AVIATION BOOKS
(Updated
THE AERONAUTS (The Epic of Flight) by Donald Dade Jackson
The concept of a sky
filled with balloons has intrigued people of every age and nationality for
almost two centuries ever since man embarked on their first lighter-than-air
voyages in 1783. This is their
story. HC, 176pp, pub.
1981, Time Life Books, mint. Price: $10.00
THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD AND THE AMERICAN MILITARY TRADITION By Charles J. Gross
In this study of the Air Guard and its militia
roots, Dr. Gross documents
AIRCRAFT NOSE ART 80 Years of Aviation Artwork By J. P. Wood
This book surveys the history of unofficial artwork from World War One to the 1991 Gulf War. Over 250 fascinating photographs (mostly in colour). HC, 144pp, illus., pub. 1996, Salamander, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
AIRFIELDS OF 11 GROUP (
The Royal Air Force’s 11 Group played a leading role in the
Battle of Britain. It included the
airfields at Tangmere, Westhampnett,
Kenley, Croydon, Biggin Hill, West Malling, Martlesham Heath, etc.
This book gives an overview of the
AIRLIFT A History of Military Air Transport by David Wragg
This book traces the history of military 'airlines' from the
first pioneering efforts of the fledging Royal Air Force in the
THE AIRLINE BUILDERS (The Epic of Flight) by Oliver E. Allen
This book describes the development of commercial passenger service from its beginnings until World War II. HC, 176pp, illus., pub. 1981, Time Life Books, mint. Price: $10.00
AIRSPEED The Company and Its Aeroplanes By D. H. Middleton
The story of Airspeed Limited is a story of people in the
design office, on the shop floor and in the cockpit who built up a tradition
that was to live on even after Airspeed had been absorbed by the de Havilland
Aircraft
ALL WEATHER WARRIORS The Search for the Ultimate Fighter Aircraft By Mike Spick
Follow the story from tentative beginnings hunting Zeppelins and Gotha Bombers in World War I through the development of ground controlled radar interceptions in the 1930s and the evolution of jet fighters and long range missiles in the 1950s. HC, 175pp, illus., pub. 1994, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
ARCHITECTS OF AIR POWER (The Epic of Flight) by David Nevin
Shown here in vivid paintings by combat artists, some of whom were skilled aviators, these early aerial offenses were grim portents of the awesome destructive might that bombers would unleash in wars still to come. HC, 176pp, pub. 1981, Time Life Books, mint. Price: $10.00
THE ARMED ROVERS Beauforts & Beaufighters over
the
By far the most dangerous of the RAF’s activities during the
Second World War were daylight attacks on enemy shipping. This book, written from a study of official
records in
AVIATION MUSEUMS OF
Aircraft and aeronautica on show for the
public. Includes maps, directions
on how to get to the museums, and lists of the exhibits. SC, 128pp, illus., pub.
1995,
THE B-17 FLYING FORTRESS STORY Design-Production-History By Roger A. Freeman
In this volume, Roger Freeman's emphasis is more on the design and production of the bomber and, with the help of David Osborne, he supplies an unprecedented summary of the war history of every B-17 that took part - all 12,731 of them! HC, 319pp, illus., pub. 1998, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price: $50.00
BATTLE-AXE BLENHEIMS No. 105 Squadron RAF at War 1940-41 By Stuart R. Scott
Drawing on official records and the first-hand recollections
of survivors, the daring exploits of the Blenheim Mk IV crews of No. 105
Squadron are graphically recounted here.
Included is a vivid account of the squadron's epic low-level attack on
By Roy Braybrook - SC, 40pp, pub. 1983, illus., very good. Price: $10.00
THE BATTLE OF
SC, 56pp, illus., pub. 1990, Ian Allan, mint. Price: $20.00
Dr. Price's definitive book, based on interviews with the people involved as well as official records and documents, is the only full-scale work on the events of this pivotal day. Alfred Price interviewed nearly 70 people involved in the day's events while researching this book: German and British airmen, British military personnel, and many civilian eye-witnesses. HC, 180pp, illus., pub. 1999, Greenhill, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
THE
The author's unrivalled skill for recounting what is already history as if it were only yesterday makes this the ideal book with which to appreciate that finest hour, 50 years on. HC, 240pp, illus, pub. 1990, Patrick Stephens, mint in dust jacket. Price: $50.00
BAWDSEY Birth of the Beam By Gordon Kinsey
The author has linked the story of Bawdsey with that of the
nearby 'crash drome' at Sutton Heath, today known as RAF Woodbridge and a base
for an American Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron as well as for the
tank-busting A-10s which are NATO's answer to the Soviet armoured threat. HC, 205pp, illus., pub.
1990,
BOMBER BARONS By Chaz Bowyer
By the end of the Second World War, a grim total of 55,000 air crew of Bomber Command had lost their lives. Some of these individuals stood out gaining high reputations for their courage and leadership. These were the Bomber Barons. Some like Leonard Cheshire, Guy Gibson and Hughie Edwards, are today well know but others such as Nick Knilans, Syd Clayton and Jo Lancaster are familiar only to those 'in the know'… the author details their careers and relates episodes that reflect the qualities that made them outstanding. HC, 222pp, illus., pub. 2001, Leo Cooper, mint in dust jacket. Price: $37.00
BOMBER COMMAND By Max Hastings
This is the first book to bring together in one volume the
strategic and moral debate with the story of the commanders and aircrew, using
their own accounts and the wartime files now released to the Public Record
Office. HC, 399pp,
illus., pub. 1980, Book Club Assocs.,
BOMBER COMMAND 1939-45 By Ian Carter
This book makes available a huge collection of photographs
from the archives of the Imperial War Museum, many of which have never been
published before, recalling all aspects of Bomber Command activities from
1939-1945 – the aircraft, the airfields, the tactics and the course of the
campaign itself. HC,
8” x 10 ¼”, 160pp, vastly illus., pub 2000, Ian Allan, mint in dust jacket.
