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Volume Five of this series chronicles aerial warfare primarily in the New Guinea theatre in the critical period between September and December 1942. It can be read alone or as a continuation of the previous four volumes which span the first nine months of the Pacific War.

In 1942 the air defence of the northern Australian frontier town of Darwin was operated by airmen from the United States. Flying P-40E Warhawks, the pilots of the 49th Fighter Group fought a brave and innovative campaign against a stronger enemy that did much to safeguard Australia in its darkest hour.

Pacific Adversaries conveys detailed stories of aerial warfare in the South Pacific, chosen because both Japanese and Allied records can be matched for an accurate accounting. This second volume describes confrontations between the air arm of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and the Allies in New Guinea and the Solomons.

This volume conveys detailed stories of aerial warfare in the South Pacific, chosen because both Japanese and Allied records can be matched for an accurate accounting. This first volume describes confrontations between the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) and the Allies in New Guinea and the Solomons.

Pacific Profiles Volume 16 presents the most accurate wartime profiles and histories to date of the B-17E and F series Flying Fortress which served in the Australia, New Guinea and South Pacific theatres during 1942-1944..

This volume presents the most detailed history and accurate profiles to date of the Douglas Boston light bomber (DB-7B and A-20 models) in RAAF Pacific service.

This third volume of Solomons Air War chronicles aerial warfare in the Solomon Islands theatre during the months of November and December 1942. It can be read alone or as part of the ongoing Solomons Air War series.

The first stand-alone history of The CAC Boomerang, Australia's only homegrown fighter.The CAC Boomerang has a unique place in Australian aviation history, being the nation's only home designed and produced fighter.The design was born in dark days at the start of the Pacific War when the RAAF possessed not a single modern fighter and the southwards onslaught of Japanese forces seemed unstoppable. The single seat Boomerang owed its origins to the Wirraway two seat general purpose aircraft produced by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in Melbourne. Because of existing Wirraway production, a Boomerang prototype flew less than six months after the design was conceived - a remarkable achievement.Lacking the performance of contemporaries such as America's P-39 and P-40 and Japan's Zero, the Boomerang's subsequent history is chequered. It served with three RAAF home defence squadrons in the fighter interceptor role but had only fleeting, unsuccessful, contact with enemy aircraft. However, the Boomerang found its true niche as an army cooperation aircraft, and the type gave very useful service with Nos. 4 and 5 Squadrons in New Guinea and Bougainville.With hindsight the Boomerang provided an insurance policy if other fighters could not be obtained from the US and Britain. In that role it was successful, and its production maintained a skilled wartime workforce at the CAC factory.This is the first stand-alone history of the Boomerang. The author Don Williams examines this unique aircraft and its origins, service and the men that flew it.

Uncovers the untold stories of the Australian Defence Force's crucial role in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy, Australia's most devastating disaster.Cyclone Tracy was one of the most damaging disasters to ever impact Australia. The story of the terrible night of Christmas Eve 1974 has been told before, but the involvement of the Australian Defence Force has been under-emphasised.This book rectifies that by revealing the untold stories of those in uniform. Men and women of all three services experienced the cyclone, including the crew of HMAS Arrow which sank with the loss of two lives.The first outsiders to reach the shattered city flew in on RAAF aircraft, which quickly began flying out evacuees. Then the Navy embarked on its largest peacetime operation with the majority of the fleet including the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne deploying to Darwin. For the first month the Navy took the lead in cleaning up the city before a larger and better equipped Army force took over.The book argues strongly that the National Emergency Medal should be bestowed on all uniformed people involved, including civilians such as police, and that a prominent and fitting memorial be established in Darwin.Cyclone Warriors also dispels myths, and for the first time with extensive research provides the true number of fatalities incurred when Tracy tore apart Darwin.Tom Lewis is one of Australia's foremost military historians having written over twenty books. He is a former naval officer and long time resident of Darwin.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout the Australia, New Guinea and Solomons theaters. This Volume 15 covers the B-26 and US Navy JM Marauder series which served in these theaters from their first delivery to Australia in April 1942 until the war's end. Marauders served with a total of six USAAF bomber squadrons, including the reformed 19th BS Silver Fleet, whilst US Navy JM-1 and JM-2 variants were operated by utility squadrons from March 1944 onwards.Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including unit heraldry and codes. This volume bridges vast gaps in accurate Marauder markings profiles in these theaters, especially those which served with the Thirteenth Air Force and USN. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation, along with a brief history of each aircraft. Wide-ranging primary reference material is cited including assignment data, wreck reports, squadron records, color photography, maintenance logs, diaries and factory markings specifications. A brief summary history of each unit and associated markings rationale accompanies the text.The author is world renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before has the Pacific Marauder been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.

