High Battleground Air to Air With World War Ii's Greatest Combat Aircraft

Foreword The fury of the air war in World War II was matched only by the pace of development of the combat aircraft that took part in those battles. Each new type of design would drive a new thought process or tactic to best employ that aircraft's advantage while exploiting the enemy's weakness. As an Eagle Squadron and RCAF member, I had flown in the beautiful British Spitfire, whose handling and maneuverability could not be faulted, but whose range was an Achille's heel. Upon its entry into WWII, the United States Eighth Air Force introduced the P-47 to try to address the Allie's range problem, but with the brute-like proportions of the Republic Thunderbolt, this came at a cost. If we were to change the shape of the European air war and escort the bombers deep into Germany, I knew we needed something else. The new Merlin-powered P-51B aircraft had been slated for the Ninth Air Force's support of the invasion, but as the CO of the 4th Fighter Group, part of the Eighth Air Force, I orchestrated a test flight in the P-51. Within minutes of flying in the 51, I knew we had a war winner. It was an aircraft that could turn with the best, at high altitude or on the deck. And do that deep into Germany where we could take on and smash the Luftwaffe in the sky and on their airfields. This ability kept our bombers protected, caused the Luftwaffe to lose aircraft with experienced pilots, and disrupted Germany's supply lines. The introduction of this one type of aircraft changed the shape of the war and brought about its end more quickly. Though we will never see the likes of the great air battles of WWII again, there are several lovingly maintained examples of the thoroughbred aircraft still flying. John Dibbs has photographed many of them for this fine volume. I took a memorable trip back to England where John hosted me at the Flying Legends air show and have since come to know John and his work. I greatly admire his dedication to authenticity and his skill and determination in overcoming the many challenges this work presents. These magnificent pictures speak for themselves. These pages roll back sixty years and make it seem like yesterday. I have had the opportunity and pleasure to have flown and been a part of that time in history when the planes as well as the men were reaching goals never imagined. John's photographs capture both the beauty and drama of the WWII aircraft in flight. From a sleek fighter seemingly inches from your face to a huger bomber lost in a sweeping landscape, his images offer veterans the chance to admire their trusted mounts now that the combat is history, and gives future generations the opportunity to remember those times and the sacrifice. Colonel Donald J. Blakeslee Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, distinguished Flying Cross (RAF), seven Distinguished Flying Crosses and six Air MedalsDibbs, John M. is the author of 'High Battleground Air to Air With World War Ii's Greatest Combat Aircraft' with ISBN 9781550464924 and ISBN 1550464922.