Price:
$35.00
A history of the Royal Air Force in
A supplement to the first book. Further sorties into the history of the county's association with the RAF over the past 70 years. SC, 72pp, illus., pub. 1985, mint. Price: $15.00
BOMBERS OF THE LUFTWAFFE By Joachim Dressel and Manfred Griehl
This book is a highly accessible and informative illustrated reference to the bombers built and designed for Luftwaffe operational use. HC, 192pp, illus., pub. 1994, 1st Edition, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
BOMBING 1939-1945: The Air Offensive Against Land Targets in World War II By Karl Hecks
This book deals with the aircraft, weapons, techniques and tactics used, and with every war theatre. Very well illustrated, HC, 304pp, pub. 1990, Robert Hale, mint in dust jacket. Price: $34.00
BORN LEADER The Story of Guy Gibson VC By Alan Cooper
Not only was Guy Gibson an outstanding pilot, but he was to lead the famous Dambusters' raid on the night of 16/17 May 1943. HC, 192pp, illus., pub. 1993, Independent Books, mint in dust jacket. Price: $38.00
BRITISH AND EUROPEAN COMBAT AIRCRAFT Combat Aircraft Library by Paul A. Jackson
Brilliant color drawings and photographs, together with
technical descriptions and a narrative account make this book an enthralling
guide to the great military aircraft of
BROKEN SWASTIKA The Defeat of the Luftwaffe By Werner Baumbach
Here is a Bomber Commander's view of
The histories of "Liberator"
Squadrons of the RAF in Lord Mountbatten's South East Asia Command in the
Second World War. The story is
set in the context of western empires in the east, the rise and the reaction of
the Orient, changes wrought by war, with emphasis upon
THE BUSH PILOTS (Epic of Flight) By the Editors of Time Life Books
Trappers and prospectors, missionaries and mountaineers,
sportsmen and entrepreneurs in the most remote corners of the world during the
first half of the century all came to share one thing – their reliance on the
bush pilots. HC,
176pp, pub. 1983, Time Life Books, mint. Price:
$10.00
THE CARRIER WAR (The Epic of Flight) by Clark G. Reynolds and Editors of Time-Life Books
The realization that the airplane could play a part in naval warfare. The story of the first attempts and up to the World War I and II. HC, 176pp, illus., some in color, pub. 1982, mint, Time-Life. Price: $12.00
CHINOOK! The Special Forces Flight in War and Peace By David McMullon
The heroism of the SAS and the SBS are now familiar but Chinook! is the first ever insider's account of the Special Forces Flight. It's a unique and fascinating book into the secret world of the RAF Special Forces and the demands that can break a man in routine training, let alone in war. HC, 258pp, illus., pub. 1998, Simon & Schuster, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
COMBAT CREW By John Comet
The story of 25 combat missions over North-West Europe. HC, 268pp, illus., pub. 1988, Leo Cooper, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
D-DAY BOMBERS: The
Veterans’ Story RAF Bomber Command and the US Eighth Air Force Support
to the
This is largely an eye-witness account of the vital and
often ignored heavy bomber contributions to the success of the D-Day landings
and therefore to the winning of the war in
D-DAY THE AIR
This is the story of the vitally important air battle for
'Overlord'. It was a battle that had
begun many months before D-Day itself, as Allied air forces launched a
systematic campaign against invasion targets in
THE DAMBUSTERS By John Sweetman
On
Based on squadron records and other archives, and upon the accounts of survivors and eye-witnesses, this book examines each crash in detail, providing information on the aircraft types and their histories, pilots and aircrews, and the actual crashes. SC, 160pp, illus., pub. 1995, Leo Cooper, mint. Price: $17.00
The author tells the stories of 26 of these incidents, often in the words of survivors and eye-witnesses. SC, 192pp, illus., pub. 1995, Leo Cooper, mint. Price: $17.00
THE DARK SIDE OF
THE SKY The Story of a Young Jewish Airman in
Nazi
A telegram informed Harry Levy's father that his son was
missing in action following air operations 31st July/
DARK SKY, DEEP WATER First Hand Reflections on the Anti-U-Boat War in WWII by Norman Franks
In this book, through aircrew reminiscences, one can read about the saga of the Italian submarine Luigi Torelli, the first U boat to be attacked by an aircraft carrying a Leigh Light; about Operation Swamp along the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain, and about the sinking of U459 onto which the attacking aircraft actually crashed when shot down. HC, 218pp, illus., pub. 1997, Grub Street, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
DeHAVILLAND VAMPIRE-The Complete History By David Watkins
This comprehensive history covers the Vampire’s development and operational service. It has been written with the full cooperation of the manufacturer, the MoD, RAF and other world air forces, mixing narrative and technical detail with vivid personal accounts from pilots and ground crews. Comprehensive appendices include RAF and FAA Vampire squadrons, technical specifications, production details, serials and export details. SC, 7 ½” x 10 ½”, illus., pub. 1998, Sutton, mint. Price: $28.00
Douglas Bader is one of the legendary names of World War
II. It is the story of his war-time
activities, both in the air and as a POW and is told in some detail and makes
fascinating reading. HC,
252pp, illus., pub. 2001,
This is the story of a young man’s entry into war in 1941
and culminates in his flying on the bombing raid to
EAGLES HIGH The
