Clean Sweep: VIII Fighter Operations Against the Luftwaffe 1942-45 - Thomas McKelvey Cleaver

This review has been submitted to the RCAF Journal. 

Title: Clean Sweep: VIII Fighter Operations Against the Luftwaffe 1942-45
Author: Thomas McKelvey Cleaver
ISBN: 978-1-4728-5548-0
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Year: 2023
Hardcover
Pages: 464
Photos/Maps: 32/1

"Clean Sweep VIII Fighter Command" by Thomas McKelvey Cleaver is an exhilarating and meticulously researched book that delves into the adrenaline-fueled world of aerial combat during World War II. With a focus on the heroic actions of the Eighth Fighter Command, Cleaver weaves together a compelling narrative that captures the danger, camaraderie, and sheer bravery of the pilots who took to the skies.

At the heart of this book is Cleaver's ability to bring history to life. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail, he transports readers into the cockpits of the fighter planes, allowing them to experience the intense dogfights and the constant peril faced by these courageous pilots. The author's extensive knowledge of the aircraft, tactics, and historical context shines through, making the aerial battles feel authentic and engaging.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of the individuals who fought in the war. Cleaver masterfully captures the personalities, fears, and aspirations of the pilots, allowing readers to form a deep emotional connection with them. Whether it's the seasoned veterans or the fresh-faced recruits, each individual is distinct and relatable, making their triumphs and losses all the more poignant. Cleaver goes beyond the statistics and headlines to humanize these heroes, giving readers a profound appreciation for their sacrifices.

Another commendable aspect of "Clean Sweep VIII Fighter Command" is Cleaver's ability to balance the big picture with personal anecdotes. While the book provides an overview of the Eighth Fighter Command's operations, it never loses sight of the individual stories that make up the larger narrative, providing it depth and pathos. Cleaver seamlessly weaves in personal accounts, interviews, and letters, offering glimpses into the thoughts and emotions of the men in the midst of battle. This approach not only adds an intensity to the book but also serves as a testament to the author's dedication to presenting a comprehensive and well-rounded perspective.

The pacing of the book is excellent, keeping readers engaged from the beginning to end. Cleaver expertly builds tension during the combat scenes, providing blow-by-blow accounts of the aerial engagements. The narrative moves swiftly, capturing the urgency, fear and chaos of the aerial war. At the same time, the author takes moments to reflect on the larger implications of the Eighth Fighter Command's actions, highlighting the significance of their contribution to the overall war effort.

One minor drawback of the book is that it assumes a certain level of familiarity with the historical context of World War II. While Cleaver provides enough background information to understand the events, readers who are new to the subject matter may find themselves occasionally overwhelmed by the abundance of names, dates, and technical details. However, this is a minor criticism in light of the book's overall quality and the author's clear expertise in the subject.

In conclusion, "Clean Sweep VIII Fighter Command" by Thomas McKelvey Cleaver is an outstanding book that offers an immersive and captivating account of the aerial combat during World War II. Cleaver's meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and empathetic portrayal of the pilots make this book a must-read for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human side of war. With its thrilling narrative and historical accuracy, this book stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Eighth Fighter Command and ensures their legacy will not be forgotten.

MiG Alley: The US Air Force in Korea 1950-53 - Thomas McKelvey Cleaver

This review has been submitted to Strategy 

and Tactics Magazine.

Title: MiG Alley: The US Air Force in Korea 1950-53
Author: Thomas McKelvey Cleaver
ISBN: 978-1-4728-3608-3
Publisher: Osprey Publishing 
Year: 2019
 Hardcover
Pages: 326

Conventional wisdom relating to the Korean War has the UN Forces (read US Air Force) maintaining an incredible kill ratio vs the MiG 15’s of the Koreans and Chinese. Drawing upon primary source material, the author has shown conclusively that, rather than the 14:1 kill/loss rate normally quoted, in reality the air campaign was far closer with rates approaching 1:1 during the first half of the war and 1.3/1 in the latter years. 

Cleaver has undertaken an excellent review of the air war, citing from interviews, intelligence reports and mission assessments from both sides in a (successful) effort to overturn traditional perceptions. The flow of the narrative follows the timeline of the conflict and the reader is therefore able to trace the development of tactics, doctrine and aircraft and the impact that it had as the war progressed. 

Cleaver incorporates within the narrative, a clear and concise discussion of the capabilities of the primary combat aircraft of the adversaries: MiG-15 for the North and the F-86 Sabre for the UN. In the course of his assessments, he is able to prove that, from a technical perspective, the MIG-15 was an equal match for the F-86 and overall, a far superior aircraft to F-51D, F-80 and the navy F9F Panther. His suggestion that the discriminating factor for success became the expertise of the pilots at the controls and the development of doctrine that drew upon the advantages each airframe had over the other, is well supported by primary source analysis. For example, with its multiple cannon and advantage in rate of climb and dive speeds the MiG was best suited as a hit and run platform that could do devastating damage with only one or two strikes; whereas the Sabre, with its 6 x .50 guns and close in maneuverability, was ideal in a more traditional dog-fighting role. 

