Ju 87 Stuka vs Royal Navy Carriers: Mediterranean

(Paperback)

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Description

Ju 87 dive-bombers, originally developed for pin-pointing bombing missions against land targets and Allied naval vessels were deployed by both the Luftwaffe and the Regia Aeronautica against the Allied forces. Included in such a target were perhaps the greatest prize of all for a Stuka pilot: a British aircraft carrier. This superbly illustrated book looks at the duel between the Ju 87 Stuka and the aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy. Despite their gun protection (pompoms)and their squadrons of fighters, these immense and mighty vessels proved irresistible targets to determined and experienced Stuka aces as they endeavoured to stop British naval intervention in the campaigns in Norway, Malta and Crete. By 1941, the Ju 87 had become known by the British as a fearsome aircraft following its operations in France, specifically at Dunkirk, as well as in the Balkans. For the Luftwaffe, it was an aircraft in which they still had great confidence despite its mauling in the Battle of Britain during the summer of 1940. This book examines the key attributes and shortcomings of both aircraft and carrier by analysing various compelling episodes including the dramatic attacks on Ark Royal by Stukageschwader (St.G) 1 off Norway in April 1940, the strikes by the Luftwaffes St.G 1, St.G 2 and the Regia Aeronauticas 237 Squadriglia against Illustrious in Malta harbour. Aside from outstanding photography and artwork, this volume also include numerous personal accounts from Stuka crews, the pilots of carrier-borne fighters opposing them and the sailors embarked in the various carriers that came under attack.

Reviews

The book is a significant contribution to the knowledge of how the Mediterranean campaign was affected by these two weapon systems. Well-produced (the font size could have been bigger) and fully illustrated with coloured drawings and evocative black and white photographs, it was an enjoyable and informative read. -- REAR ADMIRAL R. G. MELLY * The Naval Review *

Author Bio

Robert Forsyth is an author, editor and publisher, specialising in military aviation and military history. After working in the international transport and shipping industries, he co-founded a publishing and book production business in 1995 which has produced some 250 illustrated reference books, mainly on military aviation, but also on armoured warfare, vintage motor sport, history and wildlife. Born in Berkshire, England, he is the author of several books on the aircraft and units of the Luftwaffe, an interest he has held since boyhood. His articles have appeared in The Aviation Historian, Aeroplane Monthly, Aviation News, FlyPast and AeroJournal and he is a member of the Editorial Board of The Aviation Historian. He has written 15 books for Osprey. Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 197478, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.