This specially commissioned 50th Anniversary
tribute brings to life
EVADER The Epic Story of the First British Airman to be Rescued by the Comete Escape Line in World War II by Derek Shuff
The year is 1941 and for Sgt. Jack Newton his involvement in
the action he wants so badly comes soon enough – on his first bombing raid over
F-4 PHANTOM Modern Combat Aircraft 1 by Bill Gunston
This book tells the history of how the Phantom was designed, how it works, how it flies and how it fights. HC, 112pp, illus., pub. 1977, Ian Allan, very good in dust jacket. Price: $32.00
F-111 - Success in Action By Anthony M. Thorborough and Peter E. Davies
This outstanding study of the F-111 fighter-bomber shows a fine understanding of the needs of the aviation student and is a major contribution to modern military literature. HC, 191pp, illus., pub. 1989, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
FAILED TO RETURN
The
The author looks particularly at the casualties sustained by the Yorkshire Groups, and tells the individual stories that lie behind the statistics. HC, 224pp, illus., pub. 1995, Leo Cooper, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
FAILED TO RETURN Mysteries of the Air 1939-1945 By Roy Conyers Nesbit
The author, an aviation historian, investigates incidents when aircraft fail to return. Some of the stories concern public figures. HC, 192pp, illus., pub. 1988, Patrick Stephens, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
FALCONS Men Who Train the Paras by Peter Hearn
In words and pictures this book vividly relates the story of the Royal Air Force Parachute Display Team, one of the foremost exhibition teams in the world of aviation. An anecdotal style and a stunning selection of photographs evoke the development, drama, skills and spirit of free fall parachuting at the highest level. SC, 128pp, illus. (some in colour), pub. 1995, Grub Street, very good. Price: $25.00
A FEW OF THE FIRST Thirteen First-Hand Accounts of Flying in the RFC and RNAS During the First World War By Bruce Lewis
The author has recorded the memories of 13 men who braved not only the perils of pioneer flying, but also the increasingly desperate efforts of the enemy to claw their fragile machines from the sky. Bruce Lewis, through the experiences of these early aviators, paints a broader picture and shows how these men of the RFC and RNAS carried out their arduous duties. HC, 246pp, illus., pub. 1997, Leo Cooper, mint in dust jacket. Price: $32.00
FIELDS OF
This book can best be described as both the official and the
unofficial history of the men and planes of the 2nd Air Division based in
FIGHTER The True Story of the
The battle is described as much from the German as from the
British point of view. HC, 304pp, illus., pub. 1977,
FIGHTER MISSIONS Modern Air Combat - The View From the Cockpit By Bill Gunston and Lindsay Peacock
The authors team up to study most of the contemporary fighter missions in great detail. It combines an in-depth look at the new technology with hypothetical scenarios to put the reader into the cockpit and dramatically demonstrate the tactics, the capabilities and hazards of modern air combat. HC, 208pp, illus., some in color, pub. 1989. Salamander, very good in torn dust jacket. Price: $12.00
FIGHTER PILOT By Paul Richey, DFC
A classic account of the part played by No. 1 Squadron in
air battles that preceded the fall of
THE FIGHTING ME 109 By Uwe Feist
The BF 109 has the distinction of having been flown by the highest scoring fighter aces in history. SC, 160pp, illus., pub. 1993, Arms and Armour, mint. Price: $25.00
FIRE BY NIGHT The Dramatic Story of One Pathfinder Crew and Black Thursday, 16/17 December 1943 by Jennie Gray
The author's father, Joe Mack, used to tell her the story of
his astonishing rescue from a burning
THE FIRST AIR CAMPAIGN August 1914-November 1918 By Eric and Jane Lawson
Eric and Jane Lawson present a unique treatment of the air actions of World War I as a single grand campaign, with the balance of power shifting back and forth with each new weapon or tactic. This book features a fast paced narrative supplemented by detailed information on unit organization and aircraft performance and innovative new maps illustrating the first attempt to apply the principles of war to aerial maneuver. HC, 249pp, illus., pub. 1996, Combined Books, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
THE FIRST AVIATORS (The Epic of Flight) by Curtis Prendegast
Seeking out the men and women who were eyewitnesses to the
historic events in the first decade of flight after
FLYING THE MAIL (Epic of Flight) by Donald Dale Jackson
Air Mail service in the early 1900s was very dangerous. This is the story of the daring young men of the "Suicide Club" as it was called. HC, 176pp, illus., pub. 1982, Time-Life Books, mint. Price: $10.00
THE FORGOTTEN FEW The Polish Air Force in World War II by Adam Zamoyski
The contribution of Polish pilots, and particularly of the
top-scoring 303 Squadron, to the Battle of Britain has become legendary, but
few people realize the breadth and depth of the Polish Air Force involvement in
the RAF’s operations during the war. By
the beginning of 1941 there was a fully fledged Polish Air Force operating alongside
the RAF. They won 342 British gallantry
awards. HC, 239pp,
illus., pub. 2004, Pen & Sword, mint in dust
jacket. Price: $40.00
FORTRESSES OF THE BIG TRIANGLE FIRST By Cliff T. Bishop
This book is the first deal exclusively with the aircraft assigned
to a major section of the Eighth. Thus covering approximately one fifth of the total Heavy bomber
assignments to the Eighth Air Force.
