History of Dive Bombing, The: A Comprehensive History from 1911 Onward - Hardcover

Smith, Peter C.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1844155927 ISBN 13: 9781844155927

Publisher: Pen & Sword Aviation, 2007

Synopsis

This is the incredible history of the dive bomber told from both official records and eyewitness accounts. It tears away the many myths and misrepresentations that surrounded this type of warplane and presents a truly original and detailed history, from the first true combat dive bombing by an RAF pilot in 1917 to the last stirring wartime actions. Interviews with the pilots who flew the combat missions in dive bombing aircraft of all the combatant nations give unique first-hand eyewitness viewpoints on many of the major actions and methods employed. From a detailed description of what it was like to fly the very first dive-bomber missions into Poland on 1st September, 1939; through equally enthralling accounts of British attacks on German warships during the Norwegian campaign; Stuka missions against the French and British forces in May and June, 1940, and on throughout the war. Some well known aircraft types include the Curtiss Helldiver, Aichi D3A1, Blackburn Skua and the infamous Junkers Ju 87 'Stuka'.

About this title

About the Author

Peter C. Smith is an internationally renowned author on the history of the dive-bomber, especially with regard to the feared and reviled Junkers Ju 87. His first book, Stuka at War, appeared in 1971 and contained a foreword by Hans-Ulrich Rudel, sole holder of the Golden Oak Leaves with Swords and Diamonds to the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. He is also author of Junkers Ju 87 Stuka (1998), Stuka Squadron (1990), Stuka Spearhead (1998), Stukas over the Mediterranean (1999), and Stukas over the Steppe (1999). His wider interest in the dive-bomber has led to books on the Vultee Vengeance, Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, North American A-36 Apache, Petlyakov Pe-2 Peshka, Blackburn Skua. Douglas SBD Dauntless, Douglas AD Skyraider, and the Aichi D3A1/2 as well as many articles for several leading military and aviation magazines.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pen & Sword Aviation
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1844155927
• ISBN 13: 9781844155927
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 2