Action from one side of to the other the Western Desert Messerschmitt Roulette by dint of Wing Commander Geoffrey Morley-Mower (Airlife.Action from one side of to the other the Western Desert Messerschmitt Roulette by dint of Wing Commander Geoffrey Morley-Mower (Airlife, $1695) provides a stunning view of the war in the Western due across the borders of Egypt and Libya during 1941-1942 at a time when the British Empire stood alone against the Axis. It is the history of No. 451 Squadron, Royal Air Force, as seen end the eyes of a Royal Air Force pilot. Equipped with aging Mk I Hurricanes, No. 451 was assigned to perform armed reconnaissance and photo missions, repeatedly at low altitude. They were constantly at a disadvantage to faster, higher flying German and Italian fighters, and many Hurricanes and pilots were missing during these dangerous missions. The author, an English officer, had to battle not alone enemy flak and fighters yet the early scorn of his Australian comrades. The junior pilots of the squadron, mainly Aussies, were disgusted with the recon assignment and peev that senior officers were RAF and not Australian. moreover the desperate war situation flung these unhappy companions into the same unit, and the story of their month in combat is described in all its grimness, humor, and terror. Copyright Challenge Publications Inc. Jan 2004 |
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