THE RIGHT OF THE LINE: THE ROYAL AIR FORCE IN THE EUROPEAN WAR, 1939-1945.

London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1985. 841 pp, large 8vo (9 7/16" H). B&w photographs, maps. "(T)he story of the RAF's achievements in the second European War, from its birth as a modern air force in the mid 1930s to its triumphant finish with over 9,000 aircraft and over one million officers and men. (Terraine) takes in the humble beginnings, the struggle for survival at sea, the Desert Air Force and the evolution of Tactical Air Forces, the defeat of the U-boats and the mighty climax of Operation Overlord. Using material not hitherto available and with access to sources previously restricted, John Terraine reassesses the role of the Royal Air Force in its second war; its famous personalities - Dowding and Bader, Portal, Tedder, Coningham and Harris. He studies the aircraft which were at the centre of the action, their development, production and performance - and their enemies. But above all he offers a new view of the Royal Air Force itself against the huge canvas of world war." Faint large paperclip indentation at top of front board. Dust jacket has a faint large paperclip indentation at top edge of front panel, very light rubbing, minor soft edge wrinkling.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good.