Military Model Scene

Title: Ju 87 vs Royal Navy Carriers (Mediterranean)
Author: Robert Forsyth
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-4728-4083-7

This is number 111 in Osprey's Duel series, and it takes on one of the challenges that makes for an interesting story within the wider subject of WW2. An 80-page soft-cover book in the usual style, including plenty of archive images along with the first class artwork that we expect in these popular Osprey books.
After an Introduction and a Chronology of significant events between 1917 and 1942. Next comes the Design & Development stories, of both the Junkers Ju87 Stuka and the British Illustrious-class carriers. An examination of the Technical Specifications includes a detailed look at the 'trapeze' bomb release on the Stuka, along with the armoured deck and the 4.5in AA and Pom-Pom guns which were fitted to the carriers. Not only the technical details, but also the training for both the Stuka crews and the High Angle guns of the carriers. There is plenty to interest us in the chapter on Combat, with accounts of the use of the Stuka by both the Luftwaffe and the Italian Air Force, with significant damage to 3 carriers, Illustrious, Formidable and Indomitable, where the armoured deck proved its' worth. Everything is rounded off with Statistics & Analysis as well as a summary in Aftermath.
No British carriers were sunk by bombs in the Mediterranean, though others were by torpedo. Nevertheless, within the confines of the region, their design played an important part in their survival. Another interesting addition to the Duel series in my view.
Thanks to Osprey for our review copy.

Robin