Alae Supra Canalem: Wings Over the Canal [Hardcover]

Dan Hagedorn (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Turner (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563111535
• ISBN-13: 978-1563111532
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,060,234 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easily the best book on this topic, and a good read, April 12, 1998

By 

Higgins (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alae Supra Canalem: Wings Over the Canal (Hardcover)

It seems odd that the major campaigns of World War II which were fought in the Americas should be neglected by historians, but this is certainly the case. Laudably, in recent years somewhat more attention has been paid to the war in Alaska and the Aleutians, but both the defense of the Panama Canal and the intense antisubmarine campaign in the Caribbean are still little-known. Mr. Hagedorn's book goes a long way toward filling this vacuum. Particularly striking is the case he makes for the "useless" Douglas B-18, "the bomber the Air Corps bought when it should have bought the B-17," to paraphrase popular sentiment. In fact the B-18 met the Air Corps specification for which it was designed, and gave yeoman service in a role for which it wasn't: antisubmarine warfare. Its crews dealt with such physical hazards as the fickle Caribbean and Central American weather (without weather radar) and a tropical climate (without air conditioning), and the keenly felt frustration of a low priority for personnel, equipment and supplies. Mr. Hagedorn's account of how they overcame these obstacles and prevailed makes for an absorbing read. I recommend this book highly.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Story of a neglected chapter of World War Two history told., November 26, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Alae Supra Canalem: Wings Over the Canal (Hardcover)

Historian Dan Hagedorn has spent a great deal of time combing through the multitude of files in various archives. That work shines in "Alae Supra Canalem". It is a well researched and organized book. After giving a detailed overview of the development of American air power in central america from the birth of aviation, Hagedorn recounts the near-panic rush to protect the strategic Panama Canal from attack and sabotage in the 1940's. He outlines the strength, weaponry and stations of every unit. Fears of an invasion fleet coming over the horizon at the war's beginning are related in directness that gives respect to the missions of those who were there. The crucial impact of this force's fight against German submarines in the Caribbean is recounted in detail that is totally missing in other histories. This book brings a unique angle to the Second World War. And it will be sure to bring back many memories for the men and women who served their country in that theatre of war. It certainly did for my grandfather; he was delighted that his contribution to the war effort had finally been chronicled. Numerous photos of airmen, their planes and where they lived and worked were gleaned from both government files and veterans, which gives an inside look at the subject.

3.0 out of 5 stars Great information, poorly written., February 6, 2012

By 

AirForceHistorian - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alae Supra Canalem: Wings Over the Canal (Hardcover)

Military historians are notorious for being poor writers; they seem to have a quota on the amount of howevers, moreovers and indeeds they must put into a book. This reference sets the bar, I scanned the book to my computer and did a count of the historians use of the words however, moreover and indeed; 322 howevers, 297 moreovers, and 244 indeeds.

The writer had one more extremely annoying habit, for some reason he loves to use the phrase "none other than." For example the pilot was none other than the squadron commander; or the passenger was none other than the president.

The book is very difficult to read because of the writers frequent use of writer's crutches. If the reader can ignore that, this book is still quite interesting.