Forsyth, Robert/Laurier, Jim (Illustr.) Ju 88 Aces of World War 2

Initially designed as a fast medium bomber, the Junkers Ju 88 was also used as a Zerstörer heavy fighter by the Luftwaffe. It saw its combat debut over Poland in 1939, and heavy fighter variants saw action on every front up to VE Day. The ultimate Ju 88 fighter variant was the G-model of 1944, which boasted a FuG 220 or 227 radar, an astounding array of cannon and machine gun armament, and advanced Junkers Jumo or BMW engines. A dedicated nightfighter, the first Ju 88G-1s entered service with the Nachtjagd in the summer of 1944, replacing Ju 88C/Rs as well as some Bf 110Gs. Despite suffering heavy losses in the final months of the war, Ju 88Gs also inflicted serious casualties on Bomber Command right up to VE Day. Illustrated with original artwork, Ju 88 Aces of World War 2 tells the story of the aces who menaced Allied aircraft and shipping throughout the war, whether patrolling over the Bay of Biscay, to the Arctic circle opposing Allied convoys and, most successfully, as radar-equipped nightfighters engaging RAF heavy bombers during defense of the Reich operations from late 1941.

A special night fighter variant, the Ju 88G-1, entered service in the summer of 1944, replacing the Ju 88C and Rs as well as some Bf 110Gs. Although they suffered heavy losses in the final months of the war, Ju 88Gs continued to inflict heavy losses on British Bomber Command until the end of the war. Illustrated with contemporary photographs and colour illustrations, "Ju 88 Aces of World War 2" tells the story of the aces that threatened Allied aircraft and ships throughout the war, whether patrolling over the Bay of Biscay or fighting British bombers in the night skies over the German Empire.