Spitfire I: Phoney War and Battle of France

by Tony Holmes, Gareth Hector (Illustrator), Jim Laurier (Illustrator)

Overview

An illustrated study of the legendary Spitfire and the evolving tactics behind its early defence of Britain's shores.

The Spitfire endures as one of the most iconic aircraft of World War II. Nevertheless, its initial skirmishes and battles yielded as many challenges as successes, with German forces soon outpacing pre-war RAF tactics and exploiting the Spitfire's modest endurance to their advantage. This new study offers an engaging account of the celebrated fighter's early encounters with the Luftwaffe from 1939–40, chronicling the rapid strategic evolution of Spitfire units from the Phoney War through to the Battle of France and the Dunkirk evacuation.

Aviation expert Tony Holmes shines a new light on the fledgling exploits of this world-famous aircraft. Enhanced by newly commissioned maps, ribbon diagrams and full-colour artworks, as well as a host of archive photos, this fascinating exploration brings depth and insight to its journey through the Spitfire's early years.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472857675
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	06/17/2025
Series:	Dogfight , #13
Pages:	80
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Having initially worked for Osprey as an author in the 1980s, Tony Holmes became the company's aviation editor in 1989 after he moved to England from Western Australia. Responsible for devising the Aircraft of the Aces, Combat Aircraft, Aviation Elite Units, Duel and X-Planes series, Tony has also written more than 30 books for Osprey over the past 35 years.

Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international standing and has also enjoyed a successful career in computer animation. He is an aviation history enthusiast and has contributed to numerous Osprey titles such as B-52 Stratofortress Units in Combat 1992–2025

and RAF Lightning Units of the Cold War. He lives in Perthshire, Scotland.

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974–78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.

Table of Contents

(Subject to confirmation)

1. In Battle

2. Setting the Scene

3. Path to Combat

4. Weapon of war

5. Art of War

6. Combat

Aftermath

Bibliography

Index

Editorial Reviews

complemented by a number of graphics to illustrate the tactics employed which will help put the reader 'in the cockpit.'” —Flypast

From the Publisher