RAF In Combat

Allied Wings #2, Martin Marauder Mk. 1

by  Phil H. Listemann

Reviewed By  Brian R. Baker, IPMS# 43146

MSRP: €13.00 ($20 US) ISBN10: 2-9526381-6-0 ISBN13: 978-295-26-3816-6 Web Site: www.raf-in-combat.com This paperback text is part of a new series from a French publisher dealing mainly with British aircraft, but also including some American types. In this case, the book chronicles the operational career of the first production variant of the famous Martin B-26 Marauder, illustrating the little known career of the original model in RAF service. US Army Force counterparts were only used as training aircraft, while the RAF examples had an excellent combat record. The B-26 got off to a rocky start in USAAF service, mainly because it was a "hot" airplane, with high weights and high wing loading. It was a state-of-the-art bomber at the time of its service introduction in 1941, pioneering many advanced features which later appeared on other types. Although desperately needed by the USAAC just prior to Pearl Harbor, a total of 71 was eventually supplied to the RAF, where the type was issued to only one unit, No. 14 Squadron, which operated the type from August, 1942, until September, 1944, when they ran out of airplanes and converted to Wellingtons. The RAF crews proved that the B-26, called "Marauder Mk. 1" , was a highly effective combat airplane in the hands of experienced crews, and a versatile weapon, being used as a bomber, torpedo bomber, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and at times, a fighter. Marauders were credited with the destruction of such enemy types as the ME-109, FW-190, AR-196, JU-88, JU-52, JU-88, and even the giant ME-323. They operated singly and in pairs on long over water patrols in the Mediterranean, and destroyed numerous German and Italian ships. RAF crews were able to take advantage of the excellent performance of these aircraft, and were often able to evade superior enemy forces by using the aircraft's excellent speed. The book covers the early career of the B-26A in USAAF service, and also provides a detailed account of its service with No. 14 squadron. Accounts of each operational sortie are given, along with names of the crews involved and accounts of enemy shipping and aircraft encountered. Tables towards the back of the book provide a complete list of each airplane's operational history and eventual disposition, crews, bases, and claims and losses in combat and accidents. In addition, the AAF's use of the aircraft is also covered in similar detail. This book is loaded with information. The book contains many excellent photos, both from RAF and American sources, along with a number of color profiles useful for modelers. This book is worth getting if you have any interest in either RAF operations during World War II, or US Army and RAF aircraft. It was fascinating reading, and provides a good reference for any aviation history library. Don't miss out on this one. Thanks to Phil H. Listemann, the author, and IPMS/USA for the review copy.

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