Air War Over Spain : Aircraft and Units of the Nationalist and Republican Air Forces 1936-1939

The air campaigns fought during the Spanish Civil War prompted important technical and tactical developments for all parties - from the actual deployment of air power through to communications. The small and largely obsolescent Spanish Air Force of 1936 grew into an effective fighting arm which by 1937 had become a significant force, thanks, in part, to German and Italian support. The Nationalists fielded Heinkel, Fiat and Messerschmitt fighters and Heinkel, Caproni, Savoia-Marchetti, Junkers and Dornier bombers. These forces entered into a grinding battle of attrition over the less-organised but fiercely motivated Republican air arm over Aragon, the Jarama, and Madrid Fronts and later over Brunete, Belchite, and the final campaign over the Ebro late in 1938. The Republicans were equipped with Soviet-built Polikarpov, Nieuport, Hawker and Dewoitine fighters and Potez and Tupolev bombers. These aircraft were often colourful and adorned with vivid markings, and these are beautifully illustrated in this book. Overall, twenty Nationalist pilots gained five or more victories, with the German and Italian contingents also scoring high kill numbers. The highest scorer was Joaquin Garcia Morato with 40 victories, while the future German ace, Werner Molders left Spain with 14. On the Republican side, Captains Jose Bravo Fernandez and Miguel Zambudio Martinez - to name but two - are reported to have scored into double figures. This brilliant new volume provides a complete analysis of every aspect of the air campaigns fought during the Spanish Civil War. Packed with little-known facts, rare photographs and a variety of colour artworks, this book belongs on the shelf of every serious aviation enthusiast!