The author has focussed a great deal of the book on a balanced evaluation of flight documents and after action reports; his analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the pilots (Soviet, Chinese, Commonwealth and American) is fascinating as is his investigation of bias and hubris amongst them. Cleaver adroitly encapsulates the Air War in Korea within the broader spectrum of the international struggle developing between East and West. Thus it was that the nations involved went to great lengths to conceal/manipulate losses and victories as a means of propaganda.

His conclusions are of particular interest as they are not standard in nature. Rather than simply look at win/loss rates and the fact that the ‘North Korean’ air force was not able to operate south of the 38^th parallel, he draws far more nuanced deductions. He posits, for example, that the goal of the North was to prevent UN forces from being able to bomb Northern Korea with impunity. In this respect they were successful in that B-29 losses were such that daylight bombing was suspended and fighter bomber efforts were limited. In fact, as Cleaver points out, the air interdiction campaign of the UN was never able to isolate the North Koreans and Chinese on the battlefield.

A fascinating book and well worthy of a read for those who wish to achieve a deeper understanding of the strengths and limitations of air campaigns. Cleaver has undertaken a comprehensive analyses of his subject, well supported by primary source material, that he presents in a logical and easily understood manner. He has also added a very human dimension to his work with the inclusion of personal anecdotes from participants on both sides of the conflict. Strongly recommended.

A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945 Vol 4: Sicily and Italy to the Fall of Rome (14 May, 1943 – 5 June, 1944) - Christopher Shores and Giovanni Massimello

This review has been submitted to the RCAF Journal.

Title: A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945 Vol 4: Sicily and Italy to the Fall of Rome (14 May, 1943 – 5 June, 1944)

Author: Christopher Shores and Giovanni Massimello

ISBN: 978-1-91162-110-2

Publisher: Grub Street

Year: 2018

Hardcover

Pages: 696

Photos/Maps: Many hundreds/5

This book represents the fourth installment of this comprehensive review of the air war in the Mediterranean theatre of operations. The previous books have provided a phenomenal foundation for anyone interested in this period of the war. Building upon that base, Vol 4 moves forward the narrative outside of the North African theatre and into the invasion of Sicily and the Italian mainland. Shores maintains the depth of detail and vast scope of research that he and his colleagues have brought to their previous works.

The structure of the narrative appeals to both the serious historian as well as the casual reader. The period covered by the book is broken into daily installments. A synopsis of the events of that day from both the allied and axis perspective is followed by a detailed breakdown of Allied claims and losses (with as much detail relating to the event as possible) and a similar synopsis of Axis claims and losses. Additional detail is provided by further breaking down the claims sections by nationality. A fascinating element to this kind of side by side presentation of the details is that the reader can compare claims and casualties by each side and appreciate the deltas between the claimed kills and the actual losses. It is indicative of the gradual but inexorable tipping of the balance away from the Axis air forces that German claims from flak as opposed to aircraft combats began to assume a more prominent place.

What sets this book, and the previous books in the series, apart, is the depth of research and detail undertaken by the authors. It is truly remarkable that, even with loss of veterans through the passage of time, so much detail and ‘personal’ elements are still captured. One begins to better appreciate the resilience of the Axis powers even as they are forced out of mainland Africa, to resist the ever increasing power of the Allied air forces. Furthermore, the authors include numerous examples of individual operations that provide a great deal of insight into the tactics and challenges unique to the Mediterranean theatre of operations.

The pictures and narrative also provide a sense of the spirit of the adversaries despite the pressures of combat and loss. One gets a real understanding of the coping abilities and the mental strength of the individuals involved in this war. Also, the African theatre of operations has been described as one of the few ‘Wars Without Hate’ in WW2. The implication being that, with the absence of significant collateral damage targets, there was less of a negative emotional component to the fighting, and a great deal more respect for ones adversaries leading to an ability to appreciate their company once the fighting was over. Be that as it may however, one is also left with a sense of the hostility of the environment within which these forces clashed. A crash caused by combat, mechanical failure or becoming lost over water or over the desert as often as not led to a slow and lonely demise. Very rarely were searches ever undertaken.

Some of the more fascinating aspects of the book include the photo montage and narrative surrounding the sinking of the Italian battleship Roma by Do217’s of KG100 using the PX1400X ‘Fritz X’ radio-guided weapons systems. A detailed account by crewmen of the two aircraft that undertook the strike is included in the book. It makes for absorbing reading and speaks to the advances in air to ground/sea weapons systems. The PX1400X is a little known system that was guided remotely via an onboard camera from its launch aircraft to target. Launched from 7000m, the ‘mothership’ was impervious to anti-aircraft fire. In the case of the Roma, the attackers escaped without a scratch.

