RFC pilots out-performed and out-gunned over the Western Front, 1917 With colour artwork by John Batchelor

In early 1917 the war in the air intensified on the Western Front in France. Richtofen's deadly Jagdstaffel 11 was flying vastly superior Albatros and Halberstadt planes, with synchronized machine guns. Into the fray came 40 Squadron RFC with its problematic FE8s. No contest you would think, but the bravery and courage of men like Lionel Blaxland, Mick Mannock and their fellow pilots ensured the Germans did not have it all their own way.

Author Peter McManus has been extremely fortunate to have possession of Lionel Blaxland's five photo albums and logbook. Having also interviewed him and researched documentary evidence of those hectic days, the result, together with incomparable colour artwork of world-renowned John Batchelor, is an absolutely unique piece of work. A must have for all students and historians of WWI, and collectors of memorabilia.

Reviews

'But this is not a work specifically about aerial encounters as much as the flesh and blood aspect of war. The camaraderie of squadron mates, separation from family and loved ones are compassionately chronicled through words and photographs. Previously unseen photographs are a nice treat. Overall, this is a nice work that provides a human element to the air war that other books have neglected to provide.' Over the Front