Recommended Publications

Bluenoser Tales

The 352nd Fighter Group Association. Edited by Robert "Punchy" Powell Jr.

Due for publication sometime in September 2007, this is a collection of personal memories by pilots and crews of one of the most decorated of US fighter units. Experience flight in the cockpit of a P-47 Thunderbolt or a P-51 Mustang with these pilots in combat against the vaunted German Luftwaffe. Live with the ground crews working on their aircraft in the bitter cold, wet weather of English winters. Meticulously researched, fast-paced, and laced with wartime humor, this book is the next best thing to having been there. More than 400 grayscale and color photographs illustrate over 60 fascinating tales describing the achievements and wartime life of this highly regarded fighter group. The volume also contains reproductions of paintings by four renowned aviation artists and hundreds of photographs never before in print—a treat for all aviation enthusiasts and history lovers! At present on offer at a discount for pre-orders and an offer that should be taken up as soon as possible as the print run of 1500 is unlikely to last too long if the normal demand for anything connected with the 352nd is anything to go by. For ordering, please see: www.unitedwriterspress.com/bnt.html

P-51 B/C Mustangs Over The Third Reich

By Tomasz Szlagor

It is only very recently that I have been made aware of the books produced by Polish Publishing Company Kagero and I must say that I am very pleased to know about them. This book on the P-51 B/C is number two in a series entitled "Air Battles". Number one being "P-40s of the Mediterranean". Although produced in Poland, the books are also available in English and author Tomasz Szlagor does a fine job with the narrative which, although borrowing heavily from personal accounts by many well known pilots of the 8th, 9th and 15th Air Forces, still maintains a fresh approach, as much of the material and many illustrations are new to a "seasoned campaigner" such as me. Although only 80 pages in length, those pages are full of excellent references and end with six pages of first class 1/72 scale drawings and ten of the nicest profiles that I have seen in publication. (nine a/c with the rear cover showing both sides of one). A very nice touch in the (P-51) publication is the inclusion of modeling masks for the birdcage cockpit and a segmented spinner in three scales - 1/71, 1/48 and 1/32. All in all, a highly recommended publication for both enthusiasts and modelers. Copies can be obtained direct from the publishers at their web site. Wider distribution will be available at a later date.

Courtesies of the Heart

By Kenneth Breaux

This heart-warming narrative by Ken Breaux recounts the search, discovery, recovery and return home of Lt. William M Lewis Jr of the 55th FG. Listed as MIA on 11 September 1944 Lt. Lewis was finally laid to rest in his native Tulsa,OK soil after being "missing" for fifty-eight years. This account describes how many unconnected people in different countries each had a part to play in helping return a fallen warrior to his family. Little Friends web site is proud to have been one of the references used by the author at the outset of his investigation. Available from the publishers Trafford Publishing. For more information see: www.trafford.com/4dcgi/view-item?item=4196&68145202-6536aaa

Battle Colors (Vol. 2)

By Robert Watkins

Following the success of Volume 1 covering the "Big Friends", Robert Watkins has now continued his series of "Battle Colors" with the second volume which covers the "Little Friends" that this site is dedicated to. With Bob's outstanding artwork being the mainstay of this series, I look forward to the publication of this volume with great anticipation. Currently at the printers, further details will be posted here when they become available.

Spitfires and Yellow Tail Mustangs

By Tom Ivie and Paul Ludwig

I have always felt guilty about not including the early 8th units on site, but decided against due to the scant information available. The 52nd Fighter Group was one of these units, assigned to the 8th in June 1942 but rapidly moved to North Africa to become part of the 12th and then moving up through Italy as part of the 15th Air Force. The 8th heritage being that they carried the same code letters that were subsequently re-issued to the 4th FG. The well written narrative aside, this book is a complete joy to the eyes as it's 176 pages are well filled with an excellent choice of photos of reverse lend-lease Spitfires and then Mustangs in the later chapters. The two most aesthetically pleasing fighters of the war in one volume. Also included are 25 plus colour profiles of the unit's a/c.

Is there no criticism of this publication? Well yes - my usual gripe that this profile artist continues the error of most others by persisting in drawing in the nonexistent aerial wires on the P-51s even when the matching photos alongside clearly show their absence! A minor point and only picked up on by "anoraks" like me. Don't even think about letting this put you off though, as this is a "must have" for the collection of anyone interested in unit histories. Published price is £29.95 but currently available at the bargain price of £20.96 from Amazon.

Angels Bulldogs & Dragons

By Bill Marshall

I had thought that as this excellent book on the 355th Fighter Group was long out of print, the only way of obtaining a copy was via the second-hand market. I was pleasantly surprised to hear therefore that author Bill Marshall still has some copies in his possession for retail sale. This is the only book available on the 355th that gives full mission details as well as claim and loss listings. If you do not have one of these, I recommend that you snap one up whilst Bill still has some available, as it is very unlikely that there will ever be a reprint. Bill can be contacted at marshall_william@hotmail.com to talk about price and shipping costs.

