhoons, Spitfires, Whirlwinds, Mosquitoes – and a great many squadrons.
Through interviews and diligent research of documents, diaries and correspondence, the author has produced a fitting testament to these men and the countless others they represent.
In the book Bob Cole DFC (3 Squadron) features as one of the main characters. A few other Tempest incidents, involving 80 Squadron pilots Bill Maloney (shot down, captured then shot Sept 44), Hugh Ross (baled out over the sea Sept 44, and shot up a landing Me 262 Nov 44) and a bit from Ron Pottinger - concerning the first V1s. Worth reading for the Tempest fans!
Have a look at Steve Darlow's website for more information about this book and others by the same author.
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The Long Drag |
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From Flight Recorder's website:
Written by Don Evans, who joined the RAF in 1942 and served as a Flight Mechanic working on Hurricanes and Defiants. Posted to Weston Zoyland in 1944 to service Martinet, Henley and Defiant target tugs, he was persuaded by the princely sum of ninepence a day flying pay to complete 90 hours as a target winch operator. He transferred to the Fleet Air Arm in 1945 until demobilisation in 1947, whereupon he began working at the A&AEE at Boscombe Down until his retirement in 1989. For 12 years he was supervisor of the Towed Target Development Section, where he was when awarded the British Empire Medal for the design of the Trident Target and the Rapid Target Exchanger. He is still involved with Boscombe Down where he looks after over 1,000 scale model aircraft. When compared to combat operations, target towing to most aviation enthusiasts is a non-event. Most of the time, however, air forces are at peace, but they need to prepare for war. In the absence of actual hostilities therefore, the only way for pilots, gunners and aircrew to learn how to fire their weaponry and hit their mark is with the aid of dummy targets. |
Consequently, providing the targets for the combatants to practice against is a vital, yet almost totally ignored role. In this concise yet fascinating history, possibly for the first time the ways and means by which the necessary aerial targetry and the associated equipment was provided for the British Services is described and explained in some 31,000 words, aided by photographs, technical details, diagrams and specifications. The human side of the target towing task, now almost a lost art, is not forgotten either, for as the author notes, 'the men who tow tails have tales to tell.'
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS
Format: 290 x 210mm, softback
Pages: 68
27 aircraft colour profiles (incl. Tempest)
115 black and white and colour photographs with highly detailed captions
ISBN 0 9545605 4 X
Possible to order from Flight Recorder Publication
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Those Other Eagles, |
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This massive, extensively researched volume is an indispensable companion to Shores’ other seminal work Aces High, Volumes one and two.
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2nd Tactical Air Force |
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2nd TACTICAL AIR FORCE: Volume 1: Spartan to Normandy June 1943 - June 1944 by Christopher Shores & Chris Thomas
The first volume in this three book set deals with the formation and expansion of 2nd TAF from its inception in June 1943 for the next 12 months, and with the initial critical month of the invasion. This volume, as with the two subsequent volumes, is not only profusely illustrated with many little known photographs, and with Chris Thomas's masterly artwork, but also contains daily listings of all claims made against enemy aircraft, and all losses, damage and casualties suffered by 2nd Tactical aircraft and aircrews in carrying out their arduous duties.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS Possible to order from Ian Allan Publishing |
It's more than 30 years since the first "2nd Tactical Air Force" was published. This new three book set is rewritten, expanded and illustrated with hundreds of rare and newly discovered photos. It was the aircraft of 2nd TAF - including Typhoons, Tempests, Spitfires, Mosquitoes, Mustangs and Mitchells - which provided the critical support to Allied ground forces as they advanced into Europe.
I have now had the opportunity to look through the first volume of "2nd TAF", and I'm really impressed. 179 pages, 230 b/w photos and 40 of Chris Thomas fantastic colour artwork. Day by day, all claims, losses, damage and causualties by 2nd TAF are listed. Each days operations carefully described. All these facts are brighten up with short stories, interesting info about some of the involved pilots, etc etc.
This first volume covers June 1943 to June 1944, and since the 150 Wing (No 3 and 486 Sqn with Tempests and No 56 with Spitfires, waiting for Tempests) remained in 85 Group ADGB during the Normandy campaign, there is not much about Tempests in this volume. That will be a different story in the next coming books! Nevertheless, these books are a must in your personal library. Thanks to Wesley Hedger at Ian Allan Publishing, who sent me a review sample.
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Hawker Typhoon, Tempest and Sea Fury |
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Book Description
Hardcover, 192 pages and publisher Motorbooks International.
Webmaster review: |
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Runways To Victory, Belgian Airfields |
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In early September 1944, The Allies had just successfully ended the Battle of Normandy and were preparing for the final drive to the heart of Nazi Germany, advancing through Belgium. Thousands of tactical aircraft followed in the wake of the hard-pressed Liberation Armies. To allow the air force units to "leap-frog" all the way to Berlin, hundreds of airfields were required along the path of the Allied advance. German aerodromes were patched up and brand-new forward airfields were constructed in no time, making use of newly developed prefabricated surfacing materials. During the winter of 1944-45, Belgian airfields together accommodated a tremendous number of tactical fighter aircraft, which, consequent to the way the air war was developing, ruled the skies over Western Europe. When the Tactical Air Forces left Belgium again in March and April 1945, the war was virtually over.