Grub Street publishing has once again produced a book of the very highest quality. The printing is a bit small for those of a certain age; however, the layout is clean and clear. The photos have been reproduced with astonishing clarity. Many of these photos are very rare or have never been published before. The variety of aircraft types presented in the book really do emphasize the challenges to the support elements of the different nations. Overall, this work provides the reader within outstanding overarching perspective of the air war in the Mediterranean. It is very strongly recommended for those looking to garner a deeper appreciation of the Mediterranean theatre.  

Wind in the Wires - Duncan Grinnell-Milne

This review has been submitted to Airforce Magazine.

Title: Wind in the Wires

Author: Duncan Grinnell-Milne

ISBN: 978-1-90980-801-0

Publisher: Pen and Sword

Year: 2014

Hardcover

Pages: 238

Photos/ Maps: 4/0

Autobiographies of the early days of the Royal Flying Corps (later to be known as the Royal Air Force) never cease to impress. Perhaps it is the sense of wonder and élan with which these early pilots and observers recount their adventures; and that was what it was for many of these young gentlemen, an adventure. Wind in the Wire is the author’s story of his time in the RFC and his experiences as one of the early, and late, pilots of the First World War.

The first thing that strikes the reader is the prose with which the author writes. Despite not being a professional writer, he is able to turn a phrase in such a way as to convey to the reader a clear sense of the image and the humanity behind the description. His humility, joy, fears, frustrations and doubts are expressed simply and honestly, without pretense or embellishment. He is as forthright about his insecurities at learning to fly and joining an operational squadron as he is about his growing confidence and aggression in the air.

This is a book solely about his flying period; from when he reports for pilot training from his Regiment in July, 1915 to his last flight of the war in 1919. The narrative may be divided into three distinct parts: his training, his first operational squadron and being captured and finally his escape and rejoining 56 Squadron for the last months of the war. Each section alone stands as a fascinating tale of growth and adventure; taken together they represent a life’s worth of experiences compacted into three and a half short years.

The first section relates the author’s experiences in learning to fly as well as his first Squadron in France. What stands out is the quality of leadership and, during this time of the war, the lack of knowledge relating to even basic flying. Skills such as spinning, formation, bombing and gunnery were all being learned ‘on the fly’ and even the more senior pilots did not know much more than the most junior. 

The author does not dwell on the details of his incarceration period in any detail save that made numerous attempts at escape and that he turned down multiple offers by the Germans to have him transferred to neutral Holland where he would be precluded from further participation in the war but would not be held to the same degree of restriction as he was in Germany. It is very interesting to learn of the different approaches that many of the internee’s adopted as a result of their newfound circumstances and the options available such as transfer to a neutral country.

The period transitioning his escape and return to flying duty is of particular interest because it represents in fact a time capsule. During the two and a half years of his time as a POW, the entire spectrum of air combat had utterly changed. The doctrine, airframes, weapons and organizational structure of the RFC (and the Germans) was nothing like it was when he was captured. His description of endeavouring to get back into operational flying on the Western Front, his retraining and the “Rip van Winkle” effect of coming to grips with his new surroundings is gripping and absorbing. His treatment at 56 Squadron as somewhat of a carnival freak due to the fact that he was returning aircrew from a bygone era (escapees were never returned to combat roles at this time so he was doubly unique) is very interesting to follow. Even his description of the advent of bureaucracy within the RFC when compared to his first arrival in France in 1915 is both insightful, telling and humorous.

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the book however, is the concluding pages as the war comes to an unexpected end. The author, being only 23 at this time, relates the deep sense of loss and dislocation as the Squadron and the War, representing familiarity, structure as well as profound comradeship, is systematically, and without fanfare, stripped down and disbanded. Although it is impossible to fully render the sense of isolation felt by the author and his peers (indeed if one has not experienced the intensity of war and its effect upon its combatants, mere words have difficulty translating it), G-M’s writing does convey to the reader the emotional turmoil as few books have.

Although this book relates the experiences of a war that was fought one hundred years ago, its significance reverberates even today. This book is a classic of airmanship and courage and should be read in conjunction with the likes of Cecil Lewis’ Sagittarius Rising, Arthur Gould Lee’s Open Cockpit and No Parachute as well as VM Yate’s Winged Victory. An outstanding work of literature and a must for any historian of the military arts.   

A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945 Vol 3 Tunisia and the End in Africa November 1942-May 1943 - Christopher Shores and Giovanni Massimello

This review has been submitted to The RCAF Journal

Title: A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945 Vol 3 Tunisia and the End in Africa November 1942-May 1943

Author: Christopher Shores and Giovanni Massimello

ISBN: 978-1-910690-00-0

Publisher: Grub Street

Year: 2016

Hardcover

Pages: 680

Photos/ Maps: 100’s/Area maps on inside covers

With this book the authors have completed the third in the Mediterranean Air War series tracing the details of the air war in the desert and its environs during World War Two. Covering the period from November 1942 until May 1943, this installment focuses upon the arrival of the United States, and the gradual but inexorable decline in the fortunes of the Axis powers as they become squeezed into a tightening ring centred upon Tunis. As with the other books in the series, this book is replete with a level of detail that will appeal to the researcher as well as a readability that will draw in the casual historian. It is interesting to note the increasing complexity of the war in Africa with the opening of new fronts and the arrival of new actors on the stage; specifically the USAAF and the US Navy. This fact is reinforced when one considers the length of the book compared with the short period of time that it covers (6 months).