The 479th Fighter Group In World War II

By Terry A Fairfield

For those of us not fortunate enough to own a copy of the original unit history published at the end of the war, this book by Terry Fairfield fills a huge void in 8th Fighter Command unit histories and is something that I have been looking forward to for quite some time. I am pleased to announce that the 6 year wait for its publication has been worthwhile and at last the 479th has a published history that adequately reflects that unit's efforts. In the usual Schiffer format, with over 600 B&W photos crammed into its 368 pages, plus colour profiles, this particular book will keep me busy for months ahead. Priced at $69.95 direct from the publisher or normal Schiffer stockists.

To War With The Yoxford Boys

By Merle C Olmsted

After what could be considered as several false starts, the 357th Fighter Group have at last been commemorated with a unit history befiting their status as one of 8th Fighter Command's premier units. Association historian Merle Olmstead has gathered together within its 375 pages, over 500 b&w photos plus colour profiles and photos of both WW2 vintage, as well as current "war-birds" in 357th markings. This book is obtainable direct from the publisher, Eagle Editions, in both the standard volume as illustrated at $64.95 as well as a leather-bound edition, limited to 357 copies and signed by the 13 aces still living at the time of publication. The limited edition goes for $245 per copy. Orders can be made on-line at:http://www.eagle-editions.com/357.htm

8th Air Force Gun Camera Film

Compiled and Edited By Steve Rhode

The first two of a series of DVDs with a chronological selection of gun camera film shot by many of the pilots listed on this site. At last you can now identify the air-air kills and ground destruction with the pilots concerned. Available in both NTSC and PAL compatible formats. For full listing of film clips currently on the discs and purchase details go to:
http://rareaviation.com/guncaac19.html

Little Friends

By Steve Gotts

This pictorial history of the 361st FG has been out of print for quite some time, which is unfortunate because it contains an excellent collection of 361st FG photographs with very informative captions. Joe Ormond has had this book reprinted due to demand from collectors and informs me that there are still a few copies available. You would be well advised to obtain a copy of this profusely illustrated book whilst the opportunity still exists as it is highly unlikely that any future reprints will ever be made. For details on price and postage costs, contact Joe at: SonofP51@suddenlink.net Hyperlink removed from this email address due to spam problems.

Battle Colors (Vol. 1)

By Robert Watkins

Just for a change, a look at the "Big Friends" which tend to get overlooked on a site dedicated to the "Little Friends". Due in March 2004 from Schiffer publications is this new title covering the unit markings, including logos, of all 48 of the Mighty 8th's Bomb Groups. For the first time, all information concerning this intriguing and fascinating aspect of wartime heraldry and markings is contained in a single reference volume. Also included are organisational flow charts that show the actual battle order. Over 500 high quality colour illustrations by the author help make this an indispensable addition to any 8th Air Force fan's bookshelf. Volume 2 covering the Fighter Units is eagerly awaited. For an example of the artwork quality, check out the 21st Pursuit Squadron insignia on the 352nd FG gallery.

An Ace of the Eighth

By Norman J "Bud" Fortier

Bud Fortier arrived at Steeple Morden with the original cadre of the 355th FG's 354th FS and ended up leading their last operational sortie of the war. This is just about the best "pilot-biography" that I have read. It is thoroughly readable and highly enjoyable, giving not only a vivid description of the missions but also an insight on what life was like on a typical air base. For some strange reason, Amazon appear to be almost giving this title away at the moment at a very reasonable price - take advantage of it and get yourself a copy of a really good book. The only adverse comment I have to make is that the publisher, for reasons best known to himself, has chosen a painting of 9th Air Force P-47s to grace the cover rather than some from the 354th FS but I guess that we can't have everything!

Steeple Morden Strafers

By Ken Wells

Not a day-to-day account of the 355th missions out of Steeple Morden as this aspect was covered in Bill Marshall's "Angels, Bulldogs and Dragons" but more of a decent reading book as it includes narratives of the missions, the men of the 355th Fighter Group and life in and around Steeple Morden during the most exciting time of their lives.  See next entry for availability

Wimpys to Mustangs

By Ken Wells

Ken's follow-up to Steeple Morden Strafers but this time dealing with the airfield itself. This volume deals with the first RAF arrivals in 1940 with the Wellingtons of 11 OTU but rapidly moves on to USAAF occupation as Station F-122. Well illustrated with many photos taken during the 355th tenure. Currently available from East Anglia Books. View the US Unit History section of the on-line catalogue at: http://www.eastangliabooks.com/

Patton's Eyes in the Sky

By Tom Ivie

This is an account of operations carried out by the 10th Photo Reconnaissance Group. Although a 9th Air Force outfit, the book is recommended here as no unit history enthusiast should be without it. Extremely well written and illustrated with many photos that are new to me. The only minor criticism I have is that the profiles continue the myth that ETO P-51s still had the aerial wires attached - they didn't! Profile artist Tom Tullis is not alone by any means in this misconception - see the Osprey series! Other than that slight blemish, the profiles are well chosen and excellently presented. Well done Tom for producing this book which I am sure that the veterans of the 10th PRG are very proud of. A very well invested £27.95 from your usual outlet.

