The Merlin: The Engine That Won the Second World War

by Gordon A.A. Wilson, Steve Hinton Jr (Foreword)

The Rolls-Royce Merlin powered the Battle of Britain aircraft, the Spitfire and Hurricane, as they defended the shores of Britain against the Luftwaffe in summer 1940. It also powered the Lancasters and Halifaxes of Bomber Command as they went on their missions of destruction to the German heartland. For Americans, the Merlin was the power plant of the Mustang escort fighter that protected the US Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress and B-29 Super Fortress bombers on their daylight raids to the enemy. This book tells the human story of the development of the engine and its operational use during the war, featuring the voices of air crew who relied on this technological tour de force.

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[John Mchale · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent history of the engine and the company behind it. It does wander around on occasion and sections feel repeated so some areas don't seem to flow but the end package is worth it.