Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

 
Osprey's Duel Spitfire vs Bf 109 is available online from Squadron.com

As the title states, this new addition to the Osprey Publishing dual series examines the clash between the Bf 109E series and the Vickers Supermarine Spitfire marks 1 and II during what was dubbed the Battle of Britain during the summer of 1940.

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The book follows the now established format for the Dual series and the chapters are laid out as follows:

• Introduction.  Setting the scene and a brief synopsis of the events leading up to the epic battle.

• Chronology.  Two pages of dot point information that detail benchmarks in the development and events involving both aircraft from July 1933 until January 1942.

• Design and Development.  Split into two parts, one for each aircraft and totalling 13 pages this chapter goes through the basic milestones in the development of both aircraft.

• Technical Specifications.  Again, split into two parts with each part providing a technical description of each sub-type.  The Spitfire section details the Prototype, Spitfire 1, Spitfire 1A, Spitfire 1B, Spitfire IIA/B, and the Spitfire IIA Long Range whilst the Bf 109 includes the Bf 109 V10, Bf 109 V14-16, Bf 109E-0, Bf 109E-1, Bf 109E-3, Bf 109E-4, Bf 109E-5/6, Bf 109E-7, and the Bf 109E-8 and -9.

• The Strategic situation.  This chapter provides an analysis of the strategic situation in Europe prior to the battle and discusses each side’s order of battle as well as a very brief examination of each phase of the battle.

• The Combatants.  This chapter describes how each side trained its pilots.

• Combat.  An analysis of the drills and tactics employed by both sides prior to and how they evolved during the battle.

• Statistics and Analysis.  A wash-up of the battle, the chapter also provides tabulated data on the leading aces and their scores against each other (109s and Spitfires) gained during the battle.

• Aftermath.  Lessons learned from the battle and how they were employed in the following years of World War Two.

• Further reading list.  A very comprehensive directory indeed with some 45 books, magazines and websites listed!

The book comprises of 80 glossy pages between thin cardboard covers with 42 black and white and colour photographs, eight full colour technical drawings (including three-view drawings of both aircraft, their armaments, and their cockpits) three maps, three illustrations showing tactical formations and a two page painting by Mark Postlethwaite in the centre pages.

The new Dual series of books from Osprey publishing really are great value for money and this one is no exception, it provides you with information on the development of both aircraft, the tactics used by both sides and of the actual battle itself.

Recommended.

Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2008 by Rodger Kelly
Page Created 29 May, 2008
Last updated 29 May, 2008

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