HC, 320pp, illus., pub. 1986,
14th BOMB WING
An illustrated look at the 14th Bombardment Wing
and its 3 outstanding stations: Shipdham, Wendling and
FROM SPITFIRE TO EUROFIGHTER 45 Years of Combat Aircraft Design by Roy Boot
This book contains a wealth of technical detail, and
FULL CIRCLE
The Long Way Home From
Full Circle is the concluding part of Ulrich Steinhilper's
remarkable story. Having escaped from
custody three times, he was still determined to use all and every means to get
back to
THE GLOBAL TWENTIETH An Anthology of the 20th AF in World War II - Vol. I - Edited by Chester Marshall
This is a fascinating collection of 88 first-hand stories
from a cross section of personnel from the five B-29 Bombardment Wings and the
supporting units of the 20th Air Force that operated from the
A GUIDE TO AVIATION PHOTOGRAPHY By T. Malcolm English
This book is packed with hints, tips and advice, all backed up with excellent examples of the variety of aviation topics for study. SC, 96pp, illus., pub. 1992, Arms and Armour, mint. Price: $20.00
HANDLEY PAGE VICTOR Postwar Military Aircraft: 6 By Andrew Brookes
In this authoritative history, former Victor pilot Wg Cdr Andrew Brookes unfolds the complete story of this fascinating aircraft, from the initial design brief to the present. HC, 128pp, illus., pub. 1988, Ian Allan, very good in dust jacket, corners knocked. Price: $30.00
HARRIER By Francis K. Mason
The author looks at events over the last three years (early 80s) including the RAF's new GR Mark 5 and the U.S. Marine's AV-8B. SC, 240pp, illus., pub. 1986, Patrick Stephens, mint. Price: $25.00
HARRIER Modern Combat Aircraft 13 By Bill Gunston
This book examines the role of the Harrier in the defence of the West. Includes line drawings. HC, 112pp, illus., pub. 1981, Ian Allan, very good in torn dust jacket, photo attached to frontis. Price: $30.00
HARRIER AND SEA HARRIER British Aerospace, Osprey Air Combat By Roy Braybrook
This is the most complete and original work ever published about the Harrier family. HC, 200pp, illus., pub. 1984, Osprey, very good in torn dust jacket, marks to inside cover. Price: $30.00
HAWKER HUNTER Modern Combat Aircraft 15 by Robert Jackson
In the RAF the Hunter was in front line squadrons from 1954 until the end of 1971, and remains in service as an operational trainer. It brought international fame to the RAF's official aerobatics team, The Black Arrows of No. 11 Squadron. HC, 112pp, illus., pub. 1982, Ian Allan, mint in dust jacket. Price: $36.00
HELICOPTERS IN COMBAT The First Fifty Years By John Everett-Heath
The author demonstrates the dramatic effect the helicopter had had during fifty years of development and operations, the story of the machine that took the cavalry 'into the air'. HC, 219pp, illus., pub. 1992, 1st Edition, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
HERMAN GORING-Hitler's Paladin or Puppet? By Wolfgang Paul
This comprehensive and deeply researched biography charts
Goring's colourful career. Was Herman
Goring, World War One aviation ace and early convert to the Nazi cause, a
masterful general or simple seeker after power and glory who did not possess
the character or intelligence to advance anything other than his own
wealth? HC, 286pp,
illus., pub. 1998, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price:
$30.00
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
From the string and wire days of the Wright Brothers to the massive striking power of the B-1B strategic bomber, this magnificently illustrated history of the United States Air Force traces the development of the most powerful air arm the world has seen. HC, 156pp, illus., some in color, pub. 1988, Chevprime, very good in dust jacket, inscribed on frontis. Price: $15.00
HOME BY CHRISTMAS The
Story of
Here, at first hand, are the stories of those crews who did not return to base after a successful mission, but instead found themselves bailing out over enemy territory with the near certainty of capture and imprisonment. This book provides a real insight into war experienced by those flyers whose only wish was to be home by Christmas. HC, 159pp, illus., pub. 1987, 1st Edition, Patrick Stephens, very good in dust jacket. Price: $38.00
HORNCHURCH EAGLES The Life Stories of Eight of the Airfield’s Distinguished WWII Fighter Pilots by Richard C. Smith
This book features the entire lives and flying careers
(including pre and postwar) of eight of the most noteworthy pilots who flew Hornchurch during the Second World War. These are:
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst; New
Zealander Air Vice-Marshal William Crawford-Compton; Squadron Leader Dave
Glaser; Flight Lt. Eric Lock; American Flight Lt. William Tex Ash; Squadron
Leader Peter Brown; Squadron Leader Iain Hutchinson
and Wing Commander Eric Barwell. HC, 224pp, illus., pub.
2002, Grub Street, mint in dust jacket.
Price: $30.00
HORNCHURCH SCRAMBLE The
Definitive Account of the RAF Fighter Airfield, its Pilots, Groundcrew
and Staff - Volume One - 1915 to the End of the
Many of the new pilots who would
later become aces and household names in the War, began their career here, the
likes of "Sailor" Malan, Bob Stanford Tuck,
Brian Kingcome, Alan Deere, Paddy Finucane,
Eric Lock. But it was to be as a main
Sector Station of No. 11 Group in both the
HORNETS OVER
This lively memoir is by a Marine F/A-18 pilot who flew 37
sorties against the Iraqis during Desert Storm.
Screaming combat aircraft, exploding bombs, streaking missiles, and
enemy casualties are covered side-by-side with homesickness, bad food and
toilet humor. HC,
244pp, illus., pub. 1997, Naval Institute Press, mint in dust
jacket. Price: $30.00
HURRICANE OVER THE JUNGLE 120 Days Fighting the Japanese Onslaught in 1942 by Terrence Kelly
This is the author’s personal memoir of how the twenty-two
pilots of No. 258 Squadron RAF left Scotland in late October 1941 until 120
days later when all but seven of those who had not been killed became prisoners
of the Japanese. The story takes us to
the final defence of
HURRICANES OVER BURMA Including the Memoirs of Wing Commander "Bunny" Stone, DFC by Squadron Leader M. C. "Bush" Cotton, DFC, OAM
This book follows Cotton's progress to
HURRICANES OVER TOBRUK The Pivotal Role of the Hurricane in the Defence of Tobruk, January-June 1941 by Brian Cull
Until the last remaining Hurricanes were forced to withdraw from Tobruk at the end of April 1941, the RAF Hurricane pilots supported by their RAAF and SAAF colleagues had flown almost daily against overwhelming odds while Rommel’s troops attempted to penetrate the garrison’s defences, defended mainly by unyielding Australian forces. There were many unsung heroes from these squadrons and this is their story. HC, 224pp, illus., pub. 1999, Grub Street, mint in dust jacket. Price: $36.00
JANE'S AIRCRAFT SPECTACULAR PHANTOM by Bill Sweetman
Precision line drawings and spectacular foldouts depict selected aircraft and their markings in brilliant colour and true-to-life detail. HC, 52pp, illus., pub. 1984, Jane's, very good, corners knocked a bit, no dust jacket. Price: $25.00
JAPANESE AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY IN WW2 – USAF Report of 1946
This book is based on a USAF Report for 1946 and has been
completely amended with numerous additions.
