Numerous RAAF and RAF squadrons, utilizing a variety of Spitfire models, saw combat over Australia, Burma and India in World War II. Given the limited opportunities for air combat in those theaters, only a handful of Spit pilots became aces. Andrew Thomas examines the combat ops flown by those pilots along with the Spitfire's overall contribution to victory in the Pacific in this interesting 2009 Osprey 'Aircraft of the Aces' volume, #87 in the series.

Though many aces flew Spits against the Japanese, only five, possibly seven pilots, made ace in the aircraft. First committed to action in early 1943 against the Japanese threat to Australia, No. 1 Fighter Wing - the so-called 'Churchill Wing' - had a mixed record. Though led by high-scoring ace Clive Caldwell, the unit found the learning curve high when faced by Zekes and Oscars, new and more effective tactics being needed. Likewise efforts by the Wing were plagued by equipment failures and the Spit's short range. Over Burma and India, some of these same problems were encountered by 80 Fighter Wing and other Spit units. Through the efforts of Wing Commander Frank Carey and his Air Fighting Training Unit, effective tactics were developed and disseminated to all units. 'Killer' Caldwell, by the way, had the best score with seven kills; Bob Cross had six. Other aces included Bob Day, Bill Gibbs and Bob Foster.

Thomas does a good job of summarizing the role Spit units played in each theater. Though those units ended up logging many more ground attack missions than air combats, he presents a balanced - and exciting - account of their combat ops. Over 100 b&w photographs, many of them rare, compliment the text and Chris Davey contributes nine pages of well-done color profiles.

In short, SPITFIRE ACES OF BURMA AND THE PACIFIC is an excellent adddition to the Osprey Aces series. It relates the little-known but vital contributions made by PTO and CBI Spitfire pilots and units in those far-flung locations. Recommended.