MESSERSCHMITT BF110 ZERSTORER ACES OF WORLD WAR 2 (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No 25)

John Weal, 1999

Although Messerschmitt's single-engined Bf 109 received most of the praise for achieving virtual air superiority over Europe in 1939-1940, the exploits of the manufacturer's twin-engined Bf 110 Zerstorer in the first year of the also make for impressive reading. Acting as the "main spearhead" of the Luftwaffe, the Zerstorergeschwader committed to the invation of Poland swiftly brushed aside the Polish Air Force in a matter of days. This success continued until the spring of 1940, when the first RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes were encountered in significant numbers following the launch of the Blitzkrieg in Western Europe. From that point on, Bf 110 crews had to fight for their lives. Only in the Balkans and far flung North Africa in 1941 did the Bf 110 enjoy and 'Indian summer' in the daylight fighter role. Despite its obsolescence, the aircraft continued to perform as a heavy fighter, particularly in 1943-1944 as USAAF heavy bomber formations raided Germany on a daily basis. Featuring the exploits of Ju 88 and Me 410 pilots as well as Bf 110 crews, this volume is the first of its type to be devoted exclusively to Zerstorer day fighter aces, and spans the war years from Poland to the Defense of the Reich. 106 pages