Author: Andrew Thomas
Illustrator: Chris Thomas

About this book
This book traces the achievements of the pilots flying the iconic Spitfire in Northwest Europe, and examines how the steady technological improvements that were made throughout the Spitfire's service life improved its capabilities in the air. Based at airfields throughout southern England, Merlin engine Spitfires provided the bulk of the air cover for the D-Day landings and it was an RCAF Spitfire which claimed the first ever ME 262 jet kill. 36 colour profiles covering a broad spectrum of nationalities, units, pilots, theatres and markings complement thorough research throughout this comprehensive account of these crucial fighter aircraft.

Contents

• Background to 2nd TAF and description of initial victories by Merlin-engined Spitfires in 1944 via personal accounts
• Fighter operations from UK up to D-Day, and operations during the invasion.
• Operations over France, Belgium and Holland in advance to German border up to end of 1944
• Fighter operations during the advance through Germany to the final surrender, including successful combats against Luftwaffe jets
• Last operations and victories by Merlin Spitfire aces, followed by occupation duties
• Appendices:
  • Merlin Spitfire Aces 1944-45
  • Aces with some Merlin-Spitfire claims 1944-45
  • Aces who flew, but did not claim on Merlin Spitfires 1944-45 Merlin-engined Spitfire Sqns of 2nd TAF and ADGB 1944-45
  • Colour Profile captions

Paperback; September 2014; 96 pages; ISBN: 9781782003380