First in the Field; The 1st Air Division over Europe in World War II

The format is approximately 8.875 inches by 11.25 inches. 240 pages. Illustrated endpapers. Illustrations (some in color). Abbreviations. Index. The dust jacket has slight wear and soiling. Publishers advertising bookmark laid in. This is largely in a two-column format. This is a heavy and oversized book and if sent outside of the United States would require additional shipping charges. Ron Mackay’s involvement with military aviation began during WWII. The local Coastal Command airfield at his birthplace of Wick in Scotland provided a wealth of RAF and USAAF designs with which to stimulate his interest that was subsequently sustained by National Service in the RAF. A working knowledge of German has expanded his field of study into the Luftwaffe. To date, he has published over 25 books covering the aforementioned Allied and Axis Air Forces that include several co-authored with other historians. This is a relevant title to describe the pioneer force destined to operate a hitherto un-tested concept in modern aerial warfare: the 1st Bomb Division. The initial period of shallow-penetration missions with a severely under-strength force of B-17s, crews and support equipment was followed by growing and finally unsupportable losses. Nevertheless from early 1944 onward it was becoming clear that what was by then the 1st Bomb Division, had held its ground, often against painful tactical and strategic odds, and in doing so had laid the foundations for the final victory of America's bombing campaign against Hitler's regime. Constituted as 1st Bombardment Division on 30 Aug 1943. Activated in England on 13 Sep 1943. Assigned to Eighth AF. Redesignated 1st Air Division in Dec 1944. Served in combat in the European theater from Sep 1943 until Apr 1945, receiving a DUC for an attack on aircraft factories in central Germany on 11 Jan 1944. Inactivated in England on 31 Oct 1945. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 11 Jan 1944.…