Douglas SBD Dauntless

The Douglas SBD Dauntless was one of the largely unsung heroes of World War Two. Despite its slow speed it was an effective and accurate dive-bomber whose attacks caused considerable damage to the Japanese Fleet. Its rugged construction and manouverability enabled it to survive against the faster Japanese fighters and the accurate anti-aircraft guns of the Japanese ships.
Although considered obsolete, it soldiered on, being used by the US Navy, Marines and, as the A-24 Banshee, Army, as well as by the Royal New Zealand Air Force and French units in the Mediterranean and over mainland France up until the last months of the war. Export examples continued in service in countries such as Chile, Mexico and France until the 1950s.
Dive-bombing historian Peter C. Smith tells the full story of the SBD's design, development and operational use and charts the extraordinary career of this fine aircraft. Charts and appendices list specifications, unit allocations, orders of battle and operational successes and the book is illustrated with over 150 photographs, many of which are previously unpublished.
With a wealth of detail, Douglas SBD Dauntless will appeal to enthusiasts, modellers and historians alike.

by P. C. Smith
Published by Crowood 1997 1st edition. 192pp profusely illustrated,index, appendix. 23x29 mint, d/j fine.





Note:
"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "new edition" "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.

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