Air Power and the Arab World, 1909–1955 Volume 12: Palestine War, 12 July - 14 October 1948 (Middle East @ War #67) continues the story of the men and machines of the first half-century of military aviation in the Arab world, focusing this time on the critical period between 12 July and 14 October 1948 — from the final days of the ‘Ten Days’ fighting through the Second UN Truce. While part of an ongoing series, this volume also stands alone as a history of the period covered.

The book focuses on day-to-day events on the ground, in the air, and at sea during this hard-fought phase, belying its title, but it is even more useful for that, as it puts Arab air power, such as it was, into the context of the overall war. In doing so, the authors have accessed previously unpublished Arab official military documents supplemented by translations from Arabic books and articles containing official and personal accounts by those involved. One such source is the Operational Diary of the Royal Egyptian Air Force’s Tactical Air Force based at al-Arish in north-eastern Sinai. The book contains some very interesting stories, such as how the Egyptian Air Force acquired Short Stirling bombers (something I was previously unaware of), also Handley Page Halifaxes and even a Hawker Fury demonstrator, which was ‘requisitioned’ during a Middle East sales tour, much to the surprise of both its pilot and the company!

Air Power and the Arab World, 1909–1955 Volume 12, written by Dr David Nicolle, and Air Vice Marshal Dr. Gabr Ali Gabr (EAF ret.), is illustrated by numerous black and white photos, mostly previously unpublished; 21 full color profiles of various types used during the period, including some rarities such as the Egyptian Fiat G.55 along with a number of maps and 4 tables.

All-in-all, this book is a useful source for the period covered. If Arab air forces are your thing, this can be highly recommended. My thanks to Casemate for the review sample to the IPMS/USA.