This is another book in the Osprey collection, this one covering the Eight Air Force’s campaign against Germany in 1943.

The story of the Eight’s campaign also covers accounts and the counter measures the Germans took to thwart the Eight’s aircraft and tactics. Comparisons are made between the Eight’s aircraft vs German counter parts and specific alterations to aircraft made by both sides to stop their enemy.

One aircraft developed by the Eight’s engineers was the YB-40. Essentially being a B-17 upgraded with more machine guns and more ammo to act as a gunship escort for the bomber formations prior to long range fighter escorts.

Another section of the book follows the development of the droppable external fuel tanks to extend the range of a P-47 for bomber escort, and how they were initially banned from use by Eight’s command.

The book also examines the development the German air to air Wfr. Gr.21 rocket. The rockets were effective against Eighth bombers, but the underwing tubes provided for a decreased in maneuverability of the BF-109 the BF-110G and the ME-410A after the rockets had been fired.

Tactics of American and German Air Forces are covered quite extensively concerning their developments and the changes made to respond to the other sides gaining a slight advantage in the Air War.

The book is softbound has 96 pages and loads of black and white pictures. Also included are color maps depicting the routs that Bomber Command took on missions into Germany.

The book is divided into the following sections:

• Introduction
• Chronology
• Attacker’s Capabilities
• Defender’s Capabilities
• Campaign Objectives
• The Campaign
• Analysis and Conclusions
• Index

For me this book was an interesting read. I learned some interesting facts about both countries Air Forces equipment and the tactics they were used for.

I want to thank Osprey publishing and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to read and review the book.