us-aircraft.com Book Review

by

Deniz Karacay

Title: American Spitfire: Camouflage and Markings

Author: Paul Ludwig and Malcolm Laird

Publisher: Ventura Publications from New Zealand

Pages: 72pages

ISBN: 0-958-3594-3-1

Price: $12.96 at www.squadron.com

As the name of the book suggests, this book is part I of American Spitfires. The book starts with the range extension initiative for Spitfire MkIX in Wright Field. Then comes to operational units with 31^st Fighter Group being covered with no less than 50 pages. Followed by 496^th Fighter Training Group. The most interesting part is the use of Spitfires (not Seafires) by US Navy in VCS-7 as artillery spotters.

The book also contains over 20 color profile drawings of Spitfires and surprisingly a few Mustangs a P39 and a De510. There are three view drawings for three Spitfires in interesting camouflage and eight color photos.

The only criticism I have is the confusion in Spitfire canopies in drawings. One three view camouflage drawing had external armor plate in the right hand side view, internal armor on the other side!

Anyway, a well written book about the subject. Recommended