The book commences with an operational overview of the situation facing the combatants as 1942 came to a close. Included in this narrative is the Order of Battle for the Allied and Axis air forces at this time. The authors also provide a solid baseline for the reader with an analysis of the Allied air plans for the operations in the eastern and western regions. The intent of the first portion of the book is to provide the reader with a big picture of the region, its challenges, the participants and the operational environment within which they operated. One of the strengths of the narrative is its ability to convey the detail and complexity of the environment while concurrently providing a real life perspective that both educates and entertains. One of the central tenants of the Allied plan was to catch the Axis forces in a pincer movement that would cut them off from a potential avenue of retreat through Tunisia. It is a testament to the professionalism and operational acumen of the Axis air forces that they were able to provide continuing support to the ground forces despite the lengthening odds against them.

The main body of the book covers the day by day activities throughout the region. This follows a standard format whereby an overall explanation of the significant events is followed by a ‘list’ of the losses and victories experienced by the various nations. The detail in this portion is phenomenal and reflects the degree of analysis and research that has gone into the development of this book. It is this type of detail that makes this work ideal for the researcher although, for the more casual, reader it can become a bit overwhelming. Nevertheless, the methodology conveys the intense nature of the combat environment even on days when operations were considered to be quiet. Where possible, the authors have included photographs of the individuals being discussed adding a degree of personality to the accounts.

The authors close with a series of narratives by pilots who participated in this theatre during the period of the book. They convey a very personal touch and outlook unavailable to a researching author by virtue of the individuals having ‘lived the adventure’. This short section adds significant depth to the descriptions provided earlier in the work and round out the book very nicely.

Grub Street has once again published a book of the highest quality. A relatively boutique publishing house, they have consistently impressed with the standards of their products both in terms of presentation and value. The knowledge and detail provided in Vol 3 of this series is truly amazing. This book is a must have for those wishing to fully appreciate the odds that faced the Axis powers in the closing months of the African Campaign and the dramatic changes that enabled the Allies to both gain and expand their dominance of the African airspace. A strongly recommended purchase.   

Battle of Britain Voices - Jonathon Reeves

This review has been published in Soldier Magazine

Title: Battle of Britain Voices

Author: Jonathon Reeves

ISBN: 978-1-4456-4264-2

Publisher: Amberley Books

Year: 2015

Hardcover

Pages: 477

Photos: 154

 

Voices is an excellent descriptor for this book as it is a series of vignettes relating the stories of the men who fought as pilots in the Battle of Britain. As the veterans of this war rapidly ‘Go West’, these type of books serve as the repositories of their memories and legacies. This style of book may be read and put down without loss of storyline or place; each chapter is its own unique story. Well edited and presented, it flows well and covers the gambit from training to flying, combat to play and youthful exuberance to thoughtful insight. A window into a vanishing world.

To Rule the Winds: The Evolution of the British Fighter Force Vol 1 - Prelude to War - The Years to 1914 - Michael C Fox

This review has been submitted to Airforce Magazine

Title: To Rule the Winds: The Evolution of the British Fighter Force Vol 1 - Prelude to War - The Years to 1914

Author: Michael C Fox

Publisher: Helion

ISBN: 978-1-909384-14-9

Hardcover

Pages: 314

Photos: 87

Tables: 14 

The early years of military aviation in Britain is not one of dynamic leadership or decision. Indeed, the British Government was well behind their counterparts on the mainland regarding recognition of military aviation capability/potential, assistance to the fledgling civilian industry and civil/military cooperation in the field of aviation. The author has endeavoured to trace the development of the British Fighter Force and the challenges that it faced both technologically and politically as it transformed from nascent straggler into a world leader of aviation technology. His first volume focusses on the period leading up to the First World War when aviation was at its birth. Indeed, even the concept of lighter than air 'craft' was being identified with two distinct tracks being followed: the airship and the airplane. 

What is fascinating about this period (and expressed very well by the author) is the struggle amongst government, civilian and military leaders as to what was required in terms of capability, who would control it, what developmental track should be followed (airship or airplane), how much money should be invested and should development be exclusively within the military or should civilian industry be both engaged and nurtured. These questions as much as the development of the capability itself dominated the discussion of this new element. Fox traces the challenges and arguments amongst the key players and emphasizes the recognition of the necessity for not only risk acceptance but also vision amongst the pioneers. It is difficult to appreciate from a modern perspective the degree of risk assumed should the leaders/developpers guess wrong as to where to put limited money and resources. 