SC, 8” x 11 ½”, 88pp, illus., Galago,
mint. Price: $30.00
JET WARPLANES The Twenty-First Century By Michael J. H. Taylor
The author discusses revolutionary features of the jet
warplanes of the 21st century and explains the dramatic
possibilities for new designs, a fascinating glimpse of the future. HC, 128pp, pub. 1988,
KAMIKAZE
Here the author delves beneath the actual events to uncover the psychology, myth and reality of Kamikaze strategy, training and execution. He uses original Japanese records and personal testimonies to describe the organisation and operation of the Kamikaze on land, sea, and in the air. HC, 192pp, illus., pub. 1997, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
KNIGHTS OF THE AIR (The Epic of Flight) by Ezra Bowen and Editors of Time-Life
The story of the aviators in World War I. Before the Great War ended, one much decorated knight of the air declared that, if anything, he felt like a "hired assassin". HC, 192pp, illus., some in color, pub. 1980, Time-Life, mint. Price: $10.00
LADY'S MEN The Story of World War II's Mystery Bomber and Her Crew By Mario Martinez
In April 1943, an American Liberator bomber vanished mysteriously after an abortive mission. Intrigued by the story of "Lady Be Good", Mario Martinez set out to discover what had really happened to the ill-fated craft and her crew. HC, 208pp, illus., Leo Cooper, mint in dust jacket. Price: $36.00
LAURELS FOR PRINZ WITTGENSTEIN By Werner P. Roell
The Prinz took part in the Subeten operation and flew on operations in
THE LEAF AND THE TREE The Story of Boulton and Paul Ltd. 1797-1947
The story told in this book is the fascinating story of a great industrial enterprise, Boulton Paul Aircraft. HC, 88pp, illus., pub. 1947, Boulton and Paul, very good in worn dust jacket. Price: $38.00
THE LINEBACKER
RAIDS The Bombing of
This book is a concise account of the highly destructive,
but deeply controversial offensive - the
LOCKHEED
The Lockheed Hudson was a military version of the Lockheed
14 airliner. It began service with RAF
Coastal Command. It served in the front
line from
LUFTWAFFE OVER THE NORTH By Bill Norman
So much ink has been spilt in writing about the Blitz on London that it is all too easy to forget that "Gallant East Enders" were by no means alone in facing up to the terror of Hitler's aerial bombardment of Britain. HC, 208pp, illus., pub. 1994, Leo Cooper, mint in dust jacket. Price: $32.00
LUFTWAFFE UNIFORMS Soldiers Fotofax By J. P. Chantrain, R. Pied and R. Smeets
SC, 86 illustrations, pub. 1989, Arms and Armour, mint. Price: $8.50
This book provides an enormously detailed day-by-day account of the ferocious air battles over land and sea until the end of December 1941. Research has taken over ten years as the authors have pieced together information gleaned from official records, surviving participants or relatives, military and non-military personnel. They reveal as complete a picture as is possible. HC, 457pp, illus., pub. 1999, Grub Street, mint in dust jacket. Price: $45.00
MICK The Story of Major Edward Mannock, VC, DSO, MC, RFC, RAF By James M. Dudgeon
The story of R.F.C. flying ace "Mick Mannock". Here for the first time is the full story of the man and his deeds. This is not only a story of war, it is rather an examination of a great human being - his struggles to escape from the chains of Victorian poverty and his part in the bloody carnage of the Great War. in the bloody carnage of the Great War.
SC, 192pp, illus., pub. 1993, Robert Hale, mint. Price: $28.00
THE MIGHTY EIGHTH By Roger Freeman
A history of the Units, Men and Machines
of the
THE MIGHTY EIGHTH WAR MANUAL By Roger A. Freeman
Roger Freeman shows in detail the operational techniques behind everything from the running of heavy bomber formations, on the ground, in the air, and through their missions, to the mechanics of leaflet dropping, the aircraft types involved, their weapons, equipment and crew clothing. With over 700 photographs, airfield maps and station specifications, this book makes a perfect companion to the same author's widely admired general history The Mighty Eighth. SC, 8 1/2 x 11, 320pp, illus., pub. 2001, mint. Price: $30.00
THE MIGHTY EIGHTH - Warpaint and Heraldry By Roger A. Freeman
This remarkable volume presents fifty year old colour photography to show the colour schemes on actual aircraft - not an artist's impression of them - and then, for the first time ever, shows every squadron or group emblem in colour. HC, 160pp, illus., pub. 1997, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
MILITARY SPACE FORCES The Next 50 Years by John M. Collins
This is the foundation document upon which future
MODERN COMBAT AIRCRAFT AND INSIGNIA By Arthur Kershaw
This colorful fact book provides detailed information on more than 65 fighters, attack aircraft, bombers and patrol and reconnaissance and multi-role planes in service today. SC, 125pp, illus., pub. 1982, Arco Pub., mint. Price: $7.00
THE MOST DANGEROUS
ENEMY A History of the
The author tells a story full of surprises. Whether assessing the development of radar,
the relative merits of the Spitfire, Hurricane and Messerschmitt,
or the crucial role played by Fighter Command’s Keith Park, this book uncovers
the unexpected truth behind many of its time-honoured
myths. SC, 492pp,
illus., pub. 2001, Aurum, mint. Price:
$17.50
THE NATIONAL AIR AND
This book conveys the spirit and content of the exhibits in each of the Museum's galleries, incorporating personal reminiscences, and actual logs. Includes a chronology, appendix, bibliography, and index, 303 illustrations, 259 in color, including many double page spreads and multipage foldouts. HC, 504pp, pub. 1979, Harry Abrams, mint in slightly torn dust jacket. Price: $35.00
NATO AIR-LAUNCHED WEAPONS By Jeremy Flack
This is a detailed illustrated guide to the weapons
currently carried by NATO aircraft.
