Squadrons No. 46
The North American and CAC Mustang: The RAAF

Philedition

Reviewed by Brett Green

Published by Philedition and authored by Phil H. Listemann, Squadrons! No. 46 takes on a subject that will be of particular interest to Australian aviation enthusiasts—the story of the Royal Australian Air Force and its use of the North American P-51 Mustang, including the locally produced CAC Mustang variants.

As with other titles in the long-running Squadrons! series, the format is compact and straightforward. This is not a deep technical monograph, but rather a focused operational overview, supported by a solid selection of photographs and colour profiles. The emphasis is squarely on squadron service, and in this respect, the book delivers exactly what it promises.

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The book's 54 pages is presented in soft cover format and illustrated with 50 contemporary photos as well as seven colour profiles plus concise biographies

The Author charts the transition of the RAAF to the Mustang in the closing stages of World War II and into the immediate post-war period. Squadrons are covered individually, with details of their deployment, movements, and operational roles. The narrative is clear and workmanlike, avoiding unnecessary embellishment while still providing enough context to understand how and where the Mustang fit into RAAF service.

For modellers, this is where the book really earns its keep. The photographic content is well chosen, with a mix of mostly less commonly seen images. These are supported by useful captions that often include small but valuable details—antenna fits, stores, weathering cues—that can make all the difference on the workbench. The colour profiles are another highlight, offering a good spread of schemes that go beyond the more commonly modelled subjects.

The inclusion of both North American-built and CAC-produced Mustangs adds an extra layer of interest, particularly given the subtle differences between these aircraft. This will be especially welcome for those looking to build something a little different from the standard USAAF fare.

If there is a limitation, it lies in the brevity inherent to the series. Readers seeking an in-depth technical or combat analysis may find the coverage somewhat light. However, that is not really the point here.

In summary, Squadrons! No. 46 is a very useful addition to the range. It provides a concise, well-illustrated overview of RAAF Mustang operations and offers plenty of inspiration for the modeller. Straightforward, practical, and focused—exactly what you expect from a Squadrons! title.

Recommended

Thanks to Philedition for the sample www.raf-in-combat.com 

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2026 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 30 April, 2026
Last updated 30 April, 2026

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