Intertwined in the development of the physical aircraft itself was the challenge of doctrine or what the aircraft was anticipated to do. Fox discusses at length the debates regarding what the military saw as the potential use of aircraft in an operational setting. Focus centred upon reconnaissance which served as a logical and obvious start point but which quickly led to a variety of follow-on challenges; such as kinds of armaments that would be needed to ensure that the aircraft could undertake its mission unmolested. Communication with the ground was also understood to be a critical capability if reconnaissance was to be seen as worthwhile. Information had to be passed quickly or it rapidly became of limited value. How that was to be achieved became another line of discussion. Additionally, the nature of the aircraft design in terms of stability was of ongoing debate. An effective combat aircraft required significant instability to promote maneuverability yet that required skilled pilots and did not promote a good reconnaissance platform. Fox's evaluation of these issues is both insightful and clear.

 

The author has provided an in depth and comprehensive bibliography utilizing both primary and secondary sources. His use of tables also provides for quick and clear information for the reader. Fox has put together an excellent book, well researched and comprehensible. The machinations and struggles of the designers, government and customers of the fledgling military aviation arm is both noteworthy and broad ranging. Fox has shed light upon a little known or appreciated aspect of military development. In a period when extensive criticism has been leveled at the leadership for myopia and short-sightedness, Fox has provided a logical and well written analysis of the successes and failures of the British leadership and designers as they grappled with an absolutely untested technology and the consummate risk of getting the answers wrong.

A Street in Arnhem: The Agony of Occupation and Liberation - Robert Kershaw

This review was submitted to the Canadian Army Journal.
 
Title: A Street in Arnhem: The Agony of Occupation and Liberation

Author: Robert Kershaw

ISBN: 978-1-7110-3754-0

Publisher: Ian Allen

Hardcover

Pages: 304

Photos/Maps: 39/4 

Operation Market-Garden, its ambitious goals, challenges and ultimate failure are well known to both historians and the general public; however, the details of the fighting that took place between the German defenders and Allied attackers within the towns of Oosterbeek and Arnhem are not nearly as well understood or documented. Even less so is the trial by fire that the civilian population living in Oosterbeek underwent as the adversaries grappled with one another.  

Kershaw's book commences with a broad perspective on the history of the town and its people as well as the Battle of Arnhem itself before focussing upon the effect of the fighting on its epicentre, two streets: Stationsweg and Utrechtseweg. Over the course of eight days of intense combat, these streets, their populations and an entire way of life was utterly transformed.  

Kershaw's style is very personal; while he draws in the broad strokes of the units, fighting styles, larger influences of the Western Campaign and the regional actions of the Market-Garden Operation, the real strength of the book lies in its rendition of the personal reminisces of those involved in the fighting (including civilian, Allied and German sources). This adds a great deal of depth and understanding for the reader of the real impact on those participating and, more importantly, their motivations, fears and observations as their world was turned on its head. 

There are a number of central lessons to be gleaned from this book: 

1. The impact of five years of war had had upon the individual quality of the German soldier. Throughout the book, comment is made (especially by the civilian population) of the changes in quality, deportment and professionalism compared to the German Army that had passed through the region in 1940; 

2. The frustration and disillusionment of the Allied soldiers with their high command with the poor planning and lack of support as they fought for their lives with relief only 10 km away; 

3. The resiliency of the civilian population, completely unused to war suddenly forced into basements with no food or water or access to medicine for their wounded; 

4. The ability of German forces to undertake offensive operations this late in the war and the hubris with which the Allied planners assumed away resistance; 

5. Language barriers amongst the Allied forces which prevented effective cooperation (Polish and English paratroopers); 

6. The vulnerability of Allied air forces as they attempted to drop reinforcements and supplies to the beleaguered Allied paratroopers. The intervention of Luftwaffe anti-aircraft units and the engagement of Luftwaffe fighter units amongst the Dakotah aircraft of the Allies was frightful; and  

7. Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease as the Allies, in an effort to liberate Holland and progress the end of the war, caused the utter destruction of a region of the country previously untouched by the ravages of conflict.

The publishers have produced a very high quality book with excellent coloured overview maps in the inside front and rear covers. The font is very easy to read and the author has provided a very comprehensive bibliography and end note sections. Canadians played a significant role in the operation as it was Canadian Engineers who evacuated the British and Poles across the Lower Rhine river to safety. A strongly written, educational, balanced and engaging book well worth a read.

 

 

A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945, Vol 2: North African Desert February 1942-March 1943 - Christopher Shores and Giovanni Massimello

Title: A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945, Vol 2: North African Desert February 1942-March 1943

Author(s): Christopher Shores and Giovanni Massimello

ISBN: 978-1-909166-12-7

Publisher: Grub Street

Hardcover

Pages: 736

Photo’s/Maps: 100’s b/w//6 

Building on the success of their previous volume in this series, Shores and Massimello have compiled a massive amount of data and detail into a book outlining the experiences of the varying combatants as they head into their second year of desert fighting. Written as a calendar compilation, they provide both a synopsis of the day’s activities and highlights of the unique or noteworthy events of the period.

