Allied Air Operations 1939 1940: The War Over France and the Low Countries

(Hardback)

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While much has been written about the Battle of Britain, the air war over France and the Low Countries from September 1939 to June 1940 has been largely neglected - until now. As expert aviation author Jerry Murland reveals in this fascinating book, there may have been little ground action until May 1940 but the war in the air was far from 'phoney'. In contrast to their adversaries, the Allied air forces on the mainland of Europe were poorly equipped, regardless of increased development from 1934 onwards. But in spite of this, when the German invasion began, the Low Countries of Holland and Belgium fought back tenaciously. While development of the Spitfire, Blenheim and Wellington was continuing at a pace, the RAF with only four squadrons of Hurricanes among a force of outdated bi-planes, was a little more prepared than the French, but still woefully outgunned by the Luftwaffe. While the Allied air forces of Britain, France and the Low Countries may have been inferior, the gallantry and tenacity of their pilots makes for inspiring reading. This is a work that will enthral and inform all those interested in the history of the Second World War, particularly aviation enthusiasts. AUTHOR: Jerry Murland had written some 25 books for Pen and Sword, including eight guidebooks with the late Jon Cooksey. Among his books are the Retreat and Rearguard series, Aristocrat go to War, Battle on the Aisne, The Schneider Trophy Air Races, The Dunkirk Perimeter and Evacuation 1940, The Battle of the Ypres: Comines Canal 1940 and Cassel and Hazebrouck 1940. He was a headteacher in a past life and lives near Coventry. 100 b/w photographs

Reviews

"Murland gets into detail seldom found in other accounts."-- "Journal of Military History"
"...a useful and comprehensive reference for those interested in the war in the air in the early months of World War II in Europe."-- "The NYMAS Review"
"This book is best suited for those curious about the Battle of France."-- "Air & Space Power History"

Author Bio

Jerry Murland had written some 25 books for Pen and Sword, including eight guidebooks with the late Jon Cooksey. Among his books are the Retreat and Rearguard series, Aristocrat go to War, Battle on the Aisne, The Schneider Trophy Air Races, The Dunkirk Perimeter and Evacuation 1940, The Battle of the Ypres: Comines Canal 1940 and Cassel and Hazebrouck 1940. He was a headteacher in a past life and lives near Coventry.