The Desert Air Force in World War II: Air Power in the Western Desert, 1940 1942

The 1st Tactical Air Force was a group of squadrons from the RAF,SAAF,RAAF, and USAAF formed in North Africa to support the 8th Army. The book provides detailed information about the structure, operation, aircraft, and men of the force, including descriptions of notable campaigns, aircraft types, weapons, and airfields. It also includes annexes covering personnel, squadrons, accuracy of attacks, orders of battle, and maps of airfield locations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The following is a comprehensive reference to the structure, operation, aircraft, and men of the 1st Tactical Air Force, or Desert Air Force, as it became known. It was formed in North Africa to support the 8th Army and included squadrons from the RAF, SAAF, RAAF, and eventually the USAAF. The book includes descriptions of many notable defensive and offensive campaigns, the many types of aircraft used, weapons, and the airfields that played host to these events. The five main sections of the book include a general historical introduction and overview, operations, operational groups, aircrew training, and technical details of each aircraft type. Lengthy annexes cover personnel, the squadrons in World War II, accuracy of attacks, orders of battle for each wartime year, maps of airfield locations and numbers of enemy aircraft downed.

The 1st Tactical Air Force, also known as the Desert Air Force, played a crucial role in World War II by providing air support to the 8th Army in North Africa. Formed in early 1942, the force consisted of squadrons from the Royal Air Force (RAF), South African Air Force (SAAF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and eventually the United States Air Force (USAAF). The book "The Desert Air Force" provides a detailed account of the structure, operation, aircraft, and men of this remarkable force.

The 1st Tactical Air Force was organized into several operational groups, each assigned a specific task. These groups included the 8th Air Force, responsible for the defense of Egypt and the Suez Canal; the 10th Air Force, which operated in the Western Desert; and the 12th Air Force, which operated in the Eastern Desert. Each operational group was composed of a mix of British, Australian, and American squadrons, ensuring a diverse range of capabilities.

One of the key strengths of the 1st Tactical Air Force was its aircraft fleet. The force operated a wide variety of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and transport planes. The most notable aircraft in the Desert Air Force's arsenal were the Supermarine Spitfire, the North American Mustang, and the Lockheed Hudson. These aircraft were highly maneuverable and capable of carrying heavy loads of bombs, making them ideal for ground support and air-to-air combat.

The 1st Tactical Air Force played a significant role in many of the major campaigns of World War II in North Africa. These campaigns included the Battle of El Alamein, the Battle of Tobruk, and the Battle of Kasserine Pass. The force's aircraft provided crucial support to the ground forces, allowing them to break through enemy lines and advance into enemy territory. In addition to ground support, the 1st Tactical Air Force also conducted air-to-air combat against German and Italian aircraft, successfully defending the skies over North Africa.

The men who served in the 1st Tactical Air Force were a diverse group of individuals from different countries and backgrounds. They included pilots, navigators, gunners, and ground crew members, all of whom played a vital role in the success of the force. Many of these men volunteered for service in the Desert Air Force, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to contribute to the war effort.

The book "The Desert Air Force" also provides detailed information about the training and technical details of each aircraft type operated by the 1st Tactical Air Force. The authors have done extensive research to ensure that the information presented is accurate and up-to-date. The book includes photographs and diagrams of the aircraft, as well as detailed descriptions of their capabilities and limitations.

In conclusion, "The Desert Air Force" is a comprehensive and detailed reference to the structure, operation, aircraft, and men of the 1st Tactical Air Force. The book provides a valuable insight into the role that the force played in World War II and its contribution to the success of the Allied forces. Whether you are a historian, a military enthusiast, or simply interested in the history of World War II, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 812g
Dimension: 173 x 245 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399083263