Volume Six of this series chronicles aerial warfare in the New Guinea theatre in the critical period of January to March 1943. It can be read alone or as a continuation of the previous five volumes which span the first thirteen months of the Pacific War.January 1943 saw a successful Japanese supply and reinforcement convoy arrive at Lae from Rabaul, in the face of fierce opposition from Allied air power. The fresh troops soon threatened to overrun the Australian mountain stronghold of Wau, before a massive airlift by Fifth Air Force C47s delivered reinforcements just in time.Meanwhile the air war over New Guinea was increasingly fought by newly arrived JAAF units who shared the air war burden alongside their veteran IJN counterparts. Against this background many of the Fifth Air Force bomber squadrons moved up from Australia to Port Moresby. This greatly increased the combat efficiency of these units, enabling, among other things, sustained daily pressure on the Japanese bastion of Rabaul.Then in March 1943 the Japanese sent a second convoy from Rabaul to Lae which resulted in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, one of the landmark combats of the entire Pacific War. Using refined attack and bombing tactics, Fifth Air Force and RAAF squadrons conducted an allout shipdestroying effort which made world headlines.Never before has this campaign been chronicled in such detail, with Allied and Japanese accounts matched for a factual and thoroughly detailed account of the conflict.

During the Second World War Royal Air Force Bomber Command suffered unprecedented casualty rates. Those who served, were killed, and were found, now rest in Commonwealth War Graves Commission graves across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. Of these, almost 30,000 headstones bear emotive and poignant epitaphs, chosen by the next of kin, which, in varied ways, express their loss. Some families selected literary quotes or decided upon a phrase in Latin or other language. Many wished to reflect the sacrifice made in confronting the enemy, in defence of their country, or the sacrifice of a pilot who stayed at the controls of his aircraft to save his crew. Other families referenced siblings of the airmen, who were similarly lost. There were those who chose mild humour. Often the epitaph would mention the wife and children of the casualty, or the bereaved may have selected a phrase from the last letter they received from their loved one. Others found, in their hearts, their own words.In Epitaphs of Bomber Command Steve Darlow and Dave Gilbert select one hundred epitaphs, providing further detail about the respective casualty, along with an insight into the words chosen for the inscriptions. Words that were restricted by a war graves commission limit on the number of letters.This collection, published eighty years after the end of the Second World War and specific to RAF Bomber Command, provides a direct and sombre insight into the cost of war at a personal level. ‘We Will Remember Them’.

This is the second edition of the first English language book to describe in detail the aircraft carried by Japan's extensive submarine fleet in World War Two. More than any other nation, Japan designed, built and operated aircraft launched from submarines, using them for reconnaissance and also (uniquely) for bombing and attack missions. This fascinating history of an under-published aspect of World War Two aviation warfare is illustrated with photographs, scale plans and full color illustrations, including those of the preserved Seiran. This book includes 200 photographs (many of which have not been published before) and 30 color profiles (plus top and bottom views of representative aircraft).

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout Australia, the South Pacific and New Guinea theatres. This Volume 16 covers the B-17E and F series which served in these theatres from their first appearance in Australia in the early weeks of the Pacific War until the final commander’s Fortress was scrapped in late 1944. The Fortress served with a total of one provisional and eighteen USAAF bombardment squadrons whilst many, after being stripped down and modified, went on to serve as transports and commander’s aircraft. Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including unit heraldry, artwork and serial numbers. This volume corrects past errors and bridges a vast gap in Fortress markings throughout the Pacific including Thirteenth Air Force transports and an early squadron which served with the USN. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation, along with the brief history of each bomber. Wide-ranging reference material sources assignment data, wreck reports, squadron records, colour photography, maintenance logs, diaries, air base movement logs and markings specifications. The profiles are accompanied by brief unit histories and associated markings explanations.The author is world-renown for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before has the Pacific Fortress been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.

This volume presents the most detailed history and accurate profiles to date of the Douglas Boston light bomber (DB-7B and A-20 models) in RAAF Pacific service. Unusually just one unit, No. 22 Squadron, operated the type. From late 1942 until mid-1943 it flew daring low-level attack missions in New Guinea, before advancing to the Netherlands East Indies in 1944.This volume illustrates and explains the development of the type in RAAF service, and for the first time closely aligns its Japanese belligerents, in the air and on the ground and sea. It also explains combat and other losses contrasted against the unique operational environment. A wide range of primary source material has been drawn upon including official records, diaries, rare photos, captured documents and operational logs of relevant Japanese units.The author is world-renown for his expertise on the aerial war in the Pacific, while his passion for the Douglas light bomber stems from assisting with the 1984 salvage of an RAAF Boston from New Guinea.

