Allied Wings No. 2
Martin Marauder Mk. I

Philedition

Reviewed by Glen Porter

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This is the second in a new series call Allied Wings by Phil Listemann, the first being on Spitfire Mk. XIIs.  They seem to be concentrating on rarely done before subjects and newly released models, which makes them doubly timely. In this case it is only the Marauder Mk.1 in RAF use.

It begins with an introduction covering the design and development of the B-26 Marauder by Martin for the USAAC, but only the first two models, B-26 and B-26A.

Next they move on to the units involved and there was only one, No. 14 Squadron in North Africa. As the aircraft was capable of carrying a torpedo and the Mitchell was already being delivered for operations in the ETO, the Marauders were sent direct to the Mediterranean to help hunt down the Italian Merchant fleet, which was supplying the DAK in North Africa. Not only are the aircraft themselves covered but also the aircrews and some of the more interesting exploits they encountered such as the destruction of many German freight aircraft flying over the Mediterranean Sea. These two chapters are the extent of the text in the book, interspersed with many B&W photos and several colour side profiles and occupy the first half of the book.

The second half has many lists such as Operational Diary-Number of Sorties, Main Marauder Mk.I Bases in the Med, Claim lists of Marauder Mk.I, Aircraft lost on Operations, Aircraft lost by Accident, Martin B-26 and Marauder Mk.I Register and Honour roll. This is also interspersed with B&W photos and colour side profiles.

Although this book is not relevant to the recently released Hasagawa B-26 kits, Valon has just come out with an excellent early short wing version in both US and RAF markings.

For the British Mk.1, this book is just the thing.

Highly  Recommended.

Thanks to Philedition for the review sample