Photographs are incorporated throughout the narrative providing a stunning visual representation for the reader and, what’s more, they are not centrally printed but co-located within the storyline they are representative of. Each of the discussions are broken down into an outline of the day’s events followed by a detailed rendition of the casualties of the British, Germans and Italian adversaries (broken down into unit and a brief synopsis of the engagement, results and crew status) and claims (broken down into columns signifying unit, crew names, attacking aircraft type and designator, damaged or destroyed aircraft type, location and time). 

The extent and breadth of the research is truly remarkable while the presentation is such that the book does not read as a dry rendition of facts but leaves the reader with a true sense of the adrenalin, terror and courage of the aircrew involved. The authors also incorporate stories of those aspects of the conflict that have received, relatively speaking, very little attention. Take for example their discussion of the unique JU-86 pressurized reconnaissance aircraft (with an operational ceiling of over 48,000 ft)  that operated out of Kastelli, Crete. These aircraft undertook high altitude reconnaissance over the Nile Delta and all along the northern coast of Africa. Specialized Spitfires from 103 Maintenance Unit specifically stripped down were able to intercept and neutralize this Luftwaffe capability. Another excellent example of this is the story of Capt J.E. ‘Jack’ Parsonson and his first hand related experience of combat on the 10 November, 1942 when he was involved in a harrowing dogfight with, ultimately nine ME-109’s. He ends his recollection with a German Lieutenant pleasantly offering him a cigarette and food; telling him sardonically: “Well, for you the war is over. Here, would you like this egg?” This after he had just slammed his Kittyhawk into the desert floor and evacuated it as the 109’s circled above. 

Shores lead a team of researchers each with a specific national affiliation (German, Australian, Italian and American) who have each contributed a phenomenal amount of detail and anecdote towards the final publication. The book commences with a synopsis of the tactical and operational situation in the desert at the beginning of 1942; it sets the stage for the narrative that follows. Additionally, a number of noteworthy veterans (such as Ernst Dullberg, II Gruppe JG 27, John Waddy, 4 SAAF, James ‘Stocky’ Edwards, 260 Sqn and Neville Duke 112 and 92 Sqn and many others) provide lengthy and detailed recollections about Squadron life and combat operations in the desert. The reader is provided an intimate introspection by these men of their experiences and the respect that they shared not only for each other but also their adversaries and ground crew. One is definitely left with the sense that war in the desert was not personal but a deadly business. 

Grub Street has published a book of outstanding quality. For those looking for a book outlining the experiences of the air war in the desert, it would be difficult to find a better source. This is volume two and volume three will focus on operations around Tunisia. While the book may be read in isolation from volume one, I would strongly recommend reading in order to get a real sense of the ebb and flow of the desert air war.

The Sky Their Battlefield II - Trevor Henshaw

Original written by Chris Buckham. Published in the Journal of the RCAF.

Title: The Sky Their Battlefield II

Author: Trevor Henshaw

ISBN: 978-0-9929771-1-5

Publisher: Fetubi Books

Softcover

Pages: 406

Photos: 289

Historians undertake two main roles in the course of their studies, one is to gather first hand recollections, information and statistics and secondly, to take that information and interpret and recount it for future audiences. Henshaw has produced a reference work of enormous breadth and depth, cataloguing the losses, on all fronts, of the British Commonwealth airforces from 1912 until 1919, as well as United States casualties from 1916 onwards. 

The book is structured in a very logical way with an easy to follow layout, ensuring the reader can access whatever aspect of information that they are seeking quickly and efficiently. Commencing with a guide on how to follow the nomenclature of the book, he has incorporated in excess of 16,800 casualty (wounded, missing and killed) write-ups into the body of the book broken out by year, region and accident or combat. He has also referenced thousands of German records in order to confirm Allied losses.

Interspaced within the text is an ongoing narrative of significant events that add dimension to his work. It is very easy to view these losses in a very two dimensional way, especially given the common structure of presentation; however, Hernshaw has provided hundreds of photographs that clearly present the grim results of many an airman's dream. His interjections highlight interesting events within the chronological layout of the text; thus he identifies, as examples, new aircraft introductions , air lessons learned during the Ypres battles, Hindenburg line preparations, and a myriad of other information relating to the development, execution and challenges of aircraft design and combat. The central theme however, of recognition and identification of the fate of aircrews, remains the central focus throughout.

Added to this publication is an Accident Addendum that outlines the fates of the 4,530 aircrew that were injured or killed in circumstances not directly related to enemy action. This is both very appropriate and informative as history tends to forget about those whose sacrifices resulted from old airframes, limited experience, poor air doctrine and a host of other 'behind the lines' reasons. Henshaw also incorporates those 'other rank' members who were lost but there is no known cause; their sacrifice is no less telling or significant. 

