SQUADRONS! No.80: The North American Mustang III in Western Europe

The North American Mustang is certainly one of the legendary fighters of the Second World War. The aircraft can be split into two ‘families’, the Allison-powered and Merlin-powered. The RAF Marks I and II belong to the first category, while all subsequent marks belong to the second. The change of engine made the aircraft perform far better at higher altitudes. The Merlin 61 (with the two-stage supercharger) provided significantly improved results above 15,000 feet and was without compare above 20,000 feet. All this without sacrificing range. This was a key point as, in 1942, the RAF was looking for a long-range escort fighter, a role the Spitfire, whatever the mark, could not fulfill with complete satisfaction from the British Isles. The British conducted an experimental programme with the new engine on various test-beds (known within the RAF as the Mustang X) while the Americans were doing the same thing on their side. The Americans first discovered the best way to pair the Merlin and the airframe and, after the first flight of the XP-51B on 30 November 1942, the future of the P-51B was guaranteed. The British ordered hundred of Mustang IIIs (denomination given to both P-51B and P-51C) and they served in Western Europe and in Italy. In western Europe, thirteen fighter squadrons became operational on Mustang III during the war, of which four were Polish units. This book develops the operational usage of the British units up to September 1945. Eighteen short bios of leaders or aces with colour profiles illustrate this study.

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PDF version is also available as 978-2-494471-47-4

March 2026: The North American Mustang Mk IV (Pt-1) – 30 photos

Each photograph is offered at a 300dpi res/13x8cm size making them available for a very good quality digital print, but also for Iphone/IPad, smartphone or computer screen (but should convert the image into a jpeg format for doing so)

Mustang Mk IV – 01: Mustang IV 44-13332, later re-serialled TK589

Mustang Mk IV – 02: Mustang IV 44-13332, later re-serialled TK589

Mustang Mk IV – 03: Mustang IV KH802, without markings.

Mustang Mk IV – 04: Mustang IV KH828, without markings.

Mustang Mk IV – 05: Mustang IV KH802, without markings.

Mustang Mk IV – 06: Mustang IV KM219, without markings.

Mustang Mk IV – 07: Mustang IV KM735, with SEAC roundels but without markings.

Mustang Mk IV – 08: Mustang IV KM545, with SEAC roundels but without markings.

Mustang Mk IV – 09: Mustang IV TK589

Mustang Mk IV – 21: Mustang IV KM148/YT-Q, No. 65 Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 22: Mustang IV KH818/QV-F, No. 19 Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 23: Mustang IV KH855/RF-A, No. 303 (Polish) Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 24: Mustang IV KM220/RF-B, No. 303 (Polish) Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 25: Mustang IV KM102/RF-G, No. 303 (Polish) Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 26: Mustang IV KH668/Y2-T, No. 442 (RCAF) Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 27: Mustang IV KH680/Y2-B, No. 442 (RCAF) Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 28: Mustang IV KH661/Y2-C, No. 442 (RCAF) Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 29: Mustang IV KM112/PD-D, No. 303 (Polish) Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 30: Mustang IV KM118/QV-X, No. 19 Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 31: Mustang IV KH655/QV-P, No. 19 Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 32: Mustang IV KM272/QV-V, No. 19 Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 33: Mustang IV KH727/DV-J, No. 93 Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 34: Mustang IV DV-M, No. 93 Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 35: Mustang IV KH832/GA-J, No. 112 Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 36: Mustang IV KM182/DRS, No. 239 Wing

Mustang Mk IV – 37: Mustang IV KM248/AK-V, No. 213 Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 38: Mustang IV KH774/GA-S, No. 112 Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 39: Mustang IV KM264/JAS, No. 239 Wing

Mustang Mk IV – 40: Mustang IV KH797/AK-A, No. 213 Squadron

Mustang Mk IV – 41: Mustang IV KH761/AK-E, No. 213 Squadron

SQUADRONS! No.79: The Hawker Hurricane Mk I & Mk II – The Czechoslovaks

Czechoslovakia disappeared as a country in March 1939. Many pilots of the Czech Air Force decided to escape and initially joined France. Many of them fought for the French in May and June 1940 and when France collapsed, they found their way to England. They were re-trained and two fighter units were formed, Nos 310 and 312 Squadrons, respectively in July and August, seeing action during the last weeks of the Battle of Britain on Hurricanes. Both units flew on Hurricane until the end of 1941, when they relinquished the Hurricane for Spitfires.

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PDF version is also available as 978-2-494471-45-0

SQUADRONS! No.78: The de Havilland Mosquito Mk I & Mk II

Originally conceived as an unarmed fast bomber, the Mosquito’s use evolved during the war into many roles, including low to medium-altitude daytime tactical bomber, high-altitude night bomber, pathfinder, day or night fighter, fighter-bomber, intruder, maritime strike, and photo-reconnaissance aircraft. It was also used by the British Overseas Airways Corporation as a fast transport to carry small, high-value cargo to and from neutral countries through enemy controlled airspace. The crew of two, pilot and navigator, sat side by side. A single passenger could ride in the aircraft’s converted bomb bay when necessary. Very versatile, it became one of the major aircraft types of the RAF during WW2. This book develops the operational history of Mosquito Mk I, used a photo-reconnaissance aircraft and the Mk II, originally built as a night fighter.

