Spitfire Faces

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Spitfire Faces

Dilip Sarkar
Spitfire Faces Book PDF

Author : Dilip Sarkar
Publisher : Air World
Page : 362 pages
File Size : 49,6 Mb
Release : 2023-05-30
Category : History
ISBN : 9781399065351

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Spitfire Faces by Dilip Sarkar Pdf

The Supermarine Spitfire arguably remains the most iconic fighter aircraft ever produced. Unsurprisingly, it has become a symbol of British excellence and national pride. Interest in the Spitfire remains undiminished as time goes on, and its bibliography is virtually infinite. while many of these books feature the technical and operational history of the Spitfire, this book features the human element of the story, concentrating on the stories of not only those who flew the Spitfire into battle, but also the men and women who maintained and built it. By the summer of 1941, the Spitfire had replaced the Hurricane as the RAF’s front-line fighter, seeing service in every theater of war, from north-west Europe to the Far East, and operating in many roles never envisaged by its gifted, yet tragic, designer, R.J. Mitchell. Although intended as a short-range daylight interceptor, Spitfires became dive-bombers, offensive escort fighters, night-fighters, photographic reconnaissance mounts – and more. R.J. Mitchell, however, was always very conscious that a human being would risk his or her life flying his creation – and this book concentrates on that human story. Covering the Spitfire’s design, development and wartime operational history, Spitfire Faces features photographs from the personal collections of survivors, collated as the result of the author’s close personal relationships and friendships with so many of them.

Faces of HMS Royal Oak

Dilip Sarkar
Faces of HMS Royal Oak Book PDF

Author : Dilip Sarkar
Publisher : Frontline Books
Page : 218 pages
File Size : 48,5 Mb
Release : 2023-12-30
Category : History
ISBN : 9781399062367

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Faces of HMS Royal Oak by Dilip Sarkar Pdf

On 14 October each year, a White Ensign is placed on the stern of an upturned warship by Royal Navy divers. This act commemorates the 835 men of HMS Royal Oak who died in 1939 when the battleship was sunk at anchor in Scapa Flow by the German U-boat U-47. The sinking of the veteran First World War Revenge-class Royal Oak shocked not only the Admiralty, but the whole nation. Though Scapa Flow was far from being impregnable as a base for the Royal Navy’s Home Fleet, it was surrounded by a ring of islands separated by shallow channels subject to fast-racing tides. While it was recognized that it was not impervious to enemy submarines, measures had been put in place to minimize any such threat. Blockships had been sunk at potentially vulnerable points and anti-submarine booms deployed across the wider channels. The outbreak of war in September 1939 saw additional anti-submarine measures put in hand. Despite these increased precautions, German aerial reconnaissance had spotted weaknesses which were exploited on the night of 13/14 October 1939, by Kapitänleutnant Günther Prien in U-47. The German submarine was able to slip into Scapa Flow undetected and fire three torpedoes towards Royal Oak. Only one torpedo found its mark. A second salvo was fired and this time all three hit the battleship, igniting a magazine causing massive damage. Within thirteen minutes, HMS Royal Oak had turned over and sank. In Faces of HMS Royal Oak, Dilip Sarkar not only reveals the tragic and moving stories of many of those who died, but also some of the 399 who survived the sinking of the first Royal Navy battleship lost in the Second World War. Through their photographs, and in some cases words, the horrors of those fateful few minutes as Royal Oak rolled and slid into the cold, dark waters of Scapa Flow, are relived in startling clarity.

Faces of the Few

Dilip Sarkar
Faces of the Few Book PDF

Author : Dilip Sarkar
Publisher : Air World
Page : 350 pages
File Size : 44,7 Mb
Release : 2023-04-20
Category : History
ISBN : 9781399065382

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Faces of the Few by Dilip Sarkar Pdf

There remains an enduring fascination with the Battle of Britain, and the RAF aircrew who fought and won this unprecedented aerial conflict, immortalized by Churchill in August 1940 as ‘The Few’. Unlike today, when photography is a huge part of people’s daily lives, not least because of mobile phone cameras and the sharing of images via social media, back then photography involved comparatively primitive and expensive items of equipment and was not, therefore, as accessible as it is today. Furthermore, unofficial photography on service installations in Britain was strictly prohibited for security reasons, and consequently such photographs, often taken surreptitiously, are comparatively rare (although, interestingly, amateur photography was much more popular in Germany, and German servicemen took countless photographs, especially during the Blitzkrieg years). The author’s personal relationships and friendships with many of The Few, however, enabled him to unlock their personal archives, photograph albums and personal snapshots. The result of this research represents a substantial and unique archive. These photographs are not, in the main, posed official pictures, but those snapped by air and groundcrews who were keen amateur photographers, their images often shared around their squadron mates. The photographs presented here, some for the first time, provide the reader with a fascinating window on the past, through which we get an authentic glimpse of the summer of 1940 and The Few themselves. Indeed, in some cases, these are the only known images of certain individuals, while the likeness of others has been lost to history. That fact, therefore, emphasizes the importance of this photographic record.

