The Junkers Ju 88 was designed as a fast medium bomber, and it would see extensive service in this role from the very start of the war in Europe through to Ve Day. A number of elite pilots, or bomber 'aces', who achieved significant success attacking all manner of targets during operations in the West, the ill-fated campaign on the Eastern Front and in the Mediterranean and North Africa inflicted significant losses on the Allies both on the land and at sea. These men were highly decorated for their exploits, many of which are detailed in this volume. Although an outstanding bomber, the Ju 88 was easily modified into a Zerstörer heavy fighter. Designated the Ju 88C, and with a cannon and machine gun-equipped solid nose in place of the bomber's glazed nose, a small number of C-models made the type's combat debut over Poland in September 1939. The ultimate Ju 88 fighter variant was the radar-equipped G-model nightfighter of 1944, which replaced the Ju 88C/R as well as some Bf 110Gs. Despite suffering heavy losses in the final months of the war, those Nachtjagdgeschwader equipped with Ju 88Gs also inflicted serious casualties on Bomber Command through to war's end. Ospery Aircraft of the Aces® Comprehensive histories of the elite fighter pilots, and the aircraft that they flew, A unique source of information researched by recognised experts, and brought to life by first-hand accounts from the combat veterans themselves, Concise, authoritative text is supported by at least 30 specially commissioned original colour artworks, new scale plans and the best archival photography from around the world.

Book jacket.