In the days before aircraft were so complicated to fly that it took years to learn, it was not uncommon for 'foreigners' to be flying in the air arms of various nations. This was especially true when it came to conflicts. Pilots were generally in shorter supply than aircraft and experienced pilots of all sorts were frequently lured to warring nations by offers of money or just for the thrill of flying combat. This was especially true of the Spanish Civil War as well as China's war with Japan in the late 1930s.

The RAF of the early war was particularly one of many nationalities. Not only were there pilots from those countries over run by the Germans, but also some who sought to help stave the flow of German aggression. At least, that is what they would have said. I personally feel that some were there because they liked to fly combat!

This initial book in a series entitled USAAF Colors, is about Americans who flew with the RAF in the early years. It was a bit of a surprise to find that there were several 'Yanks' in the RAF prior to the war. Most of these were wealthy businessmen or sons of such who were living in the UK. They tended to gravitate to 601 Sq of the Auxiliary Air Force and it was very much a country club sort of operation. 

However, when the war started, these men were quickly involved in the heat of battle. The book covers the exploits of these early eagles in detail, since there were so few of them. It extends through the formation of the Eagle Squadrons in late 1940 until they were eventually incorporated into the USAAF in late 1943 as the 4th Fighter Group.

Also part of the book involves those American units who flew the Spitfire and were integrated into the various British groups, as was common until the USAAF was able to get sufficient administrative and logistical forces into the theatre to provide the operational control needed.

The author has done a fine job of telling the story, and I found the early years or 1940-41 to be especially informative and interesting. Interspersed throughout the book are photos and profiles of aircraft that were flown by the various pilots. In typical British fashion, a complete operational history in terms of previous and follow-on units is given for each aircraft photo. This kind of information only adds to the book and is part of what I find appealing about it. The profile drawings are crisp and well drawn, though not quite to the level of  an Eddie Creek or Tom Tullis.

Overall, I found the book to be well done and one that is worth the cover price. I appreciate the large images and easy to read type-face. There are several other books coming in the series, but to me, they seem like they will be redundant to what has been already done by Osprey. 

I can easily recommend this book to those who have an interest in the subject. I am sure that it will spawn a decal sheet or two, but with the demise of Aeromaster, I'm not sure who will pick up the ball and run with it.

July 2001

Review copy courtesy of me and my credit card!

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