Battle of Britain The Gathering Storm

Dilip Sarkar
Battle of Britain The Gathering Storm Book PDF

Author : Dilip Sarkar
Publisher : Air World
Page : 333 pages
File Size : 43,8 Mb
Release : 2023-07-31
Category : History
ISBN : 9781399056380

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Battle of Britain The Gathering Storm by Dilip Sarkar Pdf

Dilip Sarkar has studied the Battle of Britain period for a lifetime and is renowned for his meticulous research and evidence-based approach, setting events within the broadest possible context. In doing so, he has helped enrich our appreciation and understanding of the past. In this, the first of a new seven volume series on the Battle of Britain, we have the background to the aerial conflict of the summer of 1940 revealed in great detail and told comprehensively as never before. No stone has been left unturned, no angle unexplored. This meticulous approach the research, combined with the human stories and events, many revealed for the first time, tells what Dilip calls ‘the Big Story’. The development of air power, the creation of Britain’s defenses, the German side, the Home Front and political events are all covered – and much more. After considering the background threads prior to the outbreak of war in 1939, this book then describes the developing conflict on land, sea and in the air. The German invasion of Norway, the Fall of France and the air fighting over Dunkirk are all explored, along with Hitler’s actual preferred policy towards Britain, which at first was one of blockade – not invasion. The author, with justification, questions the validity of the Battle of Britain’s official start-date being 10 July 1940, evidencing the fact that the fighting actually began eight days earlier. From that date onwards, a day-by-day, hour-by-hour, account of the fighting is provided, giving due recognition to those aircrew lost or wounded before 10 July 1940, and whose names are not, therefore, found amongst ‘The Few’. Due accord is also given to the Royal Navy, and efforts of both Bomber and Coastal commands, emphasizing just what a ‘big’ story this actually is – far from simply concerning a handful of Spitfire and Hurricane pilots. Through diligent research with crucial official primary sources and personal papers, Dilip unravels many myths, often challenging the accepted narrative. This is not, however, simply another dull record of combat losses and claims, far from it. Drawing upon unique first-hand accounts from a wide-range of combatants and eyewitnesses, along with the daily Home Intelligence Reports and the papers of politicians such as Italian Foreign Minister Count Ciano, this really is an unprecedented approach to understanding the build-up to and times of the Battle of Britain.

The Buried Spitfires of Burma

Andy Brockman,Tracy Spaight
The Buried Spitfires of Burma Book PDF

Author : Andy Brockman,Tracy Spaight
Publisher : The History Press
Page : 450 pages
File Size : 41,5 Mb
Release : 2020-06-01
Category : History
ISBN : 9780750995375

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The Buried Spitfires of Burma by Andy Brockman,Tracy Spaight Pdf

Rumours of buried Spitfires from the Second World War have spread around the world for seventy-five years. In April 2012, the press reported that the UK had negotiated an agreement with Myanmar for the recovery of twenty crated Spitfires, reportedly buried after WW2. Astonishingly the agreement came about through the single-minded determination of a farmer, David Cundall. Armed with a high-tech survey showing mysterious shapes under the surface of Yangon International Airport, David's expedition is equipped with JCB excavators. But instead of Spitfires, the team unearths a tale of fake history. The Buried Spitfires of Burma explores what happened next as David Cundall's dream unravelled over the course of a historical 'whodunnit' that spans seven decades and three continents. It follows one of the most bizarre stories since the sensational Hitler Diaries hoax.

Whispers of Spitfire

E. S. Wynn
Whispers of Spitfire Book PDF

Author : E. S. Wynn
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 138 pages
File Size : 46,5 Mb
Release : 2020-03-15
Category : Fiction
ISBN : 9781678168070

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Whispers of Spitfire by E. S. Wynn Pdf

In the midst of a new ice age, brave shamans hunt gods born of black glass and steel. The blood of these gods is sacred, and the shamans of each tribe are marked with the sacred blood in ways that give them strange, supernatural abilities. This is the first book in the story of Wind-Spark, a young shaman of the Eikus Tribe. It is a tale of initiation in the primal wilds of a far-future ice age where tools of stone and bone are used side by side with shards of steel stolen from the gods themselves.