ISBN: 978-2494471-42-9

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PDF version is available as 978-2494471-43-6

(see below)

January 2026: Phantom FGR.2 (54 Sqn) – 24 photos

Phantom FGR.2 – 400: Phantom FGR.2 XT902/N, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 401: Phantom FGR.2 XV403/A, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 402: Phantom FGR.2 XV404/404, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 403: Phantom FGR.2 XV406/D, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 404: Phantom FGR.2 XV403/A, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 405: Phantom FGR.2 XV412/A, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 406: Phantom FGR.2 XV412/412, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 407: Phantom FGR.2 XV414/B, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 408: Phantom FGR.2 XV414/B, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 409: Phantom FGR.2 XV416/416, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 410: Phantom FGR.2 XV418/418, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 411: Phantom FGR.2 XV419/419, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 412: Phantom FGR.2 XV420/420, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 413: Phantom FGR.2 XV432/L, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 414: Phantom FGR.2 XV434/G, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 415: Phantom FGR.2 XV437/F, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 416: Phantom FGR.2 XV465/465, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 417: Phantom FGR.2 XV477/477, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 418: Phantom FGR.2 XV478/O, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 419: Phantom FGR.2 XV479/J, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 420: Phantom FGR.2 XV482/482, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 421: Phantom FGR.2 XV500/500, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 422: Phantom FGR.2 XV500/M, No 54 Squadron

Phantom FGR.2 – 423: Phantom FGR.2 XV482/K, No 54 Squadron

SQUADRONS! No.77: The Spitfire Mk V – The Southwest Pacific

A detailed study of the operations of the Spitfire Mk. V in the Southwest Pacific. Introduced in the Southwest Pacific at the end of 1942, the Spitfire played a major role in the following months with Nos 54, 452 and 457 Squadrons part of No 1 Wing RAAF, also known as Churchill Wing, formed to defend Darwin in Northern Australia. Later on, the Spitfire was deployed with No 79 Squadron RAAF in New Guinea to fight against the Japanese. The operational usage came to an end by the end of 1944, being replaced by the Spitfire Mk VIII, even if a single fighter squadron, No 85 RAAF, based in Australia, flew the Mk V until the end of war. Over 60 photographs illustrate the book as well 13 colour profiles.

ISBN: 978-2494471-40-5

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PDF version is available as 978-2494471-41-2

(see below)

November 2025: The North American Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 18 photos

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 01: Mustang AG623/XV-W and AG635/XV-F, No 2 Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 02: Mustang AG550/XV-U and AM112/XV-X, No 2 Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 03: see above, photo 02

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 14: Mustang AL995/XV-S, No 2 Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 05: Mustang AP247/A, No 4 Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 06: Mustang AG431/D, No 16 Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 07: Mustang AL966/H, No 26 Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 08: Mustang AM148/RM-G, No 26 Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 09: unidentified Mustang Mk I of No 26 Squadron with the codes XC used at the end of the war.

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 10: Mustang AM186/K, No 414 (RCAF) Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 11: Mustang AM251/O, No 414 (RCAF) Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 12: Mustang Mk IA FD474/K, No 268 Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 13: Mustang AG487/W, No 4 Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 14: Mustang AM177/V, No 241 Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 15: Mustang AL995/XV-S, No 2 Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 16: The key equipment of the Mustang I and II was the F24 oblique reconnaissance camara fitted behind the pilot.

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 17: Mustang AL973/R, No 168 Squadron

Mustang Mk I & Mk II – 18: Mustang Mk IA with four 20mm cannons

x ACES & LEADERS – The North American Mustang over Italy and the Balkans

Aces & Leaders – The North American Mustang over Italy & the Balkans explores the stories of the men who flew the legendary North American Mustang and the machines they piloted over the rugged skies of Italy and the Balkans during the Second World War. With a focus on RAF and Commonwealth operations, this richly illustrated volume follows the evolution and deployment of the Mustang Mk. III and Mk. IV in the Mediterranean theatre.

46 pages, 24 profiles, book printed with high quality paper

(book available on this site only)

A SQUADRONS! spin-off series, mainly focusing with modellers’ needs

ISBN 978-2494471-38-2

sample pages (profile and photo)

PDF available below the order form with ISBN 978-2494471399.

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SQUADRONS! No.76: The Consolidated Liberator Mk I & Mk II

The full history of the first two marks of the iconic Liberator with the RAF. It was used as transport, bomber and general reconnaissance aircraft, and flew over Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. This book covers the operational usage of Nos 108, 120, 148, 159, 160 and 178 Squadrons. Illustrated with 40 photographs or so and four colour profiles .

ISBN: 978-2494471-36-8

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PDF version is available as 978-2494471-37-6

(see below)