Here, for the first time, is the story of the victorious, the vanquished and the forgotten air forces that fought in the Second World War in more than 300 period photographs.

World War II would see the full potential of air power over the battlefield and oceans. From mere appendages of the army and navy, air forces became essential tools of destruction and critical for future battlefield and naval success.

The histories of air warfare during World War II have focused exclusively on the air forces of the major powers: the United States, Britain, Germany, the Soviet Union and Japan. What has been completely ignored is the forgotten men and machines that fought alongside the Allies and Axis air forces, and there were many. Some of these air forces even found themselves fighting for both sides at the same time.

Along with coverage of the major air powers, World War II Aerial Combat 1937-1945 includes information, rare photos and illustrations from the numerous small Allied and Axis air forces that left their mark. This is the story of the forgotten air forces of Poland, Belgium, Norway, Netherlands, France, Greece, India, China, Yugoslavia, Italy, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia and Finland -- all of which fought with determination and some with great skill against overwhelming odds.

World War II Aerial Combat 1937-1945 fills an important gap in our knowledge of the Second World War and the history of aviation in the mid-20th century.