Spitfire Singh

Mike Edwards
Spitfire Singh Book PDF

Author : Mike Edwards
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
Page : 434 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 2017-05-24
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9789386432193

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Spitfire Singh by Mike Edwards Pdf

Their willingness to pay any price to uphold the honour and integrity of their Air Force meant an uphill battle against bigotry, difficult conditions of work and outdated equipment. However, showing tremendous fortitude, Harjinder and his men took the fight to the enemy and rose splendidly to the occasion. Be it the formidable Japanese, the mighty Germans or the resolute tribal warriors none could break the spirit of these airborne Indians. It is a story of relentless adventure, journeying from the scrublands of the North Western Frontier, to the jungles of Burma, to the UK on the eve of D Day and to the corridors of power in an independent India. The resourcefulness of the Indians and their sheer skill and determination meant that they could overcome the myriad of challenges thrown at them, much to the surprise and dismay of some officers of the Raj. It is a story of mutual respect forged and strengthened across lines of religion, caste, creed and race, as the Indian's undeniable courage and resilience won even the hearts and minds of their British counterparts and one man was the center of it all. Harjinder's is a life of intense friendship, of great ingenuity and of hard-work and dedication, interspersed with the humor and merriment that is ever present in the military environment. It was a bottom to top career for the lowly Hawai Sepoy who went on to become one of the top officers of the IAF. He is credited with the endeavor to make the Indian Air force self-reliant and designed, built and test flew two different aircraft to prove his point. He was one of the driving forces behind making the Indian Air Force the 4th largest in the world, an astonishing feat given the twin challenges of nation building and partition. Thus the only 'disgrace' to emerge from this book is how Harjinder's story could remain untold for so long.

Spitfire

Alfred Price
Spitfire Book PDF

Author : Alfred Price
Publisher : The History Press
Page : 374 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2012-09-01
Category : History
ISBN : 9780752477091

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Spitfire by Alfred Price Pdf

The narrative description and condensed history of the Spitfire’s construction, combat career and post-war service, bought together to tell the complete, concise history of the world’s most famous aircraft of all time and undoubtedly the finest fighter of World War 2. When Spitfire at War first appeared in 1974, it enjoyed critical acclaim, for the aircraft had never been described in such terms and detail before. It was followed by a second volume in 1985 and a third volume in 1990. All three volumes sold well and are hailed as classic works on the subject. These important works have been out of print for more than a decade, thereby denying them to the current breed of aviation buffs. The time has come to re-issue the three books as a single volume, the author ‘cherry-picking’ the choice cuts to produce the finest title on the mighty and beloved Spitfire.

Transformation: A Personal Journey Through the British Transformers Comic Volume 1: 1984-1987

Stuart Webb
Transformation A Personal Journey Through the British Transformers Comic Volume 1 1984 1987 Book PDF

Author : Stuart Webb
Publisher : Lulu.com
Page : 306 pages
File Size : 54,7 Mb
Release : 2015-07-25
Category : Comics & Graphic Novels
ISBN : 9781326372750

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Transformation: A Personal Journey Through the British Transformers Comic Volume 1: 1984-1987 by Stuart Webb Pdf

Starting in 1984, the British Transformers comic wasn't just a successful toy advert, it taught a generation of British schoolboys how to read through its exciting action packed pages. With sales that vied with 2000AD writers Simon Furman and Bob Budiansky created a generation of fan boys that have never looked back. Stuart Webb was one such reader, and in 2012 he began a journey looking through every single issue of the series, commenting on its highs and lows. He became the first person to look at every backup strip, every comedic cartoon and each editorial and how they worked together to create the most thorough exploration of a publishing phenomenon ever undertaken. It's also personal, full of humour and silliness and even the occasionally thoughtful moment. The final result is an essential read, for Transformers fans, and those interested in the history of Marvel comics in the UK and the impact this comic had on an entire generation.

Spitfire Ace

Gordon Olive
Spitfire Ace Book PDF

Author : Gordon Olive
Publisher : Amberley Publishing Limited
Page : 462 pages
File Size : 41,9 Mb
Release : 2015-07-15
Category : History
ISBN : 9781445644370

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Spitfire Ace by Gordon Olive Pdf

The amazing story of one of ‘the Few’, Spitfire fighter pilot Gordon Olive, who shot down ten enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain.

