Wildcats Over Casablanca: Operation Torch - November 1942

In its heyday, John Lambert's Phalanx Publishing put out some wonderful military aviation history titles. Nicely researched, engagingly written, well-illustrated and easy on the pocketbook, Phalanx titles were first class. Published in 1992, WILDCATS OVER CASABLANCA, written by the man himself, is the story of the brief but action-packed air combats fought between USN units and Vichy French squadrons during the invasion of North Africa. Like all the other Phalanx titles, it's a winner.
The air action described in WILDCATS OVER CASABLANCA took place between 8-11 November 1942 with the bulk of air action coming in the first two days. Navy F4F squadrons flew CAP and strike missions against French airfields, fortifications, shipping and other targets. They were opposed by French Hawk 75s and Dewoitine 520 fighters. By the time the "Cease Fire" order came on 11 November, the French units had been decimated though a number of USN aircraft had been lost in return. Navy fighters claimed 26 victories; the French, 10.
Lambert does a good job of setting the stage for Operation Torch and then detailing the various air combats that took place. He makes good use of reminiscences and after-action reports from both sides that put the reader in the cockpit for many of the dogfights. The book includes 30+ photographs and maps along with color profiles of the main combatants and an air combat scene done by John Valo.
All in all, WILDCATS OVER CASABLANCA is a splendid piece of work on a largely-forgotten topic. It's sure to appeal to air combat enthusiasts. Highly recommended.