Another aspect of this work that lends weight and credence to it as an outstanding source for future historians is the analysis undertaken by the author of the information that he has gleaned from the official records. This represents the second phase of historical relevance: statistics are only as worthwhile as the interpretation of what they tell you. His evaluation and presentation in table form of the operational cause factors (ie bombing, strafing, reconnaissance etc) of loss is a goldmine of information in and of itself. His appendices include such components as: Western Front Losses 1914-1918 by Aircraft Type, Nature of Operations, Cost of Aircraft and Engines, AIR1 Casualties from Kew, RFC and RAF Roles of Honour and Analyses of Losses throughout the war from 1912-1919. Each of these is presented as useable raw data with emphasis placed upon key aspects and markers such as casualty rates by aircraft type. 

The amount of time and effort associated with researching and cataloguing the information within this book is staggering. The scope and depth of the analysis and the discussion of what the statistics amount to is second to none. Henshaw has provided for the reading public and the future historian, a treasure trove of information and a testament to the sacrifice of the personnel of the Royal Flying Corps, the Royal Air Force, Royal Naval Air Service, the Commonwealth air services and the nascent United States Airforce. One only begins to appreciate the vastness of the operations and the geographic scope of the undertaking when it is laid out for you in a format such as this. Henshaw is to be commended for producing a book of such richness and gravity.

Bomber Boys: Fighting Back 1940-1945 - Patrick Bishop

Title: Bomber Boys: Fighting Back 1940-1945
Author: Patrick Bishop
ISBN: 978-0-00-719215-1
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Softcover
Pages: 429
Photos/Maps: 61/6

Little in the study of the Second World War has elicited  more controversy than the bombing campaign wrought by the RAF (and Dominion nations) and the USAAF against mainland Europe. Questions abound regarding the morality and effectiveness of this campaign. Regardless however, of ones ethical position on the subject, the fact remains that the campaign did occur and was undertaken by young men, following orders, who suffered the highest casualty rate amongst the Allied war effort. A total of 125,000 aircrew served by the end of the war (this figure includes those still in training); of these, 55,573 were killed, 8,403 wounded and 9,838 made prisoner of war; a 44% casualty figure - and if one reduces the number of aircrew to those who flew operationally the casualty rate is closer to 65%.

Bishops book is not primarily a study of the success or failure of the bombing campaign, it is a look at the people who manned the bombers; how they trained, their recruitment, experiences, aircraft and recollections all set within the context of the war and the pressures therein. It provides a fascinating insight into their world and how different it was from that of the fighter or coastal patrol communities. Additionally, it encompasses a narrative on the ethical dilemma that crews dealt with relating to the doctrine of area bombing in a comparison of official policy, personal experience and national expectation.

In many respects, Bomber Command was a study in contrasts. On one hand, the casual way in which crews were formed (all new crew members regardless of rank or flying position were put into a room together and told to 'sort themselves out) into crews versus the controversy associated with the formality of rank amongst the crew members. The granting of commissions (officer status) was not consistent thus pilots could be sergeants or officers (as an example) and it differed on each crew. Yet, not only was the pilot viewed as the crew commander he was also expected to be the last to leave the aircraft in the event of a necessity to bale out. Additionally, this resulted in crews being broken up between Messes and receiving differing pay and benefits;a source of some irritation. Conversely, these crews were highly professional and amongst the most highly trained technicians in the war. All the more so due to the fact that this was the first true air campaign undertaken and many technical advances in such areas as navigation and bomb-aiming were needed to be learned and assimilated as the war progressed

It is perhaps fair to say that those associated with the bombing campaign became Kipling's  'Tommy Atkins'  of World War Two - needed by the population and the politicians during the war but quickly dismissed and ignored as an awkward and unseemly topic once their services were no longer required. Bishop has written an excellent study of those that undertook this thankless campaign and has shed light upon who they were and why they did what they did at a very personal level. An important read for leaders and politicians who call upon their military to undertake a distasteful task and their responsibility to acknowledge the sacrifices made, despite the potential cost.

Billy Bishop VC Lone Wolf Hunter - Peter Kilduff

Title: Billy Bishop VC Lone Wolf Hunter

Author: Peter Kilduff

ISBN: 978-1-909-80813-3

Publisher: Grub Street

Hardcover

Pages: 192

Photos/ Maps: 75/2 

Billy Bishop's legacy has left an indelible mark upon not only the annals of World War 1 aviation but Canada as a nation. A small town boy of a middle class family, he rose to worldwide fame and the highest levels of Imperial society. His fame centred upon his claim to being not only a cold-blooded fighter pilot who preferred to hunt and kill on his own but also the top scoring Allied pilot of the war. 

Kilduff has undertaken a review of a subject that has been written about and debated extensively by historians, scholars and journalists. HIs intent is to determine the validity, based upon the available documentation and a study of the personality of the man himself (in his own and others words and recollections), of the persona and the reputation that ‘Billy Bishop’ has become; for it is no secret that the symbology of Billy Bishop has greatly eclipsed the man himself. 