Never before have Pacific Mitchells and their colorful markings been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout Australia, New Guinea the South Pacific. This Volume 14 covers those B-25, PBJ & F-10 Mitchell models which served in these theaters from March 1942 until the end of the war. Mitchells served a total of 21 USAAF bomber and reconnaissance squadrons, plus others were operated by the USMC, RAAF and NEIAF.Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including squadron heraldry and codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about many of these units. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation, along with a brief history of each aircraft. Wide-ranging primary reference material is cited including assignment data, wreck reports, squadron records, color photography, maintenance logs, diaries and factory markings specifications. A brief summary history of each unit and associated markings rationale accompanies the text.The author is world-renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have Pacific Mitchells and their colorful markings been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.

Never before have IJN land-based units been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.Pacific Profiles Volume 13 presents the most accurate wartime profiles and histories to date of Imperial Japanese Navy bombers, transports, flying boats and miscellaneous types which served in the South Pacific.This volume depicts the markings of two dozen mainstream and rare air groups (kokutai), many of which have never been illustrated before. Aircraft types include Betty and Nell bombers (and transports), Val and Judy dive-bombers; Emily and Mavis flying boats; Irving night fighters; Claude fighters; and Babs reconnaissance aircraft. Note this volume excludes floatplanes and Zeros, which are covered separately in Volumes Five and Eight of this series.Past markings errors are corrected, and many profiles are presented for the first time, alongside explanations of markings derivations, including the provenance of unit codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about these units, especially the more esoteric ones such Nos. 31, 151, 501 and 552 Ku, and the night fighters of No. 251 Ku. Profiles are supported by photos and/or documentation, along with brief histories of each aircraft where known. Primary reference material is exclusively cited including assignment data, unit operational records, photography, diaries, factory markings, Allied intelligence wreck reports, POW interrogation reports, and Combined Fleet markings orders. A brief history of each unit and its leadership structure accompanies the text.The author is world-renown for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have IJN land-based units been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.

"Well-written, easy to comprehend, and informative. It is an excellent source for the Pacific air war enthusiast." -- Large Scale PlanesThis second volume of Solomons Air War chronicles aerial warfare in the Solomon Islands theater during the critical month of October 1942. It can be read alone or as part of the ongoing Solomons Air War series.October 1942 saw an explosion of air activity in the Solomons. During the first three weeks of the month busy Tokyo Express runs landed thousands of IJA troops on Guadalcanal in advance of a new offensive to be launched against the Marine garrison. This was presaged by a battleship bombardment of Henderson Field and daily air raids against the same target.Against this background Cactus Air Force was fighting for its life, and very nearly reached the level of exhaustion. Somehow just enough replacement F4Fs and SBDs were scraped together from the New Hebrides to keep it in business. Important support was provided by COMAIRSOPAC B-17s and PBYs operating from Espiritu Santo.In the middle of the month an enormously powerful IJN force arrived in the theater, based around five aircraft carriers. This force threatened to overwhelm the USN which at the time had only one carrier in the South Pacific, the USS Hornet. However, the timely arrival of the USS Enterprise evened the ledger and the fourth carrier battle of the Pacific War, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, was fought over 25-27 October.This chronicle has been written using both Allied and Japanese sources, to give a fresh, factual and highly detailed account of all aspects of the Solomons air campaign.

Never before has the USAAF Fifth Air Force Mustang and its colorful markings been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout the South and Southwest Pacific theaters. This Volume 12 covers the P-51 and F-6 Mustang series which served in New Guinea, the Philippines and then the Japanese islands, serving with a total of ten USAAF Fifth Air Force fighter and reconnaissance squadrons, and also with New Guinea's Combat Replacement Training Center. The book includes a final chapter of post-war transition markings for the three years until 1948.Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including squadron heraldry and codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about Fifth Air Force Mustang units, especially the tactical reconnaissance and air commando squadrons. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation, along with a brief history of each aircraft. Wide-ranging primary reference material is cited including assignment data, squadron records, color photography, maintenance logs, diaries and factory specifications. A brief history of each unit and the rationale of its associated markings accompanies the text.The author is world-renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before has the USAAF Fifth Air Force Mustang and its colorful markings been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.

