Runways to Victory: Belgian Airfield and Allied Tactical Fighter Operations, 1944-1945

Flight Journal, Oct 2003 by DeGroat, Robert S

Runways to Victory: Belgian Airfields and Allied Tactical Fighter Operations, 1944-1945 by Peter Celis. MARHAV s.a. 11, Boulevard Prince Henri, BP 410, L-2014 Luxembourg; 362 pages; illustrated; ISBN 90 805 63927; order from the author at pcelis@worldonline.be; 49.95 Euro.

By September 1944, the battle of Normandy was over, and the battle for Germany was about to begin. As it transpired, the main drive was through Belgium, so it made sense to have as many tactical aircraft in close proximity to the frontlines as possible.

Airfields vacated by the Germans were repaired and new airfields were quickly constructed. Throughout the winter of 1944/45, tactical aircraft at these forward bases virtually ruled the skies over the European continent. When it came time to leave during March and April of 1945, the War in Europe was essentially over.

Though that part of the Allied air campaign is well known to historians, it is only with Peter Celis' new book, "Runways to Victory: Belgian Airfields and Allied Tactical Fighter Operations, 1944-1945," that this part of the war has been closely scrutinized.

This massive book describes the manner in which these airfields were constructed, repaired and used during operations by the American 9th Air Force and the British 2nd Tactical Air Force. Informative maps, great photos of the men and machines (even some in color) and appendices covering the bases, aces and other important statistics during that active period support the well-written text.

The author has done a masterful job in sorting and organizing such a wealth of information. But more than just a dry reference, this book provides some exciting reading about a little-known aspect of the Allied advance late in WW II. It deserves a wide audience for its excellence.