Description
ABOUT THIS PRODUCT
With stunning artwork and detailed analysis, this volume provides a pilot's
view of the dramatic clashes between these two legendary fighters, as some
of the most gifted and big name' aces of World War II went head to head in
the skies of North-West Europe. As the Battle of Britain approached its
conclusion, two new versions of the famous Spitfire and Messerschmitt Bf 109
arrived on the scene. The RAF could see that the Luftwaffe were stepping
down their incursions into British airspace, and went on to the offensive.
The Spitfire Mark II, and increasingly the Mark V, would fly over the
picturesque English channel in fighter sweeps, or to escort vulnerable
Blenheim bombers - waiting for them was the Bf 109F Friedrich'. Yet despite
the reversal of offensive and defensive dispositions, and despite the
Luftwaffe deploying the bulk of their fighter strength to the Eastern Front
in 1941, the Jagdflieger were able to inflict severe losses on their RAF
counterparts.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Osprey Aviation Editor since 1989, Tony Holmes is a native of Fremantle,
Western Australia. Responsible for devising the Aircraft of the Aces, Combat
Aircraft, Aviation Elite Units and Duel series, Tony has also written more
than 25 books for Osprey in the past 26 years.Jim Laurier is a native of New
England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in
Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974-78, and since graduating with Honours, he has
been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He
has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation
paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon. Gareth Hector is a digital
artist of international standing as well as an aviation history enthusiast.
Gareth completed the battlescene artwork and cover artwork.
CONTENTS
Introduction
Chronology
Design and Development
Technical Specifications
The Strategic Situation
The Combatants
Combat
Statistics and Analysis
Aftermath
Further Reading
Index
