Customer Reviews

Alae Supra Canalem: Wings Over the Canal

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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.

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.

An excellent summary of a subject that has had virtually no public coverage. Book is mostly hard data, serial numbers, and subject-specific facts, with no padding and no waffle. Outstanding! (Review by an old coot with 55 years warbird involvement).

I purchased this book with great expectations. It is richly illustrated with rare photographs of obsolete aircraft soldiering on in an important area of operations. The writing and research was excellent, which I have come to expect from Mr. Hagedorn. However, one of these rare photographs depicted a nude strip-club dancer. Others depicted aircraft with explicit 'nose art'. When I read a military history book, it is my expectation that I (or my son) will not be subjected to objectionable photos. I returned the book for a refund. Sorry Dan.