World War II Database

I had always been a fan of the Spitfire fighters. Fast, sleek, and most dangerous in the hands of capable pilots. Equipped with Rolls-Royce Griffon engines, they were more powerful than ever, especially for low-level combat. These specially-equipped Spitfire fighters, along with their pilots, were the topic of Griffon Spitfire Aces, the 81st book in the "Osprey Aircraft of the Aces" series.

The author Andrew Thomas did a great job narrating the stories of Griffon Spitfire pilots. When he spoke of Flight Officer Ken Collier's encounter with a German V1 missile, it felt as if though I was his wingman, watching him tip the missile and then watch the disturbed missile spin and crash. When Flight Lieutenant Tony Gaze and Flight Lieutenant Derek Rake together brought down a German Ar 234 jet aircraft, I held on to every word as the dogfight unfolded. Thomas' success with storytelling rooted in his effective combination of his own narration and using material he collected from interviews with veterans. The stories were backed up with well-researched technical material as well, providing information on the Griffon Spitfire fighters which allowed the pilots to engage in the actions told in the book. Like most Osprey books, there were many rare photographs and detailed illustrations that would satisfy even the most demanding Spitfire modelers.

Griffon Spitfire Aces is a great book for the fans of WW2-era aircraft and aerial combat.