The CAC Boomerang has a unique place in Australian aviation history, being the nation’s only home designed and produced fighter.The design was born in dark days at the start of the Pacific War when the RAAF possessed not a single modern fighter and the southwards onslaught of Japanese forces seemed unstoppable. The single seat Boomerang owed its origins to the Wirraway two seat general purpose aircraft produced by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in Melbourne. Because of existing Wirraway production, a Boomerang prototype flew less than six months after the design was conceived – a remarkable achievement.Lacking the performance of contemporaries such as America’s P-39 and P-40 and Japan’s Zero, the Boomerang’s subsequent history is chequered. It served with three RAAF home defence squadrons in the fighter interceptor role but had only fleeting, unsuccessful, contact with enemy aircraft. However, the Boomerang found its true niche as an army cooperation aircraft, and the type gave very useful service with Nos. 4 and 5 Squadrons in New Guinea and Bougainville.With hindsight the Boomerang provided an insurance policy if other fighters could not be obtained from the US and Britain. In that role it was successful, and its production maintained a skilled wartime workforce at the CAC factory.This is the first stand-alone history of the Boomerang. The author Don Williams examines this unique aircraft and its origins, service and the men that flew it.

This new photo album is number 32 in the MMPBooks/Stratus "Camera On" series and is the second volume to cover such equipment as Luftwaffe search lights and range finding equipment, of which the book contains 140+ photographs. The majority of the photos are from private collections taken by ordinary German soldiers, not professional propagandists. In this volume, we endeavour to show this rarely illustrated equipment in some detail but still show it as the soldiers viewed it as both their work place and also their home, not the highly posed and polished views of the official photographers. This book is an invaluable reference for military historians and modelers alike.

On 12 December 1944, with the war entering its final stages, Bomber Command launched its last Main Force raid on the Krupps Steel works at Essen. The attack was devastatingly successful, and completed for the loss of only a handful of aircraft. Three of the airmen lost in the raid are still listed as ‘missing’, believed killed in action. Extensive investigative research by aviation historians Sean Feast and Marc Hall has discovered the truth about what happened to these missing men, and how they are linked to the murder of three unidentified RAF airmen, on a bridge, within twenty-four hours of believing they were safe. They have also discovered the truth about a fourth airman, a Canadian, shot down on the same raid who died in mysterious circumstances and whose near-naked body was discovered after the war, hastily buried in an unmarked grave.In the centenary year of the RAF, the authors reveal a darker side to the history of the ‘Third Service’. Complementing historical research with the evidence of present-day specialists, they have pieced together the harrowing story of four murders, the identities of the victims and their killers, and the tantalising possibility that at least one of the ‘missing’ men may at last have been found.

Most modern books and films glamorize World War II airborne soldiers as troopers leaping into the night to descend by parachute into combat. Much less often considered is the role of glider forces. Glider troops lacked the panache and special distinctions of paratroopers, despite their critical role in airborne warfare. Likewise, World War II ground combat is characterized as a combined arms fight of infantry and armor, backed up with field artillery; by comparison the role played by specialized, supporting arms has received scant attention. The 80th AAA Battalion was a glider outfit, providing anti-aircraft defense and anti-tank capability to the division's three infantry regiments as battlefield conditions dictated. Elements of the battalion fought in Italy, Normandy, Holland and the Battle of the Bulge, making combat glider assaults during both Operation Neptune and Operation Market Garden. The exploits of the men of the 80th tend to be obscured as commanders maneuvered the batteries wherever their special skills were needed on the battlefield, with no regiment to call a permanent home.The 80th AAA battalion was a hybrid unit. While its members were considered Coast Artillery (the branch responsible for defending ground formations from air attack during WWII), they fought alongside parachute and glider infantry, most often providing direct fire, anti-armor support with 57mm/6 pounder cannons. While field artillery, both parachute and glider, established their gunlines some distance behind infantry units to provide indirect fire support, the men of the 80th fought face to face with the enemy, alongside their infantry brothers.

This book delves into the comprehensive history of the Miles M.25 Martinet, a pioneering British aircraft specifically designed for target towing, and its role in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Fleet Air Arm (FAA) during World War II. Enriched with an array of photographs, detailed scale plans, intricate drawings, and vivid colour profiles, the narrative captures the essence of the Martinet's development and its operational service, offering a thorough exploration of this significant aircraft.

Check over the dramatic events of 1940 as the Polish Air Force took to the skies in France, fighting valiantly during World War II. This book focuses on the role played by the Caudron-Renault CR.714 Cyclone. Explore a treasure trove of black and white period photos that bring this significant era to life. Additionally, marvel at the collection of colour profiles that showcase the distinct liveries of the Caudron-Renault CR.714 Cyclone in Polish Air Force service.

