B-26 Marauder Units of the Eighth and Ninth Air Forces (Osprey Combat Aircraft 2) [Paperback]

Jerry Scutts (Author), Tom Tullis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Combat Aircraft | Publication Date: May 15, 1997

The medium bomber 'workhorse' of the Ninth Air Force, Martin's much-maligned B-26 Marauder recovered from its poor start with the Eighth Air Force to go on and equip no less than eight bomber groups in the ETO. Although initially dubbed 'the widow maker', a change of tactics from low- to medium-level bombing for the Marauder soon improved the crews' chances of survival – indeed, by war's end it boasted a lower loss-per-sortie ratio than any other twin-engined bomber in the USAAF. This volume covers all aspects of Marauder operations in Western Europe during World War II (1939-1945), featuring first hand accounts from surviving B-26 crews, plus an analysis of the tactics employed.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Osprey's Combat series combines the best archival photography available with specially commissioned artworks and first hand accounts, making these books favourites amongst historians, modellers and aviation enthusiasts everywhere.

About the Author

Jerry Scutts has worked in the field of aviation publishing since the late 1960s, writing over 40 books that have covered a broad spectrum of subject matter ranging from US Navy floatplane fighters in World War 2 to the exploits of the USAF_s Phantom IIs over Vietnam. His specialist areas are the Luftwaffe and the US Army Air Forces in World War 2, and he originally appeared on the Osprey list as long ago as 1977, when he wrote the second volume in the now much sought after Air Cam Air War series –- many of the jacket illustrations in this series were also painted by him. Jerry has been a regular contributor to Osprey's Aircraft of the Aces series since its inception in 1994.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (May 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 185532637X
• ISBN-13: 978-1855326378
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.3 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,645,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bargain! THE best all around B-26 Marauder text available, July 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: B-26 Marauder Units of the Eighth and Ninth Air Forces (Osprey Combat Aircraft 2) (Paperback)

All Maraudermen should own a copy of this book- for their own enjoyment and to pass along so the next generation will have an idea of what they did in World War Two. This very thoroughly researched book has a little bit of something for everyone interested in the Martin B-26 Marauder. Details of the machines and markings plus narratives from the men who flew them in combat. Insightful and accurate treatment of the myths surrounding the airplane, its setbacks and final vindication as an excellent weapon. Many black and white photographs, most not seen before. Three view line drawings, color profiles of aircraft markings, flight gear portraits of the crews, and excellent text. It confines itself to the European Theater, as the title suggests. There are other excellent B-26 books in print, but you won't find a richer Marauder resource at a better price anywhere.

5.0 out of 5 stars My Father a WW2 Airforce Vet Loves this Book, August 8, 2011

By 

Leslie Davis "An avid seaglass hunter" (California) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: B-26 Marauder Units of the Eighth and Ninth Air Forces (Osprey Combat Aircraft 2) (Paperback)

I purchased this book for my father a world war two veteran who served in the Army Airforce in Europe during the height of the war. He read the book cover to cover in short order and told me it was one of the most accurate aacounts of the B-26 Marauder Units in which he served that he has ever read. Highly recommended for clear, concise accurate account of this unit and its place in history.