Spitfire VC vs A6M2/3 Zero-sen: Darwin 1943 (Duel)

In early 1943, Britain deployed a wing of fighters to Australia to help defend the critical northern port of Darwin from ongoing Japanese attacks. The deployment would match the famous Spitfire VC against the vaunted Japanese A6M2/3 Zero-sen. The results of that match have been controversial ever since.Author Peter Ingman methodically walks the reader up through the comparison of the two aircraft types, the deployment to Australia, and the actual air combat, in which the Spitfires seemed to come off second best. The author's meticulous analysis provides a more nuanced answer, which will be of interest to students of the Pacific War. The text is nicely accompanied by period photographs, maps, and modern illustrations. Well recommended.

This book is very very good. An earlier Osprey book (Spitfire Mark V aces of WW2), affirms what is written here. The Spitfire V was not well matched against the Zero. American ace Joe Foss (26 Kills) had warned the Commonwealth/English pilots about their arrogance and contempt toward the Japanese prior to them seeing combat against them. Lo and behold the Commonwealth/English pilots did not listen and suffered accordingly. Just as the Hurricane and Fairey Fulmar fell short against the Zero, so did the Spitfire. Had the Commonwealth/English pilots listened to Foss and others, things may have turned out differently for them.

I've read about the first Japanese attack on Darwin, a regular Pearl Harbor, but I didn't realize that air combat continued over Australia's skies well afterwards. Nor did I know that the RAAF was equipped with airmen from the Battle of Britain and Spitfire VCs, which should have been more than a match for the Zero, as good as it was.But for a variety of reasons superior aircraft did not automatically translate into air superiority. Despite the Zeros operating near the end of their operational range and often picked up on approach by radar, tactical handling and equipment issues did not blunt the Japanese efforts for many months. This book lays out what the issues were in unsparing detail.A fascinating study, this Osprey book's text is backed by photos, diagrams, maps, and original photographs. If you're interested in Spitfire combat then this is probably the book for you! But even a slight interest in aviation history can be satisfied with this book.

Fascinating account of a little known piece of the Pacific war around Darwin during 1943. Churchill sends the mighty Spitfire to Australia, everyone expecting the Japanese to be humbled. Facing some of the greatest Imperial Japanese Navy aces, it does not go well for the Allies.

Great, obscure content. Prior to reading this book I had no idea that the Spitfire and Zero met in combat, since anglo forces in the pacific were generally issued second-rate equipment until late in the war. The results of this combat may also surprise you.

Good book.

Interesting book worth the e-book price. Filled in a little known part of the war

In depth analysis of the subject by Peter Ingman, gives more details than the Osprey Aircraft of the Aces volume on Spitfire Aces in the Pacific, great artwork and some never before seen pictures. Definitely a must have volume for a vastly forgotten or ignored theater of combat and aircraft. Follows the usual "Duel Series" formats and has a spectacular color painting of Clive Caldwell's Spitfire Vc battling a Zero over Darwin. Highly recommended.

I have a number these books always a good read.

very good

This work takes a lesser know aspect of the Pacific War and does the usual good work this series is known for.The text is easily read even for someone with comparatively little knowledge of either aircraft, the men or the specific area of conflict.Like most of these works, this is great bang-for-the-buck and a worthy addition to any bookshelf.

Love the consistent format of the Duel series books and this topic is not covered well so really enjoyed it.

Finalmente qualcosa di diverso dalla solita "messa cantata" che magnifica le imprese degli alleati anche quando vengono sconfitti come in questo caso.