Every featured bomb, missile, torpedo, mine and rocket is illustrated
and described, and its specifications and capabilities neatly presented in an
easy-to-compare format. SC, 111pp, illus. in colour, pub. 2002, Crowood, mint. Price:
$28.00
NATO AIR POWER By Robert Jackson
Illustrated with over 200 superb photographs, this is an essential book for all concerned with or interested in modern air power. HC, 12 x 8 1/2", 146pp, illus., pub. 1987, Presidio, very good in slightly torn and marked dust jacket. Price: $15.00
NIGHT FIGHTER A Concise History of Nightfighting Since 1914 By Anthony Robinson
The author examines the rapid development of this
sophisticated form of aerial warfare from World War I through
NIGHTFIGHTER The
Former RAF officer Ken Delve presents a thorough account of the fascinating developments that have seen this element of military aviation evolve at such pace, with great technical expertise on the part of the designers and daring and skill on the part of the flyers. HC, 256pp, illus., pub. 1995, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
THE OFFENSIVE WEAPON The Strategy of Bombing By David Wragg
This book traces the development of this revolutionizing aspect of warfare from the earliest campaigns of the Balkan Wars and World War One through to the present. HC, 205pp, illus., pub. 1986, 1st Edition, Robert Hale, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
ONE NIGHT IN JUNE By Kevin Shannon & Stephen Wright (Airlife Classic)
This is an account of the Glider Pilot Regiment’s role in
Operation Tonga, the first stage of the Airborne
assault in the
THE ORIGINAL HELL'S ANGELS 303rd Bombardment Group of World War II by Valerie Smart
During World War II, there was a famed B-17 aircraft named Hell's Angels. The men who worked together to keep the plane flying over Hitler's occupied Europe, those of the U.S. Army Air Force's 303rd Bombardment Group, were the first in the 8th Air Force to complete twenty-five missions from their base in Molesworth, England. These men, or "Hell's Angels" as they became known, went on to complete forty missions without ever turning back to base for mechanical failure of the plance. SC, 123pp, illus., pub. 2001, Tempus, mint. Price: $20.00
OUT OF THE BLUE Pilot with the Chindits by Terence O'Brien
This book is one of the best to be written about the war in Burma. The author wrote this account from his diaries. The result is an evocation, at once poignant and compelling, of one of the strangest and most exacting military undertakings of the Second World War. HC, 272pp, pub. 1984, Collins, 1st Edition, very good in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
OVER THE BATTLEFRONTS Amazing Air Action of World War One By Peter Kilduff
Here the reader is taken into the primitive air combat of 1914-18 alongside an Austro- Hungarian flying-boat ace, a 52-year-old poet and award-winning pilot, German flyers in a damaged Zeppelin, an American serving with the Royal Air Force shooting down a Fokker fighter, a balloonist firing his rifle to bring down an attacking Russian aircraft and other fighter and bomber crews. HC, 192pp, illus., pub. 1996, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
PARACHUTING TO DANGER A British Airman with the French Resistance By Lionel Scott
This is a young man's account of pre and post invasion days in France, both grim and humourous, and gives a vivid insight into life with the partisans. HC, 208pp, illus., pub. 1988, Robert Hale, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
PATHFINDER BENNETT Airman Extraordinary By A. S. Jackson
In 1942 Bennett was put in command of the 'corps d'elite'. He was promoted to Group Captain and allocated headquarters to manage the Pathfinder Force. His story had still barely begun. HC, 162pp, illus., pub. 1991, 1st Edition, Dalton, mint in dust jacket. Price: $38.00
PETER 5 By Freddie Clark
Peter 5 is a wonderfully well researched account of the author's R.A.F. career from initial training in South Africa through flying modified Halifaxes on top secret S.O.E. operations over France. HC, 304pp, illus., pub. 1993, Independent Books, mint. Price: $36.00
PILOT A Tale of High Adventure By Joe Patient DFC
In a flying career that lasted 32 years, Joe Patient piloted the remarkable total of over 80 different Marks or types of aircraft. This is an unashamedly outspoken account of the exploits of a man who clearly preferred to live life in the fast lane. His diverting story is more than an autobiography, for he has much to say about the aircraft he flew which will be of interest to all who study the history of flying in the mid-century. HC, 248pp, illus., pub. 1997, Leo Cooper, mint in dust jacket. Price: $32.00
THE RAF - A Pictorial History By Bruce Robertson
The Royal Air Force is here reviewed pictorially in photographs, sketches, charts, diagrams and tables with supporting text and captions. HC, 256pp, illus., pub. 1979, Robert Hale, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
THE
During WWII the RAF Air Sea Rescue were the saviours of over 13,000 aircrew. In addition it rescued hundreds of victims
from ships that had been struck by mines or sunk by torpedo attack. This book looks at the steady development of
the various high-speed boats that were required, the communications between
sea, air and land bases. All the areas
of operation are described including
RAF BOMBER COMMAND And Its Aircraft 1941-1945 Vol. 2 by James Goulding and Philip Mays
The authors cover the introduction into service of the great
classic heavy bombers – the Lancaster, the
RAF COLOUR ALBUM By T. Malcolm English
A photographic look at the RAF. HC, 96pp, illus., pub. 1986, Jane's Pub., very good condition. Price: $20.00
RAF
SC, 84pp, illus., pub. 1990, Arms and Armour, mint. Price: $8.50
RAF
It was in 1942 that RAF Gibraltar sprang to prominence and
air activity reached an all-time high, for that year saw Operation Torch – the
allied invasion of
R.A.F. KENLEY By Peter Flint
The story of Royal Air Force Kenley from its inception in 1917 by the Royal Flying Corps as an aircraft acceptance park to the part played by the aerodrome in the Battle of Britain and in subsequent RAF operations. HC, 180pp, illus., pub. 1990, T. Dalton, mint. Price: $32.00
