The Spanish Civil War in the Air Volume 2: 1938-1939

Volume 2 of The Spanish Civil War in the Air, covering 1938–1939, details the evolution of air combat in Spain, and examines the roles of fighters, ground attack aircraft and strategic bombing

in the second half of this conflict. Arguably, the battlefields and skies of Spain had become a living laboratory in which Germany, Italy and the USSR would test their latest designs and the methods of warfare that would come to be used in the looming Second World War.

As the Spanish Civil War entered 1938 the conflict remained fierce in the skies and on the ground. Territorial losses meant that the Republicans gradually lost bases, manufacturing facilities and access to imported aircraft, while the Nationalists were able to obtain ever more advanced aircraft from Germany and Italy. 1938 and 1939 would see the war grind to its inevitable conclusion of a Nationalist victory.

This volume examines the importance of the air forces of both sides in supporting their comrades on the ground and at sea, the sinking of the rebel cruiser Baleares by fast SB-2s, the expansion of strategic bombing with ever greater numbers of aircraft over cities, industrial centres, ports and Republican communication hubs, and the massive fighter battles in Spanish skies. This volume also details the early post-civil war air force of Spain and the fate of many of the aircraft and personnel who had fought in the war.

Profusely illustrated throughout, The Spanish Civil War in the Air Volume 2: 1938–1939 features a wealth of rare and original photographs, detailed maps, and specially commissioned full colour artworks by Jean-Marie Guillou depicting the aircraft, insignia and emblems of all participants. Together, they bring to life the formative years of one of the most significant and transformative aerial conflicts of the twentieth century – where the lessons of modern air warfare were written in the skies over Spain.