Military 2019 SS

16 2019 NEW RELEASES Messerschmitt Bf 110 The Luftwaffe’s Fighter-Destroyer in World War II Ron Mackay The concept of a twin-engine fighter that could accompany bomber formations and effectively drive off defending fighters was the rationale behind the creation of the Messerschmitt Bf 110. Initial operations during 1939–40 seemed to justify its existence, but the generally weak level of aerial opposition bred a false sense of security among the aircrews that was thoroughly blunted during the Battle of Britain. Better fortune attended the Zerstörer ’s (Destroyer) operational career when utilized in two alternative ways. First, it proved a steady platform for ground-attack duties, given its heavy cannon and machine gun battery. Even more effective was the switch to a night fighter function, where it proved a deadly weapon along with its Ju 88 contemporary in Germany's Home Defense against the nocturnal operations launched by RAF Bomber Command. Ron Mackay’s interest in aviation commenced during World War II. The local Coastal Command airfield at Wick, Scotland, provided a wealth of RAF and USAAF designs to stimulate his enthusiasm; postwar National Service sustained the interest. In addition, a working knowledge of German subsequently extended his field of study to the Luftwaffe, with specific reference to nocturnal operations—a relevant choice since his uncle flew and survived operations with Lancasters of No. 49 Sqdn, RAF Bomber Command. The latter activity lead to regular visits to Luftwaffe reunions, with much valuable personal anecdotes and technical information garnered. To date, nearly thirty books, several of them coauthored, have been brought out, while on current hand are contracts for a further number of RAF and Luftwaffe titles. A concise, pictorial history of the Bf 110's operational career during WWII Combat service with the German Luftwaffe over all European war fronts A day fighter that was subsequently transformed into a highly effective, and deadly, night fighter SPECS ISBN: 978-0-7643-5672-8 Size: 9" x 9" Illustrations: 200 b/w and color photos Pages: 112 Binding: hard cover Price: $19.99 AVAILABLE MAY MESSERSCHMITT BF 110 978-0-7643-1445-2 $49.95 | 192 pp. MESSERSCHMITT BF 110 1939-1945 978-0-88740-286-9 $30.00 | 248 pp.