Ron Mackay Books

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the narrative chronicles the significant impact of the 381st Bomb Group's arrival in the tranquil English village of Ridgewell. Their B-17 Flying Fortresses played a crucial role in the air battles over Europe, participating in 297 missions and delivering over 22,000 tons of bombs against Nazi Germany. The harrowing cost of these operations was immense, with 131 aircraft lost and over 1,200 crew members reported missing in action throughout a grueling 1,000-day campaign.

This first of two volumes on de Havilland’s “Wooden Wonder” covers the night-fighter and fighter-bomber variants of the deadly Mosquito. The development of the multirole Mosquito, from its original bomber and photoreconnaissance operational function to that of a night-fighter and fighter-bomber configuration, was initiated by the latent threat of a renewal of the 1940–41 “Blitz.” Over the ensuing years of WWII, the Mosquito attacked the enemy with sorties across a 24-hour time span, challenging the German Nachtjagd with aerial interceptions, as well as attacks on Luftwaffe airfields. Pinpoint assaults on specialist targets was another aspect of Mosquito fighter-bomber operations, whose destructive effect on the Axis was constantly felt. Also covered are the Mosquito's operations with the Fleet Air Arm, as well as postwar use. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

Focusing on the evolution of Fighter Command from its inception in 1936 through WWII, the book illustrates the transformation of an outdated military structure into a formidable operational force. It highlights how the intense aerial battles of the war spurred this change, ultimately leading to the effective challenge against the Luftwaffe and contributing to its downfall.

A detailed account of the Messerschmitt Bf110, a long-range escort fighter and ground attack aeroplane which remained in service with the Luftwaffe throughout World War II. This study describes the development, technical details and operational use of the Messerschmitt Bf110.

This second of two volumes on de Havilland's "Wooden Wonder" covers the World War II bomber and photoreconnaissance variants of the deadly Mosquito. Along with its night fighter and fighter-bomber variants, Mosquito bomber squadrons attacked the enemy around the clock. Pinpoint assaults on specialist targets were another aspect of Mosquito operations, whose destructive effect on the Axis was constantly felt. Also featured in this volume is the Mosquito's operational service between 1942 and 1945 within the ranks of the RAF, Commonwealth air forces, and US Army Air Force, as well as postwar use.

The Avro Lancaster was unquestionably the finest all-around performer within RAF Bomber Command during the air war against Nazi Germany between 1942 and 1945. The Lancaster flew no fewer than 156,000 individual sorties and dropped more than 600,000 tons of explosives and incendiaries, playing a leading role in bringing Hitler's Reich to its knees. Known for its greenhouse cockpit, turret nose, twin tail, and 33-foot long bomb bay the Lancaster took part in Air Marshall Harris's 'Operation Gomorrah' in July 1943, in which Germany's industrial center of Hamburg was devastated by round-the-clock bombing raids. In the thick of the air war, the Lancasters also paid a high price - 3,249 were lost in action. This volume is enhanced by the fact that the author's uncle survived 36 operations as a bomb aimer aboard a Lancaster of No 49 Squadron. Illustrated with 200 photographs, plus color profiles and detailed line drawings.

"Mosquito Walk Around," Squadron/Signal Publications. / / Along with the Spitfire, Hurricane, and Lancaster, the Mosquito completes / the quartet of truly pre-eminent British military aircraft, whose marriage to / the Rolls-Royce Merlin aero engine granted the RAF a platform from which to / properly and fully prosecute the WWII air war. Rolls-Royce fighter aircraft / engines were named after birds of prey; Eagle, Merlin, Griffon, et cetera. / / Filled with specifications, facts, and pictures. A very interesting / book that, by putting the Info w/Pictures, is Educational as well. / / 80 Pages - 11" x 8.25" / tjt 12/7/99

Focusing on the historical significance of the 44th Bomb Group, the book details its pioneering role in the evolution of the Mighty Eighth's bombing strategy during World War II. Between November 1942 and April 1945, the unit completed 343 missions, including the notable Ploesti raid, while earning two Distinguished Unit Citations. The narrative highlights the substantial losses faced, with around 200 aircraft and 2,000 airmen reported missing in action, amid fierce opposition from the Luftwaffe during the strategic bombing campaign.

This book traces the history of the Stirling bomber from the Stirling Mk I/P1 to the Stirling Mk V in words, drawings, and photographs.

Hawker Sea Fury in Action- Squadron Signal #117. B & w photos, color plates, history and specs. The book is in excellent shape almost new. The pic is of the book you will 50 Squadron/Signal Publications; 1st edition (June 1992) 0897472675 978-0897472678