Griffon Spitfire Aces

By: Andrew Thomas, Mark Styling (Illustrator), Mark Postlethwaite (Illustrator)

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Paperback | 2 April 2008 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
96 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
24.8 x 18.6 x 0.8

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The iconic Spitfire's most radical upgrade was the 2000 hp Rolls-Royce Griffon engine. The first variant fitted with this superb powerplant was the Mk XII, entering service in early 1943 and modified for low-level operations to counter Luftwaffe attacks on the south coast. With a redesigned wing and propeller, the Spitfire XIV became the best low level fighter of World War 2. The Spitfire XII and XIV squadrons were moved to south-eastern England in mid-1944 to counter the V1 flying bomb offensive, when Spitfire XIV pilots pioneered the technique of tipping the V1 over with the aircraft's wingtip to disorientate the bomb. After the V1 offensive, most Griffon-Spitfire squadrons became part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force and took a heavy toll of the Luftwaffe in savage combat over the Third Reich.The Griffon-Spitfire also took part in the re-occupation of Malaya and the East Indies and three Spitfire XIV squadrons formed part of the Commonwealth occupation force in Japan until 1948. A later version, the Spitfire FR 18, saw action against various factions in Palestine. Some 14 pilots gained at least five victories on Griffon-engined Spitfires in World War 2, with another 13 aces claiming part of their totals on the type. In addition, 27 Griffon-Spitfire pilots shot down at least five of the dangerous V1 flying bombs to become 'Doodlebug' aces, whilst a large number of established aces flew the type successfully as wing and squadron commanders.

Industry Reviews

"The author...did a great job narrating the stories of Griffon Spitfire pilots... The stories were backed up with well-researched technical materials as well, providing information on the Griffon Spitfire fighters which allowed the pilots to engage in the actions told in the book. Like most Osprey books, there were many rare photographs and detailed illustrations that would satisfy even the most demanding Spitfire modelers. Griffon Spitfire Aces is a great look for the fans of WW2-era aircraft and aerial combat." --C. Peter Chen, World War II Database (April 2008)

"This book details those aces in the usual Osprey manner, with lots of personal accounts to go along with the chronological history. There are plenty of photos to complement the text, and the color profile illustrations highlight the colors and markings of various ace's aircraft." --Chris BanyaiReipl, Internet Modeler (May 2008)

"The aircraft, according to the author (who is currently on active duty with the RAF)...played major roles after the war in the conflicts in Malaya and Palestine. First-hand stories from the cockpit, previously unseen photographs, and profiles of Spitfire aces complete this account of the most powerful Spitfire variant ever built." --World War II History (December 2008)

"Overall, this is a superb book and one that Spitfire fans and modelers alike will find invaluable. As with all Osprey titles, one that I can highly recommend and one you can purchase with confidence." --Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (April 2008)

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