Spitfire

Leo McKinstry
Spitfire Book PDF

Author : Leo McKinstry
Publisher : John Murray
Page : 300 pages
File Size : 54,6 Mb
Release : 2010-10-14
Category : History
ISBN : 9781848545038

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Spitfire by Leo McKinstry Pdf

In June 1940, the German Army had brought the rest of Europe to its knees. 'Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world will move forward into broad, sunlit uplands,' said Churchill. The future of Europe depended on Britain. A self-confident Herman Goring thought that it would be only a matter of weeks before his planes had forced Britain to surrender. The courage, resourcefulness and brilliant organisation of the RAF were to prove him wrong. By late September 1940, the RAF had proved invincible, thanks to the Vickers Supermarine Spitfire. It exceeded anything that any other air force possessed. RJ Mitchell, a shy and almost painfully modest engineer, was the genius behind the Spitfire. On the 5th March 1936, following its successful maiden flight, a legend was born. Prize-winning historian Leo McKinstry's vivid history of the Spitfire brings together a rich cast of characters and first hand testimonies. It is a tale full of drama and heroism, of glory and tragedy, with the main protagonist the remarkable plane that played a crucial role in saving Britain.

Malta Spitfire Pilot

Denis Barnham
Malta Spitfire Pilot Book PDF

Author : Denis Barnham
Publisher : Grub Street Publishers
Page : 345 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2013-07-19
Category : History
ISBN : 9781909808683

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Malta Spitfire Pilot by Denis Barnham Pdf

An RAF fighter pilot’s “intensely vivid” account of the siege of Malta in World War II (The Times Literary Supplement). In the summer of 1942, Malta was vulnerable to air attack from the Germans and Italians, and defended by a handful of Spitfires and a few anti-aircraft guns. Denis Barnham, a young and inexperienced flight lieutenant, spent ten hectic weeks on this indomitable island; he left a well-ordered English aerodrome for the chaos and disillusionment of Luqa. His task was to engage the overwhelming number of enemy bombers, usually protected by fighter escorts, and shoot down as many as possible. The Spitfires were bomb-scarred and battered. Oftentimes they could only get two or three in the air together, and the airfields were riddled with bomb craters, but they managed to keep going and make their mark on enemy operations. Barnham has written a powerful account of his experiences in Malta, starting with his trip in an American aircraft carrier through the ceaseless battle and turmoil during the desperate defense of the island, through his departure by air back to England, having seen the reinforcements safely landed and the tide of battle turning. With thrilling and terrifying descriptions and illustrations of the air action, this account, told with humor and compassion, is one of the best firsthand accounts of aerial combat ever written.

A Spitfire Named Connie

Black' Robertson
A Spitfire Named Connie Book PDF

Author : Black' Robertson
Publisher : Air World
Page : 338 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 2022-05-19
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781399099066

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A Spitfire Named Connie by Black' Robertson Pdf

A Spitfire Named Connie is an exciting rollercoaster of a story. ‘Robbie’ Robertson begins his RAF training during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. As he learns his trade, he is soon rubbing shoulders with Fighter Command heroes, amongst them Brian Kingcome, ‘Ginger’ Lacey and Bob Stanford Tuck. Moving from 111 to 72 Squadron, he opens his account against the Luftwaffe in the spring of 1942. Six months later, as he adds further to his score, the action moves to the skies over North Africa. It is there that tragedy strikes. Wounded and shot down by one of the Luftwaffe’s most celebrated Experten, his Spitfire crashes to the ground. Found lying near the wreckage by an Army patrol, Robbie is moved from casualty clearing stations to hospitals across Tunisia and Algeria as doctors try desperately to save his sight. Finally, unable to stand the pain any longer, he reluctantly agrees to the removal of his right eye. A slow recovery and eventual return to the UK is no compensation for the end of his flying career. Desk-bound for the remainder of the war, the second and more poignant period of his RAF life begins. The young schoolgirl, Connie Freeman, with whom he has been in regular correspondence since her evacuation, becomes his wife. It is literally hundreds of Robbie’s letters that form the basis of this powerful, moving and emotional story. Together with his own and Connie’s diaries, correspondence from RAF colleagues and his flying logbook, they bring a unique authenticity to this highly-charged tale. A Spitfire Named Connie reads like a novel, filled with excitement, pathos and compassion. Yet, incredible as it may seem, every single word is true.

Spitfire Pilot

Roger Hall
Spitfire Pilot Book PDF

Author : Roger Hall
Publisher : Amberley Publishing Limited
Page : 501 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2013-09-15
Category : History
ISBN : 9781445609881

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Spitfire Pilot by Roger Hall Pdf

An extraordinary true story of combat in the Battle of Britain. Includes some of the most graphic and atmospheric accounts of air combat between Spitfire and Nazi Messerschmitt fighters ever published.

A Spitfire Pilot's Story

Dennis Newton
A Spitfire Pilot s Story Book PDF

Author : Dennis Newton
Publisher : Amberley Publishing Limited
Page : 501 pages
File Size : 42,5 Mb
Release : 2016-06-15
Category : History
ISBN : 9781445654157

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A Spitfire Pilot's Story by Dennis Newton Pdf

A family-authorised biography of Pat Hughes, one of the top-scoring aces of the Battle of Britain.