The Merlin

The Engine That Won the Second World War

Gordon A. A. Wilson, Steve Hinton JR

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English

Amberley Publishing
15 July 2020

History; Second World War; Aviation manufacturing industry; Engines & power transmission; Aerospace & aviation technology

The Rolls-Royce Merlin is the most recognisable aero engine in the world. It powered the Battle of Britain aircraft, the Spitfire and Hurricane, as they defended the shores of Britain against the Luftwaffe, foiling Hitler's plans to invade 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. And the 'wooden wonder', the Mosquito, was powered by the Merlin, its pinpoint bombing accuracy and reconnaissance work proving vital to the war effort.

For the 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. The P-51 was also used in the North African, Mediterranean and Pacific theatres.

So the Merlin worked day and night to secure the eventual Allied victory. It has rightfully been described as the most significant aircraft piston engine in history and in the twenty-first century its distinctive 'drone' can still be heard over England as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight take to the air on special occasions most recently on the centenary of the RAF with its Lancaster leading the Merlin-powered Spitfires and Hurricanes in formation.

Retired military and commercial pilot Gordon Wilson 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.

By: Gordon A. A. Wilson
Foreword by: Steve Hinton JR
Imprint: Amberley Publishing
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm,
Weight: 243g
ISBN: 9781398103252
ISBN 10: 139810325X
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 15 July 2020
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

Gordon A. A. Wilson is a retired military and commercial pilot. He flew with the Canadian air forces 414 Electronic Warfare Squadron, flying target aircraft on secret missions to test the defences of North America and as a test pilot. He subsequently flew for thirty years for a major airline and since retiring has worked as a ground school instructor for Air Canada and as an aviation consultant writing standard operating procedures manuals. His other books include 'NORAD and the Soviet Nuclear Threat' and 'Merlin'. He lives in British Columbia, Canada.