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The Desert Air Force in World War II (Paperback)

Air Power in the Western Desert, 1940-1942

Aviation > WWII WWII

By Ken Delve
Imprint: Pen & Sword Aviation
Pages: 288
Illustrations: 200 B&W Photos
ISBN: 9781399083263
Published: 17th March 2022

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This is a comprehensive reference to the structure, operation, aircraft and men of the 1st Tactical Air Force, or Desert Air Force as it became known. It was formed in North Africa to support the 8th Army and included squadrons from the RAF, SAAF, RAAF and eventually the USAAF.

The book includes descriptions of many notable defensive and offensive campaigns, the many types of aircraft used, weapons and the airfields that played host to these events. The five main sections of the book include a general historical introduction and overview, operations, operational groups, aircrew training and technical details of each aircraft type. Lengthy annexes cover personnel, the squadrons in World War II, accuracy of attacks, orders of battle for each wartime year, maps of airfield locations and numbers of enemy aircraft downed.

The book's greatest strength in its ability to put the reader in the pilot seat and really grasp the dangers and difficulties these brave men faced.

Globe at War

This is a useful book that brings together an impressive array of eyewitness accounts of the fighting during this crucial period in North Africa.

Read the full review here

History of War

A large number of appendices providing extensive background information, giving the reader a good general view of an air force that deserves more attention than it usually receives.

WWII History magazine, June 2018

This book is likely to appeal to a variety of readers. These could include those interested in the Royal Air Force and its history, those interested in the North African military campaign of World War II, and those with a general interest in aviation. Modellers of both aviation and military persuasions could find the many photographs useful as a resource. It is also possible that genealogists seeking information about the military service of family members within the British Military Forces may find it of use.

NZ Crown Mines

The author has provided a comprehensive review and described the aircraft, the flyers, the equipment, the tactics and the battles. This
is the most detailed and accurate book yet published on Allied air operations in North Africa leading to the battle of El Alamein and a roll back of German forces matching the Soviet actions after Stalingrad. This wealth of information is given depth by the inclusion of lengthy annexes.

Read the full review here.

Firetrench

Pen and Sword, who are dangling another tempting aviation title due out in March.

Wargames Illustrated, March 2017

About Ken Delve

Ken Delve served 20 years in the Royal Air Force as a Navigator and during that time developed his passion for aviation and military history. From researching and publishing the history of his first squadron – 39 Squadron, which had played a major role in defeating Rommel’s supply lines – he has subsequently written over 40 books and numerous articles. His most recent work is a 3-volume set covering the Desert War, Malta’s offensive role, and the campaign in Italy.

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