We are very sad to report that two Osprey authors have passed away.

Jerry Scutts was a much-loved author of a multitude of books on aviation topics. He had first begun working in the field in the late 1960s and initially wrote for Osprey Publishing in 1977 when he penned the second volume in the much sought after Air Cam War series. His talents didn\'t stop there, however, as Jerry illustrated many of the front cover images for this series as well. But Jerry will best be remembered for authoring the very first volume in our Aircraft of the Aces series. This book, Mustang Aces of the Eighth Air Force, was an instant classic, and a benchmark for all later volumes in this series. To date it has sold over 25,000 copies - a true testament to the enduring legacy of his work. Jerry was passionate about the US Army Air Forces of World War II as well as the Luftwaffe, and much of his writing reflected these twin interests. Indeed, he also wrote the second title in the Aircraft of the Aces series, Bf 109 Aces of North Africa and the Mediterranean, which has also been a bestseller since its publication in October 1994. Also an expert plastic modeller, he was editor of several modelling manuals for Osprey. Sadly Jerry did not live to see his last title for Osprey in print, but we hope to be able to publish his final book, on A-26 Invader Units of World War 2, later this year. Our thoughts are with his widow Andrea and his son and daughter.


Jon Latimer was a military historian, university lecturer, former oceanographer, TA and lifeboat volunteer and he brought all his many experiences to bear in the detailed research and skilful writing that he put in to all his book projects. His volume on Burma, Burma - The Forgotten War (John Murray Ltd) was a long overdue tribute to the Commonwealth soldiers who fought in this theatre and he also authored a number of Campaign titles for Osprey Publishing, including Tobruk 1941 and Niagara 1814. The latter will publish in May of this year. But it was his critically acclaimed volume on the War of 1812, 1812: War with America (Harvard University Press), which promised a long and illustrious future within the field of military history. His tragically early death at the age of just 44 is a huge loss and we offer our condolences to his family and friends. A full obituary from The Times can be viewed here.