Malta: The Spitfire Year 1942
by Christopher Shores and Brian Cull with Nicola Malizia
Grub Street, London 1991, Pd 32.50

(This work is distributed by Fortress Publications, Stony Creek, Ontario in Canada-[ am not sure if they are also the distributors in the United States.)

Anyone interested in the truth about air combat in World War Two should consult the works of Chris Shores. Most books on this topic are either purple prose about a single aircraft-the works of Martin Caidin spring to mind, or are written from the viewpoint of a single nationality, quoting claims without verification.

Shores is different. His works invariably involve collaborators from countries other than Britain, and cite reports and evaluations from BOTH sides. He is also careful to avoid the glib evaluations of aircraft so common with other writers, simply noting the facts and results of air combat and leaving the conclusions to the reader. Any Europa gamer will be quick to note, for example, the incredible fragility of air forces, in particular the enormous attrition rate and the extreme effectiveness of attacks on airfields.

I also became convinced that variations in the quality of planes (the minor details we so love to note in Europa counters) are less important than aircrews and tactical finesse. In particular, fighters ordered to attack bombers and ignore their escorts took prohibitive losses. The experience of the R.A.F. at Malta foreshadows that of the Luftwaffe in 1944, of which Galland said that there "was no safer task than being an American fighter pilot over Germany". On the other hand, attacks on escorts, whether close or distant, proved far more cost efficient. Maybe a benefit is needed for this situation in Europa!

Shores provides voluminous and accurate OB's. I am finding this book invaluable in researching "Operation Pedestal", the largest naval/air engagement of World War Two (Yes, larger than anything in the Pacific!), which should form a useful scenario when the Europa naval rules are finalized.

This is a work well worth perusing, and, if you get the chance, check out his earlier products. These include Malta: The Hurricane Years, Greece and Yugoslavia 1940-41, and two earlier texts Fighters Over the Desert, and Fighters over Tunisia which may by now be out of print. Coming soon from this same author are Bloody Shambles, the SE Asia air war of 1941-42, and Fledgling Eagles, the war in the West from 1939 to the start of the French campaign.