Osprey Airwar 1 : RAF Fighter Units : Europe 1939-1942

Detailing the history the RAF fighter units over Europe, Bryan Philpott's book offers a chronological account of the experiences of Fighter Command pilots, their aircraft and equipment. The development of Fighter Command as the war progressed is interwoven with informative accounts of individual actions, which bring the experiences of those involved alive. Uniforms and aircraft markings are illustrated in the colour plates and contemporary photographs offer a valuable insight into equipment and conditions. When the Second World War began, the Brtish Government, having ignored repeated warnings that war was on the horizon was rapidly attempting to expand ithe RAF's pool of aircraft and pilots. Thanks, in large part, to Dowding's forward thinking, the process for training pilots was largely in place and a body of experienced trainers already established. Lord Beaverbrook eventually managed to stimulate aircraft production to satisfactory levels. Consequently despite the loss of many aircraft on the ground in Europe, by the end of the 'phony war' early warning systems, aircraft and pilots were able to meet, albeit at a stretch, the might of Luftwaffe. This offers an accessible and authoritative guide to RAF fighter units operating across Europe, from Norway to France, throughout the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. Text by Bryan Philpott with illustrations by Gerry Embleton and Michael Trim.

Contents

• Prelude
• France
• Norway
• The Battle of Britain
• The Night Blitz
• 'Rhubarb' and 'Circus'