Osprey Aircraft of the Aces SC (1994) comic books 1999

Volume 25 - 1st printing. "Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstörer Aces of World War 2!" Art by John Weal. This volume is the first of its type to be devoted exclusively to the Zerstörer day fighter aces, spanning the war years from Poland to the defence of the Reich. Although Messerschmitt's single-engined Bf 109 has received most of the plaudits for achieving virtual air superiority over Europe in 1939-40, the exploits of the manufacturer's twin-engined Bf 110, the Ju 88 and the Me 410 Zerstörer in the first year of the war also make for very impressive reading. Indeed, on the eve of World War 2 a posting to a Bf 110 unit was considered to be the best career move available in the Luftwaffe. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $22.95.

Volume 26 - 1st printing. "Mustang and Thunderbolt Aces of the Pacific and CBI!" Written by John Stanaway. Art by Tom Tullis. Although far better known for their exploits over the war torn skies of Germany and Italy, the USAAF's premier fighters, the P-47 and P-51, also made significant contributions to the victory against Japan from 1943 onwards. This book relates the appearance of the Allison-engined A-36As and P-51As over Rangoon from India in November 1943, the 1st Air Commando Group in China, P-47s over the jungles of New Guinea in 1943, escorting B-29s on long-range bombing sorties against the Home Islands in 1944-45 and elsewhere. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $22.95.

Volume 27 - 1st printing. "Typhoon and Tempest Aces of World War 2!" Written by Chris Thomas. Art by Chris Davey. Hawker Typhoon and Tempest - two aircraft types with widely differing reputations. The former was a technical nightmare redeemed as a ground attack machine, whilst the latter proved to be the most superlative low and medium level fighter to see service with the RAF, and arguably any air force, during the latter stages of World War 2. With 246 enemy aircraft destroyed by the Typhoon and 239 by the Tempest, over 40 aces flew one or both types in combat, and men like 'Foob' Fairbanks and Johnny Baldwin attained double-figure scores with the Hawker fighters. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $22.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $12.00

Add to cart Near Mint $12.00

Volume 28 - 1st printing. "French Aces of World War 2!" Written by Barry Ketley. Art by Mark Rolfe. French pilots endured fighting both with and against the Allies during World War 2. Possessing obsolescent aircraft at the outbreak of the war, the Armée de l'Air was decimated in the wake of the Blitzkrieg; however, a number of fighter units still achieved creditable scores flying Curtiss Hawks, Morane MS.406s and Dewoitine D.520s. Following the capitulation of France at the end of June 1940, many aces continued to fly with the now Vichy French Squadrons that were stationed in North Africa, and a number of these pilots subsequently saw action against their former Allies there. Numerous French pilots also escaped to Britain, and a handful achieved notable sucess with the RAF flying Hurricanes, Spitfires and Tempests. In Russia, the formation of the French-manned ‘Normandie-Niemen' regiment in 1943 also saw near on 40 pilots achieve ace status flying Yak fighters on the Eastern Front. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $22.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $12.00

Volume 29 - 1st printing. "Bf 109 F/G/K Aces of the Western Front!" Art by John Weal. The follow--on volume to Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 11 - Bf 109D/E Aces 1939-41, this book charts the story of the myriad aces who flew the later marks of Messerschmitt fighter through to VE-Day. As good as the Emil had been during the opening 18 months of the war, the aircraft was being progressively bettered in virtually all aspects of aerial combat by the Spitfire come 1941, so Messerschmitt updated and improved the breed, firstly with the introduction of the Friedrich and then the multi-variant Gustav. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $22.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $12.00

Add to cart Near Mint $12.00

Volume 30 - 1st printing. "P-47 Thunderbolt Aces of the Ninth and Fifteenth Air Forces!" Written by Jerry Scutts. Art by Chris Davey. This book charts the story of the lesser known aces who flew the mighty Republic aircraft as a tactical fighter-bomber with the Ninth Air Force, rather than as a long-range escort. It also details the exploits of the Mediterranean-based 325th FG, which was the only P-47 group within the strategic Fifteenth Air Force. Thunderbolt aces within the Ninth Air Force, particularly, were rare, despite some 15 groups flying the fighter. Supporting troops on the ground rather than searching out aerial foes, was the name of the game for the men of the Ninth. However, with the Luftwaffe often opposing such sorties through to April 1945, more than 20 pilots had the opportunity to score five or more kills and 'make ace'. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $22.95.