Another superlative book in the Polish Wings series is this one on the Spitfire IX as flown by Polish units during WWII. These units were part of 1 Wing that was based at Northolt and pretty much all the Polish fighter squadrons in the RAF cycled through this wing during 1942 and 1943. What most may not realize is that a unit would be operational and so used on offensive operations for a period of time, which seems to be around 4-6months and when that period is over, would rotate back to a rest area of sorts to regroup.

This would involve adding new squadron members, training of all sorts and perhaps converting to a new aircraft type or variant. During the period that this book covers, the squadrons flew Spit IXs only when on active operations. When their time was done, they left their planes for the next squadron. Usually this meant that they reverted to older mark Spitfires like the Mk V during their down and training time. It means that many Spit IXs were flown by several squadrons and so were repainted with new codes over their operational life. I also found it quite interesting that most of the time, these aircraft (which were, for the most part the earliest of the Spit IXs) more often than not flew with a 30 gallon fuel tank under the centerline of the aircraft. This tank was unlike what you'd expect on a US plane in that it was much more conformal and wrapped around the carb intake, providing a more aerodynamic appearance.

The author pretty much provides the details of operations provided by 1 Wing during the 1942/43 time period. This includes a considerable number of photographs of both men and aircraft with these squadrons. Many of these photos have been converted into color profiles of some of the more interesting aircraft, adding a level of interest to the book that makes it that much more valuable for Spit boffins and modelers alike.

In addition to the 1 Wing units, the book covers those planes flown by ferry pilots and by those in the Mediterranean as flown in 'Skalski's Circus'. These are probably the most interesting in terms of the camouflage schemes worn by the aircraft in this unit. There is still, and probably will always be some debate on the actual colors used by some of their aircraft and this is all carefully covered in the book along with some profiles that will spark some debate.

Overall, it is an outstanding photo book and history of this important aircraft while flown by the men of the PAF with the RAF. It is one that I  particularly enjoyed reading and one I can easily recommend to you.

June 2011

Review book courtesy of MMP Books, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books. Also available in the US from Casemate Publishing and in Australia from Platypus Publications

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly , please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.