Squadrons No. 60

The Supermarine Spitfire – The Australian Squadrons in Western Europe and the Med

Philedition

Reviewed by Brett Green

Phil H. Listemann’s Squadrons! No. 60 turns its attention to the Supermarine Spitfire in Australian service—a subject that is often overshadowed by the better-known RAF and USAAF narratives of the air war in Europe.

As with other titles in the long-running Squadrons! series from Philedition, the format is concise but focused. Across 90 pages, the Author examines the operational history of RAAF Spitfire squadrons deployed in Western Europe and the Mediterranean, namely Nos. 452, 457, 453, and 451 Squadrons. These units, although relatively few in number, played a consistent and often underappreciated role in the Allied air campaign.

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The book highlights an important point: unlike the Canadians or other Commonwealth forces, Australia’s fighter contribution in Europe remained limited, largely due to competing commitments in the Pacific theatre. As a result, Australian Spitfire squadrons in Europe have historically received less attention—something this volume goes some way toward correcting.

Listemann’s approach is typically methodical. Each squadron is covered individually, with details of deployment, operations, and movement between theatres. The narrative is supported by a useful selection of photographs—many of them less familiar—alongside colour profiles that will be of particular interest to modellers. These illustrations provide valuable insights into markings, camouflage variations, and individual aircraft identity.

For the modeller, this is where the book really earns its keep. The combination of clear photographic references and well-executed colour artwork offers plenty of inspiration, especially for those looking to depict something a little different from the standard RAF subjects. The captions are informative without being overbearing, often including small but useful details that can influence a build.
If there is a limitation, it is one inherent to the series. The relatively compact format means that deeper operational analysis and personal accounts are necessarily limited. Readers seeking a comprehensive history of RAAF fighter operations may need to look elsewhere. However, that is not the purpose of Squadrons!—this is a quick-reference, visually driven series designed for accessibility and practical use.

In summary, Squadrons! No. 60 is a valuable and engaging addition to the range. It shines a welcome light on an underrepresented aspect of Commonwealth air power and will appeal equally to historians and modellers.

Concise, well-illustrated, and highly usable, it does exactly what the series sets out to achieve—and does it very well.

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

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2026 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 28 April, 2026
Last updated 28 April, 2026

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