Barrett Tillman

Osprey Publishing, 96 pages  ISBN 1 84176 0250

Approximately $16.00-$18.00 (U.S.)

Reviewed by Mike Gawell

I love the Osprey Aviation and Aircraft of the Aces Series. Heck anyone ever wants to give a guy like me a simple relatively inexpensive gift…these are the ticket.  (NO HINTS HERE!!!)

Mr. Barrett Tillman is one of the most knowledgeable sources of US Naval Aviation on the planet. He brings to the Osprey book series an easy to understand yet very readable style to his writing that is fitting for anyone that is interested in the subject matter. With over 25 books to his credit, and this particular volume being a welcome 6^th book for Osprey there is no doubting his credentials.

This particular volume of the Aviation Series is one I had drooled over for months before it was actually released, and as soon as I saw a copy, I did not hesitate to purchase. I was not disappointed. The TBD-1 is one of my particular favorite aircraft, and is a monument to the heroism shown by its crews at the Battle of Midway. Mr. Tillman brings to life the exciting but all to brief career of the Navy's first monoplane. He covers in very good detail the development, and introduction to the fleet of this aircraft. Inside the covers are some particular gems for those who are avid about their history. He includes original assignments of the aircraft, pre-war and operational loss records, orders of battle, and a box score card for the aircraft's brief battle career. Through the history of the aircraft, and its units, a rather under-covered portion of the Pacific war is treated to good examination. Squadrons, and markings, cockpit photos, and the aircraft's operational record is assessed along with full coverage of a TBD that has been found, and the resulting legal battles to resurface this legendary aircraft. (Reviewer's aside…WRITE THE NAVAL DEPARTMENT, AND TELL THEM TO BRING BuNo. 0353 HOME!!!) It would be a great national treasure, and tribute to the brave crews of these aircraft.

As with any Osprey Series book, there are 22 color plates, to include some 2 and 3 views, as well as some very special color photography of Torpedo 8 from the USS Hornet via Mark Horan that shows Torpedo 8 as they flew off the USS Hornet, and into history on June 4, 1942. It is both educational as to color, and very touching when one recalls that only Ens. George Gay survived the mission at the Battle of Midway.

If you have not purchased this book, I would recommend you do so immediately. Also let it be known that Mr. Tillman has on occasion put in an appearance right here at US-Aircraft.com. It is a wonderful opportunity to discuss his work and knowledge directly with the author, and most gentlemanly of scholars.

Copy courtesy of my working my checking account, bought at Colpar Hobbies,  Lakewood, Colorado