Michael Claringbould, full colour, fully illustrated, 250 x 176mm, 124 pages, Avonmore Books, 2024 ISBN 9780975642351 $36.95 DUE 20 DECEMBER 2024
The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout the Australia, South Pacific and New Guinea theatres. This Volume 16 covers the B-17E/F series which served from their first appearance in Australia in the early weeks of the Pacific War until the final commander's Fortress was scrapped in late 1944. The Fortress served with eighteen USAAF bombardment squadrons whilst many, after being stripped down and modified, went on to serve as transports and commander's aircraft.
Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including unit heraldry, artwork and serial numbers. This volume corrects past errors and bridges a vast gap in Fortress markings especially in respect to the Thirteenth Air Force. Wide-ranging reference material sources assignment data, wreck reports, squadron records, maintenance logs, diaries, air base movement logs and markings specifications. The profiles are accompanied by brief unit histories.
The author is world-renown for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have Pacific Fortresses been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.
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