The Aerial War: 1939-45: The Role of Aviation in World War II

by David Baker

Overview

The war is a war of machines; it will be won on the assembly line.
- Lord Beaverbrook, Minister of Aircraft Production

Just as vital as the battle on land or the struggle at sea, the air war ultimately tipped the balance of power in World War II. Many campaigns rode on the capabilities of their airforce, as British Spitfires were pitted against Messerschmitt Bf 109s and Japanese Zeros.

Aerospace expert David Baker explores this battle in the skies, detailing the technical leaps that were made and little-known histories about the men and women involved, from pilots to factory workers. Featuring magnificent photographs and illustrations, The Aerial War gives a brilliant insight into many key battles and highlights the integral role that aviation played in securing an Allied victory.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781398801516
Publisher:	Arcturus Publishing
Publication date:	06/01/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Dr David Baker worked with NASA on the Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle programmes between 1965 and 1990. He has written more than 100 books on space flight, aviation and military technology. David is currently a fellow of the British Interplanetary Society and editor of the monthly Spaceflight magazine.
Dr David Baker worked with NASA on the Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle programmes between 1965 and 1990. He has written more than 100 books on space flight, aviation and military technology. David is currently a fellow of the British Interplanetary Society and editor of the monthly Spaceflight magazine.

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

Chapter 1 The Start of the Aerial War 8

Chapter 2 Blitzkrieg Unleashed 22

Chapter 3 The Island of Last Hope 28

Chapter 4 Deterrence 40

Chapter 5 The Gathering Storm 52

Chapter 6 War in the West 65

Chapter 7 Background to the Battle of Britain 82

Chapter 8 The Storm Unleashed 95

Chapter 9 The 'Hardest Day' 107

Chapter 10 On the Offensive 126

Chapter 11 Strategic Air Warfare 144

Chapter 12 A Clash of Carriers 158

Chapter 13 The Combined Bomber Offensive 170

Chapter 14 Firestorms and Learning Curves 192

Chapter 15 Blitzing the Axis 208

Chapter 16 Victory in Europe 220

Chapter 17 A Rain of Ruin 239

Index 253