Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
The first few American volunteers flew Spitfires with RAF squadrons during the Battle of Britain. However, as more US citizens arrived to serve with the Air Force, often posing as 'Canadians', it was decided to form a specific unit of these US volunteers. Thus was born the first of three 'Eagle' squadrons. From mid-1941 these units began flying Spitfires, and they quickly established a fine reputation within Fighter Command. Other American volunteer pilots flying with regular RAF or RCAF units also scored numerous kills. Following America's entry into World War 2, the USAAF's Eighth Air Force began deploying to Britain in mid-1942, and in a case of 'reverse lend-lease' they were issued with Spitfires. In late 1942 the first two USAAF Spitfire groups were transferred to North Africa, and they served with distinction both there and in Italy. The groups fielded an increasing number of successful pilots, flying Spitfires with distinction until they were replaced with Mustangs in early 1944. In two years of USAAF service, 22 Spitfire pilots claimed five or more victories, whilst two dozen more aces claimed part of their total flying the aeroplane.Synopsis
The first few American volunteers flew Spitfires with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. Many more joined their ranks, often posing as "Canadians", eventually forming three Eagle squadrons who earned a fierce fighting reputation. When the United States entered the war the Eagle fighter sections were issued with Spitfires and eventually transferred to the Eighth Air Force. In just two years of service with the USAAF, 22 pilots claimed five or more victories flying the Spitfire, whilst a further two dozen aces claimed part of their total flying them, a testament to their skill and success at the controls of this legendary warbird.
Discover the experiences of a variety of American aces in their own words through first-hand accounts, interviews and combat reports, in a thrilling read that transports the reader from the Battle of Britain to the deserts of North Africa to Fortress Europe itself.