RAIDING THE REICH
The Allied Strategic Bombing Offensive in
Over 250 photographs take the reader into the air offensive which checked Germany's ambitions, reduced opposition to the Allied land actions against the Germany army and hastened the end to the 1939-1945 conflict. HC, 160pp, illus., pub. 1997, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
RED ARROWS By Ray Hanna
The inside story of the Red Arrows, what it is like to fly with them, to train with them, to lead them. HC, 189pp, published by Balfour, mint in slightly torn dust jacket. Price: $30.00
THE RED BARON by Nicolas Wright
For twenty months during the First World War, the Red Baron
- so called because of the distinctive colour he painted his aircraft - ruled
the skies over northern France. HC, 120pp, illus., pub. 1976, 1st
Edition, Sidgwick and
THE RED BARON
COMBAT WING Jagdgeschwader Richthofen in
Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron of the First World War, is best known as that conflict's highest scoring fighter ace and most decorated German flyer. Now comes the story of his roles as a developer of early German fighter aviation, as a bold leader and as a skilled air tactician. This unique volume is a full, objective account of aerial combat over the Western Front, drawing on archival and other original material from both sides of the battle lines. HC, 288pp, illus., pub. 1997, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
REGGIE-The Life of Air Vice Marshal R. L. G. Marix CBE DSO By John Lea
Reggie was an eminent airman whose exploits spanned two
world wars. In 1914 he carried out the
first effective bombing raid on enemy territory, destroying a zeppelin in
THE REMORSELESS
ROAD
This is the compelling and at times harrowing account of the
author’s experiences whilst serving in the RAF during the Second World
War. He was posted to
THE ROAD TO KITTY HAWK (Epic of Flight) by Valerie Moolman
This is a book of dreams and dreamers; it is chock full of failures, because until December 17, 1903, all of the many attempts to achieve powered flight were failures. HC, 176pp, illus., pub. 1980, Time-Life Books, mint. Price: $10.00
THE ROYAL AIR FORCE A Pocket Guide
A comprehensive pocket guide to the organisation, equipment and tactics of today's Royal Air Force. SC, 139pp, pub. 1994, Leo Cooper, mint. Price: $7.00
ROYAL AIR FORCE COMMUNIQUES 1918 Edited by Christopher Cole
This book is an important cornerstone work on the air war over the Western Front in the First World War. The comprehensive coverage includes observation and bombing sorties, damage inflicted and incurred in clashes, intelligence gathered, etc. HC, 256pp, illus., pub. 1990, Tom Donovan, mint. Price: $33.00
SEARCH, FIND AND KILL The RAF’s U-Boat Successes in World War Two by Norman Franks
In 1990 Norman Franks wrote what has become almost the
standard reference book, which listed all the U-boats destroyed or seriously
damaged, including a narrative of the action between aircraft and submarine,
with details of the aircraft and crew involved.
This book is the updated, extended and redesigned edition. HC, 274pp, illus., pub.
2995, Grub Street, mint in dust jacket.
Price: $30.00
SECRET SQUADRONS OF THE EIGHTH By Pat Carty
The author charts the progress of the 8th Air Force 'psywar' effort from crew training in the USA to their arrival in the UK. This book is the only definitive work on the much overlooked aspect of the secret war against Nazi Germany. HC, 112pp, illus., pub. 1990, Ian Allan, mint in dust jacket. Price: $36.00
SHACKLETON AT WAR AND PEACE By John Chartres
The author outlines the aircraft's evolution, subsequent service in the MR role and as a peace-keeper in the Middle and Far East 'bush' wars of the 50s and 60s. HC, 128pp, illus., pub. 1989, Ian Allan, mint. Price: $35.00
SHOT DOWN IN FLAMES A World War II Fighter Pilot's Remarkable Tale of Survival by Geoffrey Page, DSO, OBE, DFC, and Bar
On 12 August 1940, during the Battle of Britain, the author was shot down into the English Channel, suffering severe burns. This autobiography tells of his wartime exploits in the air and on the ground. He was a founder member of The Guinea Pig Club - formed by badly burnt aircrew - and this is a fascinating account of the Club. SC, 207pp, illus., pub. 1999, Grub Street, mint. Price: $25.00
617 SQUADRON-The Dambusters at War By Tom Bennett
In this book one of the lead navigators of the Squadron's Mosquito marker force relates from the personal reminiscences of the men involved several of their subsequent hazardous operations. SC, 272pp, illus., pub. 1987, Patrick Stephens, mint. Price: $25.00
SIXTY SQUADRON R.A.F. 1916-1919 By A. J. L. Scott
The story of a squadron whose members were awarded one Victoria Cross, five Distinguished Service Order, one Bar to DSJO, 37 Military Crosses and five Distinguished Flying Crosses. SC, 169pp, illus., pub. 1990, Presidio, mint. Price: $25.00
SKIES OF FIRE Dramatic Air Combat by Alfred Price
Here are accounts of the first successful air strike by carrier-borne aircraft in July 1918; the dramatic delivery of Spitfires to the beleaguered island of Malta in 1942; the air blockade that kept the U-boats from engaging the Allied invasion fleet in 1944; and among others, actions from Vietnam, the Falklands and Kuwait. The author also provides brief technical data for each of the aircraft types involved in his narrative. HC, 237pp, illus., pub. 2002, Cassell, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
SKY BATTLES Dramatic Air Wartime Actions By Alfred Price
This enthralling book takes examples of air actions fought during the past eight decades and uses them to illustrate the multi-faceted nature of air warfare. One value has remained almost constant - the bravery, determination and resourcefulness of those who have made the sky their chosen arena for battle. HC, 160pp, illus., pub. 1993, Arms and Armour, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
SC, 160pp, illus., pub. 1999, Cassell, mint. Price: $10.00
SOLDIERS OF
FORTUNE (The Epic of Flight) By
The world’s first flying soldiers of fortune were the
unwitting founders of a long-lived trade that would continue to attract pilots
as colorful and flamboyant as they themselves.
