"Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

News from Bill Stone at Stone & Stone Second World War Books

Wingleader will be publishing Zerstorer by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell in late September 2025.

Zerstörer: The Combat History of the Messerschmitt 110 in 1940
(Wingleader - September 2025)
by John J. Vasco and Peter D. Cornwell
304 pages w/ 500+ photographs - hardback
£55.00

Vasco & Cornwell's 1995 book.

Zerstorer: Messerschmitt 110 and Its Units in 1940
(JAC Publications, UK, 1995)
by John J. Vasco and Peter D. Cornwell
260 pages - hardback
"Covers the role of the Me 110 in Denmark and Norway, the channel battles and the Battle of Britain. Also includes details of types used and specifications."

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Yes, it is a second edition of the 1995 book.

Updated and re-written, consisting of 304 pages (around 121,000 words) and over 500 photos, many previously unpublished.

Here's the publicity blurb from the publisher:

ZERSTÖRER
THE COMBAT HISTORY OF THE MESSERSCHMITT 110 IN 1940

In this 85th anniversary year of the Battle of Britain many books will have surfaced on the Battle. Some books, by their content, will merely scratch the surface of the subject, while others will simply regurgitate all that has gone before. Others still will make outrageous claims for their product while barely writing about the subject matter, and being mainly off topic and offering nothing to the core element of what happened in the skies of eastern and southern England in the summer of 1940.

However, this work, by two internationally renowned researchers and authors, John Vasco and Peter Cornwell, whose collective knowledge of events of 1940 surpasses anything that anyone else knows, draws on their decades of research into primary sources. From the Bundesarchivmilitärarchiv (BAMA) and the Deutschdienststelle (WASt.) in Germany, to the Public Record Office (now the National Archive), Imperial War Museum, RAE Farnborough, and MoD (Air Historical Branch) in England. From interviewing and corresponding with the relevant combatants on both sides over several decades, to the detailed discussions with those who have similarly conducted decades of research into the period, such as Chris Goss, Andy Saunders and Simon Parry. The internet also opened up new avenues of fresh information as well as bringing to the world at large many never-before seen photographs. It demolishes many myths, misconceptions, and downright incorrect information, on the Messerschmitt Bf 110 previously in print. This work of over 300 pages contains new information regarding events concerning the Bf 110 and its crews in 1940 in general, and the Battle of Britain in particular, and is supplemented by over 500 photographs, many previously unpublished.

This book is THE definitive work on the Bf 110 in 1940, and eclipses anything else that has gone before on the type in operations.

And here's the cover:
https://i.imgur.com/hTsW6Nm.jpg

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Thanks John and congratulations.

I look forward to getting a copy.

Sorry to jump the gun on this.

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

John and Peter,

Congratulations! Wonderful cover...direct description of the work's subject on the back of the book (not like that so much discussed lady's BoB book tittle!).
On the wish list...

Adriano

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Rummages around for spare change...

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Especially if you bought my KG 40 book..............

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Hey Chris, get your own thread! (Joke, joke!) Damn! You've got one already!

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

I am certainly looking forward to this but wish the publisher would dial things down from '11', however accurate it may be.

"However, this work, by two internationally renowned researchers and authors, John Vasco and Peter Cornwell, whose collective knowledge of events of 1940 surpasses anything that anyone else knows, draws on their decades of research into primary sources."

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

I think a point is being made and I will say no more than that!

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Yeah, but is it a ‘cornerstone of historiography’?

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

To put it to you bluntly, Peter Cornwell on his own could lay claim to that. Add my 45 years of research and knowledge acquired on the Bf 110, together with the contacts made and information obtained from both sides (including the RAF side), and COLLECTIVELY, I would invite you to tell me which person, or group of people, can surpass that collective knowledge on events of 1940.

As for dialing things down from '11' (love the Spinal Tap reference), I believe a certain work out this year has dialled things up WAY beyond 11. Rock 'n roll!

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Error post.

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Only one author I'm aware of can make claim, false and grandiose that it is.

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

‘When logic and proportion have fallen sloppy dead …’

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

'Remember what the dormouse said'

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

A couple of sample pages:


https://i.imgur.com/Ttfk54z.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/c576uuL.jpg


These are from the pdf final proof, so are not as sharp as they will be in the book.

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

A couple more sample pages from the book, being published later this month.


https://i.imgur.com/ka2j2tI.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/sOyx4m6.jpg

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

The publisher has the book up on their website today.

Here's the link: https://wingleader.co.uk/books/zerstorer/

https://i.imgur.com/7v0t5Br.jpg

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Disappointed to not be a celebrity author.........................

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Well you could ask that 'celebrity' author if you may join her in being a celebrity...

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

A self-created celebrity?

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Well, I'm a legend in my own lunchtime, but I won't repeat what my wife says when I say that!

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

John,

You are a wise man :)

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Cancel the chauffeur-driven limo!

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

I've got this pony. Got it off a man named Shank...

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

I got no car an’ it’s breakin’’ my heart …

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

congratulations, looks great!

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Thanks Rich - appreciated.

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Well done John, another one on my shopping list!
Kr

Dirk

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Now Available for Pre-Order
In Stock from 21 September 2025

Zerstörer: The Combat History of the Me110 in 1940
(Wingleader 2025)
by John Vasco & Peter Cornwell
300 pages w/ c. 600 photos - hardback
£55.00

https://wingleader.co.uk/books/zerstorer/

Combo Deal - Save £10
"Offer Only Available Before Publication Date - 21 September 2025
This is a great chance to buy these two significant Battle of Britain books together and save £10 on the RRP."

Zerstörer (£55) + Battle of Britain Combat Archive no. 19 (£25) for £70.00.

https://wingleader.co.uk/books/bofbzerstorercombideal/

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

The timetable is as follows:
1 Books delivered to distributor by the end of the week;
2 A certain number sent to me by distributor;
3 I meet up with Peter Cornwell to sign the limited stock sent to me (arrangement already made - just have to confirm the date);
4 I take the signed stock with me to the launch at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum, Hawkinge, for the official launch on 27th September.

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

The book is printed, so just awaiting delivery of the batch for signing from the distributor.

https://i.imgur.com/Qm7JrjS.jpg

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Click on the link to see a 'flick-through' of the book.

https://fb.watch/Cg5j9aR_HN/

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Books arrived. Meeting with Peter Cornwell on Thursday for him to sign them.

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Copy ordered and shipped to Canada according to Wingleader

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Thanks - appreciated.

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

The book with me:
https://i.imgur.com/BkfoVcr.jpg

And the signatures of Peter and myself:
https://i.imgur.com/VcE0Otv.jpg

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Ordered my copy yesterday

Dirk

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

Did the photographer forget to say ‘smile for the camera’?

Re: "Zerstorer" Hardback by John Vasco and Peter Cornwell - Coming from Wingleader in 2025
 

purchasing my signed copy from the Kent Battle of Britain museum today. Fabulous book! Not the first time I've met John, but what a lovely gent (with a wealth of stories). Humble and generous too - funds generated by book sales today at the museum stay with the museum. The Czech ambassador to the UK was also present (unveiling a plaque to the last Czech airman lost in RAF service) and Spitfires flew overhead. Quite a day...

https://blogger.googleusercontent.co...70256846_n.jpg