The rapid evolution of radio and radar systems for military use during World War II, and devices to counter them, led to a technological battle that neither the Axis nor the Allied powers could afford to lose. The result was a continual series of thrusts, parries and counter-thrusts, as first one side then the other sought to wrest the initiative in the struggle to control the other. This was a battle fought with strange-sounding weapons: 'Freya', 'Mandrel', 'Boozer' and 'Window'. It was a battle characterised by the bravery, self-sacrifice and skill of those who took part in it. During the war, however, and for many years after, electronic-warfare systems and their employment during the conflict remained closely guarded military secrets. When that veil of secrecy was finally lifted, the technicalities of the subject helped ensure that it remained beyond the reach of lay researchers and readers. Alfred Price, an aircrew officer with the RAF where he flew with V-Force and specialized in electronic warfare and air fighting tactics, was both inspired by the subject and in the unique position to lift the lid on this largely unexplored aspect of World War II. When it was first published in 1967, Instruments of Darkness came to be regarded as a standard reference work on this intriguing subject. Since its initial appearance, it has been expanded as important additional material has become available. This completely revised edition ends with the Japanese surrender in August 1945 and brings the analysis fully up to date in the light of what we now know.
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About the Author
Dr Alfred Price served as an aircrew officer in the RAF until 1974. Since then he has been a full-time aviation historian and writer, and is acknowledged as a leading authority on the Spitfire. He is co-author of the Haynes Spitfire Manual.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Classic Book on WWII Electronic Warfare,
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This review is from: Instruments of Darkness: The History of Electronic Warfare, 1939-1945 (Hardcover)
Alfred Price, a career EW himself, wrote the original version of this work in 1967 when much of what he covers was still shrouded in official secrecy and myth. This book, revised twice since then, has stood the test of time and remains one of the great efforts on the subject of Electronic Warfare in the Second World War.
The majority of the coverage is on the electronic war between England and Nazi Germany as they developed competing systems to aid their respective bombing campaigns and the countermeasures that arose in the form of improved aerial radars and passive reception devices. It's strengths include interviews with many of the participants in this obscure form of combat and the amount of information provided on the incredible array of devices and gadgets developed for electronic combat between 1939 and 1945.Although he does have several chapters covering US work and the Pacific War, these areas are better covered in the series he later wrote on US EW History for the Association of Old Crows. Over 60 years later the basics of EW really haven't changed, which makes this book still important reading for anyone interested in the dark arts of electronic warfare.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Summarizes the Topic Quite Well,
By 10th Legion "10th Legion" (Central Texas, United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Instruments of Darkness: The History of Electronic Warfare, 1939-1945 (Hardcover)
Alfred Price offers another well researched,easy to follow, history of airborne electronic warfare, during World War II in the European theater. The strength of the book is that he threads the many personalities and issues associated with conducting electronic warfare into a engaging narrative. The focus is on the Royal Air Force's Bomber Commands efforts agains the Luftwaffe's air defense of the Third Reich. The US Army Air Force's daylight bombing campaign has some brief mentions, but not in any significant depth. I can easily recommend this book for anyone interested in the topic for they will enjoy a well written and presented study of the topic.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Instruments Of Darkness,
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This review is from: Instruments of Darkness: The History of Electronic Warfare, 1939-1945 (Hardcover)
This is a truly great book about electronic warfare. Details many jammers/radars/Nav-aids/ESMs etc used during WWII, primarily those used by the UK and Germany. The stories are informative, with just the right amount of detail and are occasionally humorous. The Pacific theatre is also covered, though in less detail (as there was less going on there EW wise).
This book has maintained its relevance, as the EW practices employed back then are still practiced today. The constant battle between ES/EA/EP is prevalent in this book; and it remains so today. I also recommend purchasing Most Secret War by R V Jones.
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