Those that followed in the mercenary calling would find that they had
embarked on a deadly serious business. HC, 176pp, pub. 1981, illus., Time Life
Books, mint. Price: $10.00
SPITFIRE Ballantine's Illustrated History of World War II
Introduction by Air Vice-Marshal 'Johnnie" Johnson. SC, 160pp, illus., pub. 1978, good condition. Price: $5.00
SPITFIRE AT WAR By Alfred Price
In this book for the first time ever, Alfred Price has made an objective analysis of the Spitfire legend. It is also about the nature of air combat during World War Two. HC, 160pp, illus., pub. 1988, Ian Allan, mint. Price: $30.00
SPITFIRE DIARY By E. A. W. Smith
This is an unusual memoir of an NCO pilot: its base is the day to day factual squadron
record, but in counterpoint to this are the author’s own racy memoirs written
in diary form and using his personal log and notes taken at the time. Ted Smith joined 127 Squadron after
D-Day. The Squadron operated in the
skies while the land forces were beating back the German army beyond the
SPITFIRE ON MY TAIL A View From the Other Side By Ulrich Steinhilper and Peter Osborne
Biggin Hill News: It is a fascinating account with photographs of how one young German joined the Luftwaffe before the war and became a ME 109 pilot in the Battle of Britain. HC, 352pp, illus., pub. 1990, Independent Books, mint in dust jacket. Price: $36.00
SPITFIRE! SPITFIRE! By Michael Burns
As many as 40 Spitfires are still flying. This elegant aeroplane is remembered with affection by the men who flew her as 'God's gift to pilots'. Spitfire! Spitfire! is a celebration in words and pictures of this wonderful aircraft. SC, 64pp, illus., pub. 1986, Blandford, very good. Price: $20.00
SPITFIRES OVER
This is an account of Spitfire operations from Malta during 1943, culminating in the invasion of Sicily which spanned 39 days between 10 July and 17 August. Malta's Spitfires played a major role, British and Commonwealth pilots aided by three squadrons of the American-flown Spitfires, claiming some one hundred enemy aircraft shot down. This is their story, told for the first time. HC, 234pp, illus., pub. 2000, Grub Street, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
SUPERMARINE AIRCRAFT SINCE 1914 By C. F. Andrews and E. B. Morgan
This book traces the entire development of aircraft built by Supermarine, 300 photos, 80 general arrangement drawings. HC, 400pp, pub. 1981, Putnam, mint in dust jacket. Price: $50.00
TEN MINUTES TO
BUFFALO The Story of
The detailed record of the life of one very unusual German prisoner of war. This book was written entirely from documents which were laboriously handwritten in 1943. HC, 432pp, illus., pub. 1991, Independent Books, mint in dust jacket. Price: $36.00
THREE TIMES LUCKY By Jack Woodward
This book is based on the story of an airman who volunteered in the R.A.A.F. during World War Two. The story is from his diary and based on lucky escapes from two aircraft crashes and one near crash, all well recounted. HC, 230pp, illus., pub. 1991, Boolarong Pub., mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
TOP SECRET BIRD The Luftwaffe’s Me-163 Comet by Wolfgang Spate
In this book the reader will discover how Germans designed, constructed, tested and mass-produced a revolutionary aircraft – lessons that remain valuable even today! HC, 270pp, illus., pub. 1995, Pictorial Histories (Independent), mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
TORNADO Air Defence Variant Protecting Britain’s Skies by Hugh Harkins
Harkins’s definitive study of the only
dedicated interceptor fighter aircraft in service with the RAF. The history and specifications of individual
aircraft are covered in extensive appendices.
HC, 184pp, illus., pub. 1995, Pentland Press, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
TORPEDO LEADER By Wing Commander Patrick Gibbs, DSO, DFC and Bar
A first-hand and very personal story, its lucid, exciting
and readable narrative describes firstly the author’s frustrations as a Staff
Officer in Cairo, then more significantly his triumphs and disasters as a
Beaufort Flight Commander on anti-shipping operations from Malta in that
crucial summer of 1942. HC, 206pp, illus., pub. 2002,
WAR OVER THE WEST By Eddie Walford
An illustrated look at the air war over
WILBUR AND ORVILLE By Fred Howard
The story of the Wright Brothers. Includes rare photographs of early flight. HC, 530pp, illus., pub. 1987, Robert Hale, mint in dust jacket. Price: $30.00
WILD BLUE YONDER Money, Politics and the B-1 Bomber by Nick Kotz
In this explosive work of topnotch investigative journalism, Pulitzer Prize winner, Nick Kotz, follows one story from Eisenhower through Reagan - the quest of the Air Force to develop a new strategic bomber, culminating in the production of the controversial B-1. HC, 313pp, ex-library, illus., pub. 1988, Pantheon, very good in dust jacket. Price: $15.00
WINGS OVER THE
A collection of letters written home by a young aviator edited with sense and feeling by Chaz Bowyer makes this a most enjoyable book. HC, 208pp, illus., pub. 1994, Bridge Books, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
WITH THE YANKS IN
This is the first definitive account of British and Commonwealth participation in the Air War, June 1950-December 1951. This is the story of the war in the air during the first 18 months of this bitter struggle between East and West, both through the words of the pilots and strategists themselves and through official documentation, most especially new Soviet material. HC, 346pp, illus., pub. 2000, Grub Street, mint in dust jacket. Price: $45.00
WOMEN IN AIR FORCE BLUE By Squadron Leader Beryl E. Escott
The story of women in the Royal Air Force from 1918 to the present day. HC, 312pp, illus., pub. 1989, Patrick Stephens, mint in dust jacket. Price: $35.00
WOMEN WHO WENT TO WAR 1938-46 By Eric Taylor
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