This is a comprehensive reference to the structure, operation, aircraft
and men of the 1st Tactical Air Force, or Desert Air Force as it became
known. It was formed in North Africa to support the 8th Army and
included squadrons from the RAF, SAAF, RAAF and eventually the USAAF.
The book includes descriptions of many notable defensive and offensive
campaigns, the many types of aircraft used, weapons and the airfields
that played host to these events. The five main sections of the book
include a general historical introduction and overview, operations,
operational groups, aircrew training and technical details of each
aircraft type. Lengthy annexes cover personnel, the squadrons in World
War II, accuracy of attacks, orders of battle for each wartime year,
maps of airfield locations and numbers of enemy aircraft downed.