SPITFIRE MANUAL 1940: Air Ministry

Although designed purely as a short range defensive fighter, the Spitfire developed through 24 different marques, performed its intended role admirably, but has also been pressed into service as an offensive escort fighter, fighter-bomber and photographic reconnaissance aircraft, all evidence of R. J. Mitchell's inspired design. The book is an instruction manual on how to fly the legendary fighter plane in combat, using the manuals and instructions supplied by the RAF during the Second World War. An amazing array of leaflets, books and manuals were issued by the Air Ministry to help pilots in flying the Supermarine Spitfire. Here for the first time they are collated into a single facsimile edition by an expert aviation historian. Areas covered include how to attack enemy aircraft, aircraft recognition, how to act as an RAF officer, bailing out and more. 'DON'T land with your wheels up after an exciting and successful combat. Some have.' And opposite is a really fun cartoon with the enemy aircraft smashed and our RAF chap escaping his crash landing. The line art is simply wonderful with tips on Don't Forget These with images of goggles, angel wings and boots. The grimacing faces on the cartoons of the enemy pilots are testament to the Blitz spirit. 'NEVER break formation to do an individual attack. He who hunts on his own won't live long to enjoy it.' 'DON'T get excited and shout when reporting of enemy aircraft, a constant need for vigilance', and 'DON'T get shot down'. Good hunting! Various typefaces throughout the book together with facsimile documents and images with figures of the starboard side of the cockpit and all the indicators and lamps and gauges. Wonderful diagrams and illus., 274 page paperback.