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Beaufighter vs German Flak Ships

North Sea and Mediterranean 1941–45
Series: Duel
Brief Description
An illustrated study of RAF Coastal Command’s deployment of the Beaufighter against German supply lines in 1941 and the long-running ‘arms race’ with Kriegsmarine Flak ships that followed. Crucial German shipping lines faced a new threat in 1941 when RAF Coastal Command debuted the iconic long-range... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3999
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An illustrated study of RAF Coastal Command’s deployment of the Beaufighter against German supply lines in 1941 and the long-running ‘arms race’ with Kriegsmarine Flak ships that followed.

An illustrated study of RAF Coastal Command’s deployment of the Beaufighter against German supply lines in 1941 and the long-running ‘arms race’ with Kriegsmarine Flak ships that followed.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An illustrated study of RAF Coastal Command’s deployment of the Beaufighter against German supply lines in 1941 and the long-running ‘arms race’ with Kriegsmarine Flak ships that followed.

Crucial German shipping lines faced a new threat in 1941 when RAF Coastal Command debuted the iconic long-range Beaufighter. The aircraft and its subsequent Mk VIC and Mk X versions gave the Allies a tough, relatively fast and very hard-hitting platform for air attack on German convoys, and so it became essential for the Kriegsmarine to fit ever-heavier anti-aircraft batteries to its escort vessels, and even to develop specialist Flak vessels.

In this compelling study, naval aviation historian Matthew Willis chronicles the little-explored arms race that saw RAF Coastal Command and the Kriegsmarine engaged in a fierce battle of one-upmanship until war’s end. New artwork, rare archive photography and contemporary records of Beaufighter operations add depth to fascinating historical accounts, including the actions of the famous North Coates Strike Wing against shipping in the North Sea and the exploits of Beaufighter units tasked with severing Rommel’s all-important supply lines.

Series: Duel

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472865984

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 March 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Osprey Publishing

Illustration: Colour artwork plates and maps; black & white and colour photographs and illustrations.

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Jim Laurier

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 182.0mm

Height: 246.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 80

About the Author

Matthew Willis is a writer and editor specialising in naval and aviation history. He focuses on original research and bringing out the voices of those who were there at the time. He is a frequent contributor to the historic aviation media and runs the website Naval Air History.

Gareth Hector produced the cover artworks and battlescene for this volume.

Jim Laurier produced the cockpit, two- and three-views, armament views and the Engaging the Enemy artwork in this book.

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