"As are the photographs, the illustrations are a treasure trove for modelers. While the academic and technical research is the brain of this book, perhaps the most impressive part is the original color artwork that visually spotlights what the text imparts." -- AeroscaleThe ongoing Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of aircraft which served throughout Australia, New Guinea and the South Pacific. This Volume 11 covers the P-40 Warhawk series, which served with a dozen USAAF Fifth and Thirteenth Air Force fighter and reconnaissance squadrons, service units, combat replacement pools and other miscellaneous units.Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including squadron heraldry and codes. Frequent airframe reassignments between units resulted in wide-ranging and oft-changing unit markings and nose art. Until now there has been a paucity of material about several units, particularly those in the Thirteenth Air Force. This volume also rectifies past mistakes which continue to be perpetrated, especially those representing the early Australian theater.Wide ranging primary reference material is cited including official Australian assignment data, squadron records, color slides and movies, maintenance logs, diaries, wreck site inspections and factory specifications. A brief history of each unit and the rationale of its unit markings accompanies the text.The author is world-renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have USAAF Pacific P-40s and their colorful artwork been illustrated with such accuracy and detail.

"...an outstanding review of the Royal Australian Air Force's experience with the Skyhawk." -- National Maritime Historical SocietyThe magnificent Douglas A-4 Skyhawk served with the Royal Australian Navy from 1968 until 1984 with two squadrons: VF805 and VC724. VF805 was the front-line fighter unit that served aboard the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, while VC724 was shore-based at Naval Air Station Nowra for training and support.During that period, the aircraft on the Melbourne gave the RAN a unique capability that was central to Australian defense policy. The Skyhawk Years is a story of busy and varied deployments around Australia, Southeast Asia and regularly to the multi-national Rimpac exercises in Hawaii. A particular highlight was a long cruise to the UK in 1977 and participation in the Spithead Naval Review, part of the celebrations for Her Majesty's Silver Jubilee.With first-hand stories from pilots and maintainers, the challenges of operations from the world's smallest aircraft carrier are well explained. Also told are thrilling stories of air combat maneuvers against fighters from other countries, with the A-4 often surprising more well-credentialled adversaries.A string of mishaps ended the embarkation of Skyhawks on the Melbourne in 1980, with a sad period following which saw the ultimate scrapping of RAN fixed-wing aviation four years later. However, among the former pilots and maintainers many fond memories of A-4 operations remain alive.

Pacific Profiles Volume 10 covers the P-47D Thunderbolt which flew combat missions in the New Guinea theater until mid-1945, serving with a total of eleven Fifth Air Force USAAF combat squadrons, Fifth Fighter Command and the Combat Replacement Training Center.

Drawing on a wealth of new sources, Bombers North presents for the first time the full story of a little-known bomber offensive waged from remote northern Australia during 1942-1945.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of aircraft which served throughout the South Pacific. Volume Nine covers the P-38 and variants including the photo-reconnaissance F-4 and F-5, along with field-modified P-38G night-fighters.

Any USAAF pilot who flew the mission to Hollandia on the fateful afternoon of 16 April 1944 in New Guinea would remember it for the rest of their lives. So would anyone else in the theatre, for the weather-related losses that fateful day earned it the eternal epithet "Black Sunday".

Volume Eight presents the most accurate profiles and histories to date of Imperial Japanese Navy floatplanes which served in the South Pacific theater, throughout New Guinea and the Solomons.

Volume Seven covers the Douglas C-47, including numerous derivatives such as the C-53, R4D and DC-3. It was utilized by every military organization including eighteen Fifth and Thirteenth Air Force USAAF squadrons, and also by the USN, USMC, RAAF, RNZAF, RAF, and Dutch Air Force.

Volume Five of this Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate colour profiles to date of Japanese Navy land based Zero fighters in the "South Seas" theatre: New Guinea, Rabaul and the Solomons.

The illustrated diary of Japanese Navy floatplane pilot Warrant Officer Nemoto Kumesako, dating from the early months of the Pacific War, presented in a style consistent with the Japanese manga format.

Conveys detailed stories of aerial warfare in the Solomons theatre, chosen because both Japanese and Allied records can be matched for an accurate accounting.

Volume Four focuses on the US Navy, US Marine Corps and RNZAF squadrons which operated land based F4U series Corsair fighters throughout the Solomons theatre from February 1943 onwards.