Essential coverage of the key part played by the iconic Spitfire in the desert campaign during 1942-43, and in the destruction of the Luftwaffe in Sicily, Italy and the Balkans from mid-1943 through to VE Day.

Although most famous for their role in the Battle of Britain, many Spitfire squadrons also served in the Mediterranean theatre, aiding the Allied victories in North Africa and later in the invasion of Italy. Numerous pilots, both Royal Air Force and South African Spitfire squadrons, made ace during these engagements. This book tells their story.

Andrew Thomas is one of Britain's leading RAF researchers, having published numerous articles and books on the subject as well as readily assisting other authors. Having joined the RAF to fly straight from school, he has maintained his enthusiastic interest in the history and development of his Service throughout his career. This is his 12th title in the Osprey Aircraft of the Aces Series.

Chris Davey has illustrated more than 20 titles for Osprey's Aircraft of the Aces, Combat Aircraft, and Aviation Elite Units series since 1994. He is one of the last traditional airbrush artists in the business and has become Osprey's artist of choice for both USAAF fighters and RAF subject matter, proving his undoubted skill when dealing with large aircraft subjects such as the Halifax and Sunderland. Chris is based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, UK.