In June 1940, the German Army had brought the rest of Europe to its knees. 'Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world will move forward into broad, sunlit uplands,' said Churchill. The future of Europe depended on Britain.
A self-confident Herman Göring thought that it would be only a matter of weeks before his planes had forced Britain to surrender. The courage, resourcefulness and brilliant organisation of the RAF were to prove him wrong. By late September 1940, the RAF had proved invincible, thanks to the Vickers Supermarine Spitfire. It exceeded anything that any other air force possessed. RJ Mitchell, a shy and almost painfully modest engineer, was the genius behind the Spitfire. On the 5th March 1936, following its successful maiden flight, a legend was born.
Prize-winning historian Leo McKinstry's vivid history of the Spitfire brings together a rich cast of characters and first hand testimonies. It is a tale full of drama and heroism, of glory and tragedy, with the main protagonist the remarkable plane that played a crucial role in saving Britain.
| ISBN: | 9780719568756 |
| Publication date: | 29th May 2008 |
| Author: | Leo McKinstry |
| Publisher: | John Murray an imprint of John Murray Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 435 pages |
| Genres: |
Warfare and defence Second World War Modern warfare European history |
In June 1940, the German Army had brought the rest of Europe to its knees. 'Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war.
Spitfire features in the following genres: Warfare and defence, Second World War, Modern warfare, European history
Paperback. £12.59, down from the £13.99 cover price. In Stock.
Spitfire was written by Leo McKinstry and published by John Murray an imprint of John Murray Press
Spitfire has 435 pages
£12.59, reduced from £13.99. In Stock.