Author: Listemann, Phil H; Thomas, Andrew
Publisher: Philedition
Year: 2009
ISBN: 9782953254433
Binding: Soft Cover
Book Condition: As New
Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall
Description:
New book, 50 pages, 40 photos, 12 colour profiles. This, the eighth booklet of P. Listemann’s 'Allied Wings' series, is dedicated to the Boulton Paul Defiant and its service during 1940 as a day-fighter with 264 Squadron and 141 Squadron of the RAF. It concentrates on the unique deployment of the Defiant as a purely turret-equipped fighter, through initial successes during the Battle of France period, and the later disappointing and costly missions flown during the Battle of Britain. Subsequent use of the aircraft as a night-fighter, a target-tug or an air-sea-rescue aircraft is not within the scope of this book. The first four pages describe the concept, prototype development and tardy service introduction of the fighter ; intended to supplement the eight-gun Spitfire & Hurricanes of Fighter Command. The basic airframe of the Defiant was good - but lacking fixed forward-firing armament and when fitted with the turret - it could fulfil neither the expectations of the designers nor those of the RAF when flown under the combat conditions prevailing in the summer and autumn of 1940. In the usual 'Allied Wings' style units and their operational histories are described in sequence. Twenty pages cover the ops flown as daylight fighter units by 264 and 141 Squadrons. A further page of text lists the second-line units which flew the Defiant during 1940 and is followed by the operational diary listing sortie totals of both Squadrons. Tables, maps & listings in the by now recognizable 'Allied Wings' pastel background style present ; the UK bases flown from ; claims list of both units for May to-August 1940 ; aircraft lost on operations with crew details, aircraft lost by accident ; individual airframe service from being taken on and being struck off Squadron service during the period and the Roll of Honour of all aircrew killed up to 31st August 1940. Richly illustrated the reader will find forty interesting b/w photographs - many of which showing crashes & wreckage in the Netherlands which will probably be new to readers in other countries. Four pages of colour artwork by Malcolm Laird present three side-profiles and varieties of fuselage roundel.