Product details
- ISBN 9781472840837
- Weight: 260g
- Dimensions: 180 x 246mm
- Publication Date: 22 Jul 2021
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Paperback
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Ju 87 dive-bombers, originally developed for pin-pointing bombing missions against land targets and Allied naval vessels were deployed by both the Luftwaffe and the Regia Aeronautica against the Allied forces. Included in such a target were perhaps the greatest prize of all for a Stuka pilot: a British aircraft carrier.
This superbly illustrated book looks at the duel between the Ju 87 Stuka and the aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy. Despite their gun protection (‘pompoms’)and their squadrons of fighters, these immense and mighty vessels proved irresistible targets to determined and experienced Stuka aces as they endeavoured to stop British naval intervention in the campaigns in Norway, Malta and Crete. By 1941, the Ju 87 had become known by the British as a fearsome aircraft following its operations in France, specifically at Dunkirk, as well as in the Balkans. For the Luftwaffe, it was an aircraft in which they still had great confidence despite its mauling in the Battle of Britain during the summer of 1940.
This book examines the key attributes and shortcomings of both aircraft and carrier by analysing various compelling episodes including the dramatic attacks on Ark Royal by Stukageschwader (St.G) 1 off Norway in April 1940, the strikes by the Luftwaffe’s St.G 1, St.G 2 and the Regia Aeronautica’s 237° Squadriglia against Illustrious in Malta harbour.
Aside from outstanding photography and artwork, this volume also includes numerous personal accounts from Stuka crews, the pilots of carrier-borne fighters opposing them and the sailors embarked in the various carriers that came under attack.
Robert Forsyth is an author, editor and publisher, specialising in military aviation and units of the Luftwaffe. His book production business has produced over 250 illustrated reference books, mainly on military aviation, but also on armoured warfare, vintage motor sport, history and wildlife. His articles have appeared in The Aviation Historian, Aeroplane Monthly, Aviation News, FlyPast and AeroJournal and he is a member of the Editorial Board of The Aviation Historian.
Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974–78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.