The development of the famous Italian WWII fighters of the Reggiane factory, with inline engines, is described and illustrated. RE 2001 and RE 2005 are described plus prototypes and project developed.It served with the Regia Aeronautica and other forces, including the Luftwaffe. This book describes the design, development, and operations of this elegant and effective fighter. This book contains: scale plans, photos and drawings from Technical Manuals, superb colour illustrations of camouflage and markings, and rare b&w archive photographs. Colour photos of the preserved aircraft illustrate all aspects of the airframe.This is essential reading for aviation enthusiasts & scale aeromodelers.

This book compiles the color profiles, scale plans, and photo details of the single variant of the Bristol Bulldog Mk IIA. Scale plans are in 1/72 & 1/48 scales, plus drawings from technical manuals. Also contains photos of the details in black and white.

Admiral Sir Victor Alfred Trumper “VAT” Smith AC KBE CB DSC MiD RAN is a towering figure in Australian naval circles;his extraordinary career spanning almost 50 years. As the first graduate of the Royal Australian Naval College to be promoted full admiral he was the founding father of the Australian Fleet Air Arm.Joining the navy in 1927 aged thirteen;Smith specialised in aviation. As the senior observer of a Royal Navy Swordfish squadron;he led the first mass torpedo strike against a major warship at sea;the daring attack on the battlecruiser Scharnhorst off Norway in 1940. Then;at Churchill’s insistence;he embarked the very first catapult fighter for convoy protection. His subsequent service in two-seat Fairey Fulmar fighters saw him twice shot down in the Mediterranean and escape the torpedoed HMS Ark Royal in 1941.Recalled to Australia to fly Walrus amphibians;Smith survived the August 1942 destruction of HMAS Canberra at the Battle of Savo Island. Returning to Europe he served in the escort carrier HMS Tracker in the Atlantic and Arctic before participating in the Normandy landings.Postwar he was closely involved in the Australian decision to develop a carrier-based Fleet Air Arm and was executive officer of the carrier HMAS Sydney in the Korean War. Command of frigates;an air station and the carrier HMS Melbourne followed. As Chief of Naval Staff;he dispatched forces to the war in Vietnam before serving as chairman of the tri-service Chiefs of Staff in the 1970s.The author;Graeme Lunn;also a RANC graduate and aviator;began his naval career when Smith was still serving.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout the Australia;New Guinea and Solomons theatres. This Volume 15 covers the B-26 and US Navy JM Marauder series which served in these theatres from their first delivery to Australia in April 1942 until the war’s end. Marauders served with a total of six USAAF bomber squadrons;including the reformed 19th BS Silver Fleet;whilst US Navy JM-1 and JM-2 variants were operated by utility squadrons from March 1944 onwards. Most profiles are presented for the first time;alongside markings derivations;including unit heraldry and codes. This volume bridges vast gaps in accurate Marauder markings profiles in these theatres;especially those which served with the Thirteenth Air Force and USN. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation;along with a brief history of each aircraft. Wide-ranging primary reference material is cited including assignment data;wreck reports;squadron records;colour photography;maintenance logs;diaries and factory markings specifications. A brief summary history of each unit and associated markings rationale accompanies the text.The author is world renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before has the Pacific Marauder been illustrated with such breadth;accuracy and detail.

Wing Commander Eric Benjamin was no stranger to danger or excitement. In an action-packed career as part of the RAF Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR), he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice for his bravery under fire. He flew Fairey Battles with No. 150 Squadron during the Battle of France, Main Force Avro Lancasters with No. 61 Squadron during the Battle of Berlin, and De Havilland Mosquitoes as an elite Pathfinder Master Bomber in the latter stages of the war. He survived being shot down on his first operation, when his air gunner was severely wounded, and was among the last RAF aircrew to be evacuated from France in the summer of 1940. He was pulled clear of the mangled wreckage of a Vickers Wellington that crashed in flames during a spell as an instructor, narrowly escaping with his life for a second time, and ‘starred’ as a Flight Commander interviewed for Pathé News after a successful raid on Berlin in 1943. Towards the end of 1944, he achieved his ambition of flying Mosquitoes, and was selected and trained as a Master Bomber, operating as part of No. 54 Base in No. 5 Group and helping to mop up what was left of German industry and military might. It was from one of these sorties that his aircraft failed to return.Authored by Sean Feast and Eric’s daughter Jeannie, the book includes numerous previously unpublished photographs of Eric, his colleagues, and the aircraft he flew. An inveterate letter writer, Eric once said of flying that there was ‘no greater sport’. He died as he had lived, doing what he loved best.