Ventura books are somewhat infrequently published, but always excellent reads. As usual, this one tends to lean towards the New Zealand aspect of things, which is pretty much expected considering where the book is published.

According to the author, this edition is a revised and expanded version of Classic Warbirds #5. One of the major additions are images of Luftwaffe 'broken eagles' and the inclusion of a Beaufighter article. All of the stories feature either New Zealand born pilots or crews in New Zealand squadrons.

The first is one on Seafire operations on D-day and after as a gun spotter for the HMS Warspite.

We then move to 485 Squadron's ground attack work after moving to the continent.

Next is a story about Jack Cleland and his time with both the RAF and the USAAF.

Night fighters are the highlight of the next section with 488 Squadron.

486 Squadron and their Tempests is the fifth entry.

We then move on to Spitfire ops against V-1 and V-2 launch sites.

Then it is on to flying Tempests and then Meteors for a rather interesting section.

Finishing up, is the new chapter on flying anti-shipping strikes with Beaufighters.

The book is superbly illustrated with not only a bevy of period photos, but also some superb color profile work on all the aircraft covered in the various sections. The stories are interesting and make for a very nice read. It is a book that has a nice selection of tales and is one that I know you will enjoy reading. It is a book that I can easily recommend to you.

December 2012

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