Richard Townshend Bickers

Slightly flawed by inadequate editing and several egregious factual errors this book show the power and flaws of combined air/land operations from the British perspective. Air superiority was a primary requirement followed by a cadre of trained ground controllers supported by a robust communication network. The premier objective was achieved but failures in the latter two components killed and injured many soldiers. Neither, the Americans nor the British looked at the success achieved by the show more U. S. Marines in their island hopping campaign in the Pacific.
Nonetheless, this is a worthwhile look at an excellent aircraft, The Hawker Typhoon, the Tiffy, and it's work in securing the battlefield on the beach and throughout the breakout. show less

Some good WW2 air-to-ground combat stuff with Spitfires in Italy. However, the Mafia fascination detracts seriously.

Written as a memoir of a British fighter pilot in WW2, this book, though fiction, provides an apt portrayal of the physical and mental stress faced by these men. Squadron mates come and with difficulty become competent in their trade. Skills, come slowly to most so early losses are very high. Those who survive now command but time takes it's toll of leaders as well. The Battle of Britain and early days in Africa were particularly deadly as they faced experienced German pilots flying superior show more aircraft. A brief but compelling read. show less

A very comprehensive story of Britain's best ground attack airplane of WW2. Started out as a fighter and failed; then was repurposed as a fighter bomber and was very successful. Difficult to fly, it killed many pilots. Similar in profile and difficult to distinguish from the FW 190, it was often a victim of friendly fire from AA and Allied warplanes. It had a short and brilliant life as did many of its pilots.