This book is a revised and expanded edition of an original book on ANZAC Spitfire pilots that is now out of print. This book gives accounts of the service of ten pilots, seven from New Zealand and three from Australia who served in the China-Burma-India theatre, Europe and the Middle East while flying Hurricanes and Spitfires.

The stories within are based on actual accounts of these pilots sourced through memoirs and/or personal interviews. The pilot’s opinions are frank and uncensored and make for a fascinating read. There is a good teaser from the authors about Squadron Leader Jeff West’s further knowledge of the loss of Douglas Bader. Sadly he passed away before the follow-up interview could be conducted.

A real treat here for the modeler is the profile and three view artwork by Malcolm Laird which are always first rate. The other bonus is the many photographs, a large number of which came from the pilot’s own personal collections and have not seen before by anyone other than family members.

This book gives us a nice look at the men who were in the planes we all love to model. It also gives a look at some stories that may not be as well known to those of us outside of Australia and New Zealand. Anyone who enjoys pilot histories and personal accounts will enjoy this book. Modelers will find some good schemes to build some of the Spitfires and Hurricanes they have in their stash. I recommend this to all of the above. Our thanks to Mushroom Model Publications for the review copy!