Military Model Scene

Title: F-6F Hellcat, Philippines 1944
Author: Edward M. Young
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-4728-5058-0

Number 5 in the Dogfight series from Osprey, focussing on the famous US Navy fighter of the second half of WW2, the F-6F Hellcat. An 80-page soft-cover book, with artwork by 3 illustrators.
Rather than the design and development story, this is very much the story of the Hellcat in service. Opening with an account of the Hellcat in action with Task Force 38 in the Central Philippines in September 1944, including the first experience of being in action by pilot Larry Self, who was soon to become an ace. In the next chapter it sets out the strategic situation as the US Navy sought to use air power to pierce the outer defences of the Japanese military and open up a route to the Japanese home islands. The primary role of the fighter was to protect US Navy vessels from the danger of enemy air attack. An important factor in the success of the Hellcat was the flight training given to US pilots before they were thrown into action, knowing the combat tactics to use against the Japanese fighters. The largest section covers the Hellcat 'In Combat', with plenty of personal accounts along with after-action reports covering a mix of combats, when a number meant some US pilots achieving 'ace' status (shooting down 5 Japanese aircraft) within one day.
Throughout the book there are plenty of archive photos, including some with both the Essex-class fleet carriers as well as the smaller Independence-class escort carriers. Add some super artwork, maps and ribbon diagrams detailing specific combat scenarios. It makes for interesting reading, and the success of the Hellcat through to the end of the war.
Thanks to Osprey for the review copy.

Robin