This next title in their Allied Wings series returns to RAF types that were used in small numbers. In this case it was the B-17C or Fortress I. These planes were delivered in mid-1941 and issued to 90 Squadron for the RAF to give high altitude daylight bombing a try.

Well the Fortress I was an impressive aircraft on the ground, but the B-17C was not really combat ready. It had no self sealing fuel tanks and crew armor was minimal to non-existent. It was hoped that the Luftwaffe would be unable to reach the aircraft and while at altitude, that was pretty much true, for the most part. However, RAF experiences with the aircraft were not good. First there was the problem of the cold jamming the defensive armament. Then the problems of having a clear view for intended targets, which were often cloud covered. Then the aircraft were not reliable with a number of planes aborting the mission, even though few were actually sent. When the Luftwaffe was able to reach the aircraft, such as when using the Bf-109T for interception, the results for the Fortress were disastrous. One four plane raid had two shot down. Sending some aircraft to North Africa where the weather was better still did not produce results. Eventually, it was realized that Coastal Command would be a better place for them and they were used to train crews for the incoming and better equipped Fortress II.

In his book on this aircraft, author Phil Listemann covers the history of the aircraft in RAF use, has maps of all the bases from which it operated, a listing of aircraft and crew losses, a short history of each individual aircraft and a goodly number of photos of this rather rare aircraft.

Overall a book that is superb and one that any enthusiast or modeler who has an interest in the type must have on their shelves. I know you will be as pleased as I with this edition.

March 2009

Review book courtesy of www.raf-in-combat.com. Visit them for other great titles

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