The Subject

Another excellent publication from this prolific publisher. This book covers the development and manufacturer of 2 of the most important allied forces Navy dive/ torpedo bombers from World War 2, the Douglas TBD Devastator and SBD Dauntless families. Being in Polish text makes things difficult for any reader unless you happen to be able to read that language, but the way the book is laid out, makes it possible to follow the prototype, development, manufacture and into service of the 2 types of aircraft. The squadrons that flew the types, as well as the different sub-types, and the major battles that each aircraft flew in, including Midway, the Palau Islands, Saipan and Guadalcanal are covered. An interesting part of this story was the part the aircraft played in "Operation Torch" flying from USS Ranger and USS Sangamon in the Atlantic Ocean in 1943. Being a major aircraft type embarked aboard USS Yorktown, the squadrons from that ship are covered in depth. Many excellent photos are included of the aircraft flying from this famous aircraft carrier. Photos of the types use by the US Marines are included as well as the use of the SBD types by the New Zealand and French Air Force. An interesting side to the story was the use by the Mexican Air Force of the type, called the A-24 'Banshee'.