AIR WAR FOR YUGOSLAVIA, GREECE AND CRETE, 1940 - 41

The air battle for Yugoslavia, Greece and Crete began in June 1940 with the Italian declaration of war. In the past, there has been much controversy amongst air historians on many of the details of the operations. It was here, for example that " Pat " Pattle*, believed by many to be the Royal Air Force's " unknown " top - scoring fighter pilot of the whole war, saw most of his action. Just how many kills did he achieve and how ?

Since the war R.A.F. claims have been totally repudiated by the Italians ( although hitherto on little evidence ), while the suddenness and violence of the German Blitzkrieg through Yugoslavia and Greece, and the invasion of Crete ensured that many records were lost.

By careful sifting of the records available - British, Italian, German - and by many interviews and much correspondence with survivors or relatives of those present including the indigenous population, the authors seek to present the full picture for the first time. An undoubted contribution to our understanding of the war, ( ... ) ..., this book is an essential addition to the library of any military historian, aviation specialist en enthusiast.

* South African - born Squadron Leader Marmaduke Thomas St. John " Pat " Pattle D.F.C. & Bar ( 1914 - 1941 ), credited with 50 individual victories, 2 shared victories, 7 and 1 shared probable, 4 and 2 shared damaged and 3 destroyed on the ground ( the true figure could be higher ).

( sources : Wikipedia, Ciel de Gloire )