Runways to Victory describes the way airfields in Belgium were constructed, repaired and used by the 9th U.S. Army Air Force and the British 2nd Tactical Air Force in 1944-'45. The first chapters are a review of the evolution of the air war during World War II. They explain the development of tactical air power and the challenge that the Allies were facing when finally going for the Invasion - having adequate airfields for their thousands of tactical aircraft, whose support was so desperately needed by the ground forces. A further section gives an in-depth insight of wartime operations at seven Belgian fighter airfields, which were 'typical' fighter bases and all have a significant and characteristic story to tell.
Finally, specific interesting images of most of the other Belgian airfields are shown. Abandoned German equipment, Battle of the Bulge operations, and destructions during the Luftwaffe's desperate Operation Bodenplatte are all extensively shown. The majority of the photographs come from personal albums. To end it all, several Appendices to this book provide more in-depth material, such as, statistics, losses and victory lists, for the real enthusiast. |
This book is a gripping account of the hazardous, gloomy, but often joyful life of the young Allied fighter pilots, and a documentary on the impact the proximity of an airfield had on several Belgian cities and towns. Told largely through archive records from all over the world and remembrances of the men who were there, this book is more than just a detailed reference text. It is an exciting read.
Runways to Victory will be published by MARHAV Publications on 15 April 2003. The book is written in English and contains over 360 pages and nearly 400 unique, mostly unpublished photos, including 30 in full colour, all having comprehensive captions.
The book (dimensions 21.5 by 28 centimetres or 8.5 by 11 inches) is printed and bound by well-known printing firm LANNOO, on high-quality paper. It has a hard cover with a full colour dust jacket.
About the author
Peter Celis was born in 1967. Fascinated by military aviation at a young age, he entered the Royal Military Academy of Belgium in 1985. He graduated as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1989, and was allowed to continue pilot training. Obtaining his Pilot's Wings in 1990, he was posted to the 10th Tactical Wing of the Belgian Air Force in 1991, where he was assigned to the 31st Fighter Squadron. With this unit, he continues to fly F-16 fighters from Kleine-Brogel Air Base to this day. Runways to Victory is his second book. He has also authored a number of articles for aviation magazines. He is married and has two children.
Ordering info
The book costs 49.95 EURO. Postage and packing costs depend on the customer's country. All enquiries and orders should be sent to: pcelis@worldonline.be
Webmaster review:
Is this really a Tempest book? Well maybe not, there are for example only three Tempest related photos. But the book do cover the British 2nd Tactical Air Force in Belgium and airfields used by Tempest squadrons in the fight to set Europe free. Well worth reading!
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THE YEARS FLEW PAST |
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The Years Flew Past became Roland "Bee" Beamont´s last book. This is not a book about Beamont´s time as a Tempest pilot, but about his whole career. Follow him from the Battle of Britian, through the time as Typhoon and Tempest pilot to his post-war career as a test pilot on aircrafts as Canberra, Lightning, TSR2 and Tornado.
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MANUEL PERALES |
An illustrated story of a RAF ace based on
Pierre Clostermann's best seller.
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The three first volumes of Manuel Perales illustrated "The Big Show" can now be ordered from www.amazon.fr.
The address of the belgian editor:
MIKLO S.A
Rue des Cottages, 14
1180 Bruxelles
BELGIUM
Tel: 00 32 02 346 96 89
Fax: 00 32 02 347 75 48
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Hawker Tempest Mks.I, V, II, VI, TT Mks.5, 6 |
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The company 4+ PUBLICATION has released a new publication concerning the Hawker Tempest. It is mainly aimed at scale modellers and aviation enthusiasts. It is not an excerpt from already published books, but a photographic monograph with many unique photos and materials. The company 4+ PUBLICATION has released a new publication concerning the Hawker Tempest. It is mainly aimed at scale modellers and aviation enthusiasts. It is not an excerpt from already published books, but a photographic monograph with many unique photos and materials.
The publication should be available at good bookshops carrying the avation literature or at modelshops.
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Webmaster review:
I would like to thank Michal Ovcácík, Company Partner of 4+ Publication, who sent me a review sample. This book is one of the best, if not THE best, concerning the Tempest. If you build plastic- or R/C- models and are planning to build a Tempest, this book is a must. There are photos and drawings which covers almost the entire aircraft, from every angle! Fuselage, wings, cockpit, undercarriage bay, ID lights, wheels, radiator, engine, flaps, etc, etc, you name it!! Thanks 4+ Publication, and good luck with your other books.
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Typhoon and Tempest Aces of World War 2 |
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Text from the cover:
More details, check your bookstore or: |
Webmaster review:
Chris Thomas never makes any mistakes. A well-written and a fascinating description about the Typhoon and Tempest Aces. Several colour-profiles and the history of each aircraft. Go buy it!
This page was last updated 20 September 2012.