Bennett, John. Fighter Nights: 456 Squadron RAAF. Belconnen, ACT: Banner Books, 1995

ISBN 1-875593-10-1
214 pages

Prologue; Foreword; photos; sketches; maps; tables; Glossary; Bibliography; Index

This is the history of the only Australian night fighter squadron in World War II, a squadron which served in the UK from 1941 through the end of the war in Europe flying Defiants, Beaufighters, and Mosquitos. In addition to the usual narrative punctuated with "family" photos and anecdotes both humorous and poignant, much information is included about the history of night fighters, the evolution of tactics and equipment, and details about technical gear. Also includes Honor Roll, Awards, details about the history and fate of individual aircraft used by the squadron, and lists of air combat victories claimed by 456 Squadron.

Jay, Alwyn. Endurance: A History of RAAF Aircrew Participation in Liberator Operations of RAF Coastal Command, 1941-1945. Maryborough, QLD: Banner Books, 1996

ISBN 1-875593-07-1
224 pages

Acknowledgements; photos; diagrams; maps; Glossary; Bibliography; Index

Large numbers of Australian flyers served in the RAF's Coastal Command, and this book tells of those who flew in B-24 Liberators against the German U-boats. The author presents a chronological history of B-24 missions and combat as well as an extensive section about the in-flight duties of the men aboard the aircraft. Includes considerable technical detail about navigation procedures, intercepting moving targets, use of on-board radar, etc. A chapter entitled "Unusual Flights" provides anecdotes from surviving aircrew about their wartime experiences. Also includes a lengthy "Nominal Roll of RAAF Aircrew Known to Have Served on Liberators of RAF Coastal Command."

Sarkar, Dilip. Battle of Britain: The Photographic Kaleidoscope. St Peter's, Worcester, UK: Ramrod Publications, 1999

ISBN 0-9519832-7-X
209 pages

Acknowledgements; Foreword; Author's Introduction; photos; Author's Postscript

Sarkar's Battle of Britain amounts to a scrapbook of period photos along with a sketch or two and a few contemporary pictures of the men who participated in the air campaign, each accompanied by a brief caption. Mostly these are British, with a few shots of German flyers. The majority of the images show the pilots while others show aircraft, crash sites, graves, etc. These snapshots have come from the veterans themselves and their families, and are quite fresh and unfamiliar with their "essential atmosphere and authenticity sadly lacking in so many staged shots."

Smith, Peter C. Luftwaffe at War: Stukas over the Mediterranean, 1940-1945. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999

ISBN 1-85367-376-5
72 pages

Photos

This volume is part of the ongoing series of Luftwaffe photo albums published jointly by Stackpole and Greenhill Books, and its contents follow the usual format of that series: four pages of text outlining the participation of Stukas in the campaign, a gallery of eight pages of color photos, and then a profusion of captioned black-and-white photos of Stukas on the ground and in action in the Balkans and over the Med. Includes Stukas in German and Italian service.

Griehl, Manfred. Luftwaffe at War: German Bombers over England, 1940-1944. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999

ISBN 1-85367-377-3
72 pages

Photos

Another in the Luftwaffe at War series of photo albums with the usual format. This volume depicts German bombers in action over England including the Battle of Britain and later operations such as night intruder raids, "Operation Steinbock" in 1944, and even a couple shots of air-launched V-1s. Various models of aircraft in the air, on their fields, and being serviced by ground crews. Available in the US from Stackpole and in the UK from Greenhill.

Thanks to the publishers for providing these review copies.