P-51 MUSTANG

By Paul A Ludwig

An interesting account of the P-51 development viewed from a somewhat different angle. The author presents a fascinating account of the initial resistance during the early years of the Second World War to the concept of the escort fighter in favour of operations by self-defended heavy bomber. This book presents an investigative analysis into the often troubled design and development history of America's premier piston-engined fighter aircraft, a machine that would later become famous as the scourge of the Luftwaffe. Well illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs and well presented colour profiles. Well worth the £35 asking price from all usual outlets.

The 356th Fighter Group in World War II

By Kent D Miller

For all of those who missed Kent's original effort on the 356th 'Escort' worry no longer. Now revised and greatly extended and produced to the normal high standard expected of Schiffer, this new history on the 356th has nearly 200 pages of narrative and data plus a separate section containing over 450 black & white photos plus 12 colour profiles. Available direct from Schiffer or via all normal outlets.

Runways To Victory

By Peter Celis

"This 370-page hard-cover book has 400 unique photographs, and explains the development of tactical air power and how 35-plus airfields in Belgium were used during the tactical fighter war of late 1944 and early 1945. Operations at seven of these airfields are described in great detail: A-78 Florennes, A-84 Chièvres, A-92 St. Trond, Y-10 Le Culot, Y-29 Asch, B-67 Ursel and B-90 Petit Brogel. These based P-38s, P-47s, P-61s, P-51s, Typhoons and Spitfires."

The book costs 49.95 EURO. Postage and packing costs depend on the customer’s country.
All enquiries and orders should be sent to: pcelis@worldonline.be

"American Eagles"

By Roger Freeman

Following on the heels of the 3 previously published titles in the excellent "American Eagles" series Number 4, covering the use of the P-51 by the 8th Air Force. This book follows the format of its predecessors by giving a complete rundown of the camouflage and unit markings and their development from arrival in the ETO to the end of hostilities.

Numbers 1 - 3 covering the Spitfire, P-38 and P-47 available in all normal outlets.

Yellowjackets! - the 361st Fighter Group in WW II

By Paul B Cora.

The narrative of the group to compliment Steve Gotts' "Little Friends" but still managing to contain over 130 photos in B&W and colour as well as colour profiles in its 152 pages. Obtainable at $39.95 from the normal Schiffer outlets.

Target of Opportunity

By Lt.Col. R.A."Dick" Hewitt.

Experiences of a fighter pilot of the 82nd Fighter Squadron of the 78th Fighter Group during training followed by active service based at Duxford. Privately published by the author and now available from East Anglia Books in the UK or direct from the author.

Price direct is $19.95 plus p&p. Contact Dick for details at: rahew@myvine.com

Jonah's Feet Are Dry

By Graham Cross.

Graham Cross's long awaited history of the 353rd Fighter Group is now available. At last, this unjustifiably neglected and underrated outfit has it's story told the way it should be, in a (literally) weighty volume that both they and Graham can be proud of. This is how unit histories should be written!

This is a numbered, limited edition of only 2000 copies. Measuring 305mm x 215mm, the 696 pages include 980 illustrations, operational diary, pilot yearbook and detailed appendices.

Order online at www.353rd.com

The Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney

By 352nd Fighter Group Association

Reckoned by many, including yours truly, as the finest unit history ever produced by an 8th Fighter Command unit, "The Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney" has now been updated and reprinted. This is a limited reprint of 1200 due to the funding required to finance the project and copies are going fast! Less than 400 remain.

Copies may be obtained via East Anglia Books or direct from Robert "Punchy" Powell of the 352nd Fighter Group Association.

Fighter Units and Pilots of the 8th Air Force - September 1942 - May 1945

By Kent D Miller

Two companion volumes will do for Fighter Command what "The Mighty Eighth" did for the 8th Air Force as a whole. Kent is to be congratulated for this Force Majeure..

Fighter Units and Pilots of the 8th Air Force - September 1942 - May 1945

By Kent D Miller

Two companion volumes will do for Fighter Command what "The Mighty Eighth" did for the 8th Air Force as a whole. Kent is to be congratulated for this Force Majeure.

Original USAAF Cine Film

By Ray Hallworth

Original USAAF Cine Film Transferred to Video

Also now available on CD ROM viewable via Windows Media Player or via E-mail as an Internet high band version of the movie to anyone willing to accept a 56 MB file zipped to 28 MB. (Should take about 25-30 minutes to download)

"Ramrod to Emden" contains original footage of 56th Fighter Group escorting a mission to Emden on 2 October 1943 and can be >ordered in most formats, including UK-PAL and US-NTSC

For full details contact Ray Hallworth at skennama@clara.co.uk or visit www.skennama.clara.net