Squadrons No.77
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk V
The Southwest Pacific
Philedition
S u m m a r y : |
Catalogue Number, Description and ISBN: |
Squadrons! No. 77
The Spitfire Mk V: The Southwest Pacific
by
Phil H. Listemann
Illustrations by Gaetan Marie
ISBN: 978-2-494471-20-7 |
Contents & Media: |
Soft-cover format, 68 pages, illustrated with close to 80 photos, as well 14 colour profiles illustrating twelve concise biographies. |
Price: |
Available in PDF and Hard Copy Format from €13.00 Euro online from www.raf-in-combat.com and selected retailers |
Review Type: |
First Look |
Advantages: |
Well-researched and clearly written text; good selection of relevant period photographs; modeller-friendly content and layout. |
Disadvantages: |
Limited technical depth on the aircraft itself. |
Conclusion: |
This is a an accessible title that successfully highlights an often-overlooked aspect of Australian aviation history ideal as a quick reference or source of modelling inspiration Another solid and worthwhile addition to the SQUADRONS! series, especially for RAAF and Spitfire enthusiasts. . |
Reviewed by Brett Green
SQUADRONS! No. 77 – The Spitfire Mk V: The Southwest Pacific, by Phil Listemann, shifts the focus of the SQUADRONS! series firmly into the heat, humidity and hard-fought air war of the Southwest Pacific. It is a compact but informative look at the Spitfire Mk V in one of its most demanding operational environments, flown primarily by RAAF squadrons during a critical phase of the war.
As with earlier titles in the series, the text is clearly written and well organised, offering just enough background to place the aircraft, squadrons and pilots in context without straying into unnecessary technical depth. Operational conditions, local adaptations and the realities of fighting a very different enemy in an unforgiving climate are neatly woven into the narrative, giving the reader a strong sense of place.
Photographic coverage is well chosen and directly relevant. The images are reproduced clearly and supported by informative captions that often reward closer reading. For modellers, these photographs provide useful insight into finishes, markings, wear patterns and field modifications typical of Spitfires operating in northern Australia and the surrounding region.
Presentation is consistent with the SQUADRONS! format: clean, functional and easy to navigate. This is not a comprehensive technical monograph on the Spitfire Mk V, nor does it try to be. Instead, it succeeds by telling a focused story about a specific theatre and the men who flew the aircraft there.
In summary, this is another solid and engaging entry in the series. Readers interested in the Spitfire beyond its European service, or in the RAAF’s wartime operations closer to home, will find this an accessible and rewarding read.
Thanks to Phil Listemann for the review sample.
Review Text & Images Copyright © 2026 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 15 February, 2026
Last updated
17 February, 2026
Back to HyperScale Main Page
Back to Reviews Page
|
Home
| What's New | Features | Gallery | Reviews | Reference | Resource Guides | Forum | 