The author draws upon a wide variety of sources to tease out who Bishop was. His conclusions, that Bishop was not a saint and certainly exaggerated his exploits in his letters home for the benefit of impressing his future wife, reinforce the position held by those doubters of the accuracy of his claims. However, balanced against this, is the fact that he was undoubtedly extremely brave, aggressive and willing to take the fight actively to the enemy which suggests that his claims are not as far-fetched as they may initially have seemed. The truth, as it may be determined this far after the fact, lies, so Kilduff suggests, somewhere in between. 

The book is a quick and enjoyable read. At times it feels somewhat shallow in terms of evaluation (especially in his early years) but it does effectively cover his training and operational flying time. It contains a great many photographs that give excellent perspective on why accurate determination of kills and damaged enemies was so difficult. The narrative utilizes first person recollections from Bishop himself, his trainers, fellow pilots and airmen and it builds a comprehensive picture of Bishop the pilot (and the personality that accompanied it). Additionally, Kilduff reviews each individual kill claim comparing them against British, German and eyewitness documents. 

I didn't find discover a lot of new material or revelations in this book that hasn't already been brought up in various other works, but it was well put together and useful as a reference. The production value of the book is excellent and the author has provided a solid bibliography for further reading. I found Kilduff's conclusion particularly poignant and relevant when compared with our modern tendency and need to challenge and discredit: does it really matter how many kills Bishop scored during the war; after all, it does not in any way diminish his bravery, service or legacy as one of the earliest Canadian heroes. True words and an enjoyable work. 

Red Devils Over the Yalu - Igor Seidov, Translated by Stuart Britton

Title: Red Devils Over the Yalu

Author: Igor Seidov, Translated by Stuart Britton

ISBN: 978-1-909384-41-5

Publisher: Helion

Softcover

Pages: 598

Photos: 64 b/w 

The Korean War by October, 1950, was all but won by the UN and American forces; the North Koreans were pushed into pockets deep in the north of the country and the Allies ruled the skies and oceans. Everything changed however with the entrance of Chinese forces into the war on October 17th, 1950. What occurred immediately afterwards is very well known and chronicled in the histories of the Korean War, what has not been well remembered however, was the key role that the Soviet Union played not only in training and equipping the North Korean and Chinese Air Forces, but also in the direct provision of air force personnel into the fighting.  

For the first time, Seidov has chronicled in detail the exploits of Soviet aerial operations throughout the Korean War. Fighting wearing Chinese uniforms, utilizing Chinese phraseology while flying and operating in aircraft of Soviet make but bearing Chinese markings, these forces directly engaged Allied air forces and wrested control of the skies over the northern part of the Korean peninsula away from the West.  

Limited in their operational range due to restrictions imposed by the Soviet Government, these forces nevertheless had an immediate and dramatic effect upon the allied air campaign once they commenced operations on November 1st, 1950. The Mig 15 dominated the skies over the F-51's, F-80's, F9F's and F-84 of the West and heralded the demise of operational bombing with the heavy losses they inflicted upon the B-29 formations of the Far East Air Force. It was not, in fact, until the introduction of the F-86 Sabre of the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group on the 15th of December, 1950, that the Allies were able to engage the Russians again on a level playing field. 

Seidov draws upon the declassified archives of both Russian and American combat records to verify or repudiate many of the long standing claims and beliefs associated with the Korean air war. For example, conventional wisdom has the American's destroying Migs at a rate of 8:1 and, while in absolute terms this is true, it is based primarily on the fact that the US attributed a majority of their losses to non-air combat related causes. Seidov goes on to show that many of the losses were in fact shoot-downs as opposed to mechanical or ground fire reasons. I found his evaluations to be very balanced and equally critical of both sides.  

Additionally, Seidov looks into the strategic engagement plan of the Soviets and analyzes it for strengths and weaknesses. He is very critical of the Russian practice to rotate units in their entirety due to the loss of operational experience and the necessity to relearn lessons and goes into great detail regarding the training and practices that US fighter pilot replacements went through before they were considered capable for full frontline duties. One area that would have been beneficial for Seidov to have investigated more was the reason why the Soviet High Command followed the rotation practice that they did. They were aware of the losses and the changes in the dynamic of the air war but Seidov only skirts the surface. 

The author has obviously interviewed numerous Russian, Chinese and North Korean veterans as he has incorporated hundreds of first hand accounts into the books narrative. These were fascinating as they discussed challenges, tactics and experiences of the other side that have heretofore never been related. 

The book is very detailed in its accounts of the engagements of the different Russian units throughout the period of the war. The degree of detail is a two edged sword in my opinion as it provides the reader a deep appreciation of the nature of Korean War air combat, while, concurrently, blending the individual stories thereby tending to blunt the tight narrative. 

Helion has published an excellent quality book and Stuart Britton's translation is outstanding. The book would have benefited from maps detailing the area of operations of the Russians and a regional map to facilitate an appreciation of the distances flown by the US and Russian aircraft. Overall, a very meaty book full of incredible detail that provides deep insight into the nature of air combat in Korea from the Russian perspective. For those fans and historians of the Korean War looking for new material, I would strongly recommend this book.