The Desert Harassers Being memoirs of 450 (R.A.A.F.) Squadron 1941-1945
Mosman, Australia: Astor Publications, 1991. Quarto, navy-blue illustrated hardcover, spine and cover embossed with gilt lettering, cover embossed with gilt badge of the Squadron, 118 pp., ten additional leaves at end (unpaginated), illustrated with seven double-sided black-and-white plates, one additional black-and-white plate included, illustrated with black-and-white maps throughout. Spine a little stiff, very light foxing throughout, otherwise a fine copy. First edition. This copy is one of a limited edition of 500 copies.
Written by Leonard L. Barton, FNSWMHS, The Desert Harassers is an account of the experiences of one of the Royal Australian Air Force's most famous World War Two squadrons: No. 450. Through extensive research and by drawing on his own experiences as a member of the Squadron, Barton recounts the harsh conditions and dangers he and the Squadron faced in the desert campaigns they carried out in Syria and North Africa, including the Squadron's first victory near Tobruk, the Battle of El Alamein in Tunisia and breaking the Mareth Line; and their time in Europe carrying out campaigns in Sicily and Italy. Although a fighter squadron, 450's agility saw their role grow to include ground-attacks working in co-operation with land forces, attacks so formidable that the mere presence of the bombers was later revealed to have paralysed the enemy